Period FAQs

is it normal to discharge before period

by Connie Kovacek DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and color and consistency change throughout the month. However, some types of discharge indicate an underlying condition. Many women experience thick, white discharge before a period.

How many days before a period do you get discharge?

  • No noticeable discharge days after period ends
  • Cloudy discharge three-five days following
  • Clear and wet discharge for the next three-four days
  • No detectable discharge for 11-14 days until your next period

Does anyone get a clear watery discharge before period?

While most women will presume watery discharge before period to be abnormal and a pregnancy sign, if your ovulation is delayed, it is possible you will experience this type of vaginal discharge later than expected. This article explains the causes of clear watery discharge, signs that indicate you are pregnant and when to worry.

Is it normal to have discharge after ovulation?

Whether or not you notice discharge after your ovulation, this is completely normal. Some women will experience this discharge while others do not. In some cases, you may have so little cervical mucus following ovulation that you do not even notice it. Most women will need to actually check their cervix to see if it is present.

Why do girls get more vaginal discharge before first period?

I've never had my period, so what's this discharge? About 6 months to 1 year before a girl gets her first period, her body may start to make vaginal discharge. This is normal and due to changing hormone levels. The discharge helps keep the vagina healthy.

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How many days before period do you get discharge?

How many days before period is white discharge? Discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. It may appear before a period, but the 1-2 days before a period begins are typically the driest of the cycle. White discharge can be common, or it can be a sign of a yeast infection or other issue.

Does discharge mean your period is coming soon?

Vaginal discharge is normal, and it typically changes texture and color throughout the menstrual cycle. It is common for discharge to be cloudy or white several days before a period starts. Cramps and white discharge could, therefore, indicate a late period rather than pregnancy.

What are signs of your period coming?

Common signs that your period is approaching are:You're breaking out.Acne is a common problem at this time of the month. ... Your breasts are sore or heavy.Breast pain linked to periods is called cyclical breast pain. ... You're tired but you can't sleep. ... You have cramps. ... You're constipated or have diarrhea.More items...•

What discharge indicates pregnancy?

While many women experience vaginal discharge, it's not often associated with pregnancy. But most pregnant women will secrete sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus early on in the first trimester and throughout their pregnancy. Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause the discharge.

How can you tell the difference between a period and pregnancy?

Pregnancy-specific symptoms “The key difference between the two, however, is that with pregnancy, your period doesn't occur.” Nausea is also a symptom that can accompany pregnancy and is often not experienced with PMS. “The nausea in early pregnancy often resolves after the 12th week of gestation, “Giles said.

What type of discharge comes before period?

The white discharge you may see before your period is known as leukorrhea. It's filled with fluid and cells that are being shed from the vagina and may even look slightly yellow at times. This part of your menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. It's when the hormone progesterone peaks in your body.

What can delay periods?

The most common reasons are:pregnancy.stress.sudden weight loss.being overweight.doing too much exercise.taking the contraceptive pill.the menopause.polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Why do I feel period symptoms but no period?

The most common reasons for getting period symptoms include pregnancy, stress, indigestion, lactose intolerance, and IBS. It's very common to miss your period, due to reasons such as stress, and still experience the symptoms that usually come with the bleeding.

How many days after white discharge does your period come?

"It's most common to get white discharge three to five days before your period comes.

How long after discharge is your period?

Typically, you'll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.

Does creamy white discharge mean my period coming?

Creamy white discharge before your period is especially common. If the discharge is odorless or has just a mild sour odor; has a normal color, volume, and consistency; and doesn't cause itchiness, it's probably a normal part of your menstrual cycle.

What does discharge look like before period if pregnant?

What does it look like? Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. It is similar to everyday discharge, meaning that it is thin, clear or milky white, and smells only mildly or not at all.

What happens if you have no discharge after your period?

This happens when your body creates more mucus before another egg is ripened in anticipation of ovulation. Following these “dry days,” your discharge will go through days when it appears sticky, cloudy, wet, and slippery. These are the days leading up to and following ...

