Vaginal Discharge: How Colour & Consistency Change Throughout The Menstrual Cycle

Vaginal discharge is the fluid that glands in the cervix and vaginal canal secrete. It happens every day through the menstrual cycle of 28-35 days. It clears out debris and old cells to ensure the health and cleanliness of the genital area.

Vaginal discharge also tells so much about where a person stands on the period cycle calendar. The amount also differs from day to day and person to person.

An article in Forbes Health says that one experiences vaginal discharge if the person was a part of sexual activity, ovulating, about to get periods or exercised recently.

How Vaginal Discharge Changes Through A Monthly Menstrual Cycle

Week Of Period

From the first day until your period ends, the discharge is often red because the uterus is shedding the uterine lining made of blood. This is when a menstruator must use a sanitary napkin or other product that can store the flow and prevent clothes from soiling.

By the end of the period, the discharge changes its colour from red to brown. It is also a sign of perimenopausal or premenopausal. One can use a panty liner or even washable cloth pads. It is normal during these times, otherwise one must consult the doctor.

End Of Period To Mid Cycle

After periods end, the egg in the ovaries starts to mature. Therefore, on the first few days following the end of the period, one might not have any discharge. However, it starts to appear as the egg becomes more mature.

The mucus changes to become white and cloudy. Sometimes, it could also be yellow and might feel a little sticky. The colour is also the result of changes in hormones due to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about, says a Medical News Today study.

A Few Days Before Ovulation To A Few Days Before Periods Start

Just a few days before ovulation, one can witness the discharge changing its consistency to slippery and thin. Much like egg whites, it seems a bit sticky and runny. Once the ovulation window closes, the mucus again becomes sticky white and cloudy. On some days, the yellow colour is also possible.

A Few Days Before Periods

Just a week or even less before one is about to get their period, many menstruators see the mucus lightening in colour. Its amount also decreases and becomes close to nil right before the periods are about to start.

Abnormal Discharge

Chunky White Discharge

If one witnesses a thick white discharge with itching and odour, it could be a sign of yeast infection. The person must consult a doctor and get treatment.

Green Discharge

If green discharge comes with a fishy smell and has more than the usual amount, it is another sign of vaginal infection that one must not ignore.

According to Forbes Health, a person must look out for itching, soreness and swelling around the vagina. It could be a sexually transmitted infection that would immediate attention.

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Grey Discharge

This is another colour of discharge that is not normal. If it is accompanied by a fishy smell, a woman must immediately consult a doctor. It could be a sign of infection, and an expert might be able to offer a course of treatment after an examination.

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Yellow

Yellow discharge, in many cases, is normal. However, if it is followed by pain during intercourse (Gynaecologist Answers 13 Questions About Sex), vaginal soreness, itching and a burning sensation around the genital, one must consult a doctor.

Keep track and stay healthy.