Vaginal discharge (medically known as leukorrhea), refers to the natural secretions that are released from a woman's vagina. These secretions are responsible for lubrication and the prevention of infection.
Leukorrhea is also a sign of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), which is often caused by infection with the fungus Candida albicans or by infection with the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Known as leukorrhea, an increase in vaginal discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy — although some changes in vaginal discharge can be attributed to other things too.
Although the term is widely used during pregnancy, leukorrhea can also be present if you aren't 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.
Vaginal discharge (medically known as leukorrhea), refers to the natural secretions that are released from a woman's vagina. These secretions are responsible for lubrication and the prevention of infection.
In women who are premenopausal, it is normal to have approximately one-half to one teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of white or clear, thick, mucus-like, and mostly odorless vaginal discharge every day. However, the amount and consistency of the discharge varies from one woman to another.
You might experience leukorrhea as early as one or two weeks after conception – before you even realise you are pregnant. Your hormones are changing right from conception, and will ramp up as the weeks progress. At first you may not notice these changes, but your body is definitely working hard to create a human being.
Cramps and white discharge without a period can sometimes be a sign of pregnancy. Other possible causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, infection, and more. Vaginal discharge is normal, and it typically changes texture and color throughout the menstrual cycle.
Clear or milky white
This color suggests leukorrhea, which is usually a normal and healthy discharge, especially if it smells mild. However, any changes in its quantity or consistency may suggest an issue.
White discharge, known medically as leukorrhea, is normal and typically occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle. However, if white discharge accompanies a foul odor, itching, or burning, this could indicate an infection. This might be a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It's usual to detect a white discharge before period. It's usually nothing to be concerned about and just a warning that your menstruation is about to begin. It's usually a sign that you're ready to ovulate if you detect a thick white discharge. You'll also notice a clear discharge before period when you're ovulating.
In some cases, leucorrhoea can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal or lower back pain, constipation, headaches, menstrual cramps and frequent urination. Due to frequent vaginal discharge, there can also be pain in the muscles and lumbar region.
It may increase your vaginal discharge.
There are a lot of different factors that can influence the color, smell or amount. Everything from ovulation and pregnancy to infection and stress can all make an impact. So if you notice heavier-than-normal discharge, it may be due to stress.
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.
Watery discharge is usually not a cause for concern and is a sign of a healthy vagina. It can be an indication the vagina is cleaning itself, and can also be an indication of ovulation.
Leukorrhea is normal. It is clear or white and has no odor. It is normal for your body to produce a small amount (about a teaspoon) each day. During the middle of your menstrual cycle (when eggs are released during ovulation) you may notice that the discharge becomes thinner and stretchy, like the whites of an egg.
Characteristics of Leukorrhea
It can vary in thickness from watery to more viscous, but tends to be somewhat thin, slippery, and/or sticky. Some people have minimal amounts of leukorrhea, while others produce more. Leukorrhea should not smell. It also should not vary in color aside from clear, whitish, or pale yellow.
A thick white discharge can indicate that a person is ovulating. This is when their ovaries release a mature egg. However, the color and consistency of discharge can vary from one person to another. A change in the typical appearance of your discharge may be a sign of an infection.
(Chalk it up to those surging hormones.) For most pregnant women, leukorrhea does resemble milk; it's somewhat watery and white or cloudy. Leukorrhea discharge can even leave a chalky stain on your underwear.
Leukorrhea is a normal type of vaginal discharge present in both pregnant and non-pregnant people. It is an odorless discharge that is clear or milky in color. Just like menstrual flow, the length, heaviness, and amount of leukorrhea will vary from person to person.
This means white vaginal discharge and cramping could mean your period is late. Cramping without a period could also be a sign of irregular periods, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.