How to check mucus levels during menstruation?

To check your mucus, you can use a piece of toilet paper to wipe your vulva before peeing. Then you can check the color, smell, and consistency.

What is cervical mucus?

Vaginal discharge, also known as cervical mucus, looks different from person to person. It also varies throughout the menstrual cycle, from dry and largely absent to clear and stretchy.

What does it mean when your period doesn't come?

For those who are between 45 to 55 years old, this could also be a sign of perimenopause or menopause. Periods leading up to menopause can be lighter or irregular. Menopause happens when it’s been 12 months since your last period.

What are the signs of perimenopause?

thyroid issues. eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) drug use. For those who are between 45 to 55 years old, this could also be a sign of perimenopause or menopause. Periods leading up to menopause can be lighter or irregular.

How long does it take for a period to be lighter?

Periods leading up to menopause can be lighter or irregular. Menopause happens when it’s been 12 months since your last period.

What to do if a blood test is positive?

If the test is positive, or you think that there’s a larger issue at hand such as an infection, set up an appointment to see a doctor or other healthcare provider. Your provider will be able to fully assess what’s going on with your body and let you know if treatments is necessary.

Types

Cervical mucus is more than 90% water. The rest is made up of compounds such as amino acids, proteins, and oils. 1 At different times in your menstrual cycle, your cervical mucus (also called cervical fluid) will look and feel different.

Causes

The production of cervical mucus is strongly correlated to the rise of estrogen in a person’s body. Estrogen rises before and at ovulation to help build up the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg can implant and grow.

Discharge and Pregnancy

After ovulation, cervical mucus becomes drier and less noticeable—in fact, you may not produce any at all as you get to the end of your cycle.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Cervical mucus and vaginal discharge are both completely normal. The mucus/discharge should be clear, milky, or slightly yellow. It’s also often odorless or has a very mild odor. 5

Summary

Cervical mucus is naturally produced by the cervix. It has a protective function for the cervix and vagina. It is typical to see fluctuations in the amount and appearance of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle since it is influenced by estrogen levels.

A Word From Verywell

Cervical mucus is common and normal and serves several purposes, including helping to wash debris, bacteria, and irritants from your cervix and vagina. But definitely talk to your doctor if you notice changes, such as an off odor or color to your discharge. These can be signs of an infection or another issue that needs medical attention.

Why is my discharge white?

Discharge before a period tends to be cloudy or white, due to the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in both the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In other phases of the cycle, when the body has higher levels of estrogen, vaginal discharge tends to be clear and watery. Discharge helps with lubrication and the removal ...

How does discharge change during ovulation?

Discharge is typically clear, stretchy, and watery. A thin consistency helps sperm travel to the egg. Before ovulation, there is usually more discharge , possibly up to 30 times the usual amount .

What causes yellow discharge?

Sexually transmitted infections. Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause changes in vaginal discharge. The infections can include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Discharge caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea may be closer to yellow than white, although not everyone has symptoms.

What is discharge in the vagina?

Normal vaginal discharge is called leukorrhea. It comprises fluid and bacteria from the cells in the vagina. Most women produce just under a teaspoon, or 4 milliliters, of white or clear discharge every day. Discharge before a period tends to be cloudy or white, due to the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in both ...

What is BV in women?

Bacterial vaginosis. Around 30 percent of women of childbearing age have bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection caused by bacterial imbalances in the vagina. BV is linked to douching and having more than one sexual partner. The discharge tends to be grayish-white and has a fishy odor.

When to see a doctor for vaginal discharge?

Discharge that appears before a period is usually white. However, if a certain type of discharge persists throughout the month, it may be a good idea to see a doctor.

How long does a woman's discharge last?

After ovulation. Higher levels of progesterone cause discharge to appear white. This type of discharge may last for up to 14 days. It may be thick and sticky, but there will be less than there was during ovulation.

What is vaginal discharge?

A certain amount of vaginal discharge from your body is normal for both menstruation and regular vaginal health. However, changes in vaginal discharge can be a sign of a problem.

What is the best treatment for vaginal discharge?

Treatments for vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are treated by antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, though a doctor may change the treatment if symptoms don’t improve.

Why is mucus so high in fertility?

Fertility may be highest when the texture of the mucus resembles a raw egg white, as this may help sperm reach the egg. Up to 30 times more mucus is produced before ovulation than after ovulation. Different types of discharge are associated with different phases of the menstrual cycle, including: Thick, white discharge.

How do you know if you have a yeast infection?

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal pain with urination, vaginal discharge, odor, and itching. Treatment is generally OTC medications. A man can contract a yeast infection from his female sexual partner. Symptoms of a yeast infection in men include penile itching.

Why does my vagina smell like it's burning?

This is most often caused by an infection or a change in vaginal bacteria.

Why does my vagina itch?

Vaginitis can be caused by infections, menopause, or poor hygiene. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal itching, discharge, odor, pain, or discomfort. Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics may be necessary for some forms of vaginitis.

How long is a menstrual cycle?

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, though it can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. The cycle is considered to begin on the first day of the period, rather than the last.

What causes women to have vaginal discharge?

Your vagina, like other parts of your body, has a natural protective mechanism that helps keep it clean, while also fighting against bacterial infections.

Why is my vaginal discharge whitish?

1. White clumpy vaginal discharge with itching. Itching and thick clumpy discharge occur because of a yeast infection.

How do you know if you are pregnant?

Your vaginal discharge volume and texture are easy ways to detect if you are pregnant. If you’ve had an unprotected sexual intercourse and then notice a watery vaginal discharge a week before the period starts, it could be an early pregnancy sign.

How do you know if you are late to ovulation?

Signs of late ovulation are white watery egg like discharge before period, mild abdominal cramps, lower back pain, fatigue, and breast pain. 4. During and after sexual intercourse. If you are sexually active, you will notice a wet feeling during and after intercourse.

What does it mean when your vagina smells like fish?

2. White smelly discharge. If your vaginal discharge has an offensive odor and smells like fish, it’s likely you have a bacterial vaginosis infection.

Why does my discharge thicken a week before my period?

A thick discharge a week before period is not abnormal and occurs because of “dominant progesterone hormone”.

Why is my discharge white?

Other reasons for white discharge before period are delayed ovulation, sexual intercourse, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis infection, and sexual stimulation. This article explains the reasons you have milky or creamy white discharge week before period, signs that show you are pregnant, and when to worry about your discharge.

Is White Discharge Normal Before Period?

Most women witness white discharge just before period. It is normal unless accompanied by lumps, clots, or a strong odour. Most women witness varied discharges before their periods. Here is a brief look at it:

Why does my period smell like a fish?

Bacterial vaginosis can cause greyish-white discharge before period that smells like a fish. It primarily occurs due to multiple sexual partners, smoking, and douching. It causes natural vaginal bacteria to lose balance and create an unnatural environment.

Why does my period have a white discharge?

The white discharge before period date is known as leukorrhea. It is an odourless, white sticky discharge before a dusky white or slightly yellow period. When this discharge occurs, the hormone progesterone is at its peak and causes mucus discharge. It can also occur due to the hormone estrogen, but it will be clear and watery.

How long does a white discharge last?

On the contrary, after ovulation, the secretion is thick and sticky due to an increase in progesterone. It is normal for this discharge to last up to 14 days. Thus, it is the white discharge week before period.

Why does yeast infection appear before my period?

Infection is most likely to occur just before your periods as a thick and white-looking discharge.

How long before your period do you have to have white discharge?

Menstruation indications like lower back pain and white discharge before period begin 3-4 days before periods in some women.

What causes yellow pus?

Sexually transmitted diseases/infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause yellow pus-like discharge. On the other hand, Trichomonas can cause greenish or yellowish discharge that emits a foul odour.

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