The body of a woman is like a box full of surprises in which as time passes various things appear and disappear, while others remain for a long time; some nice and some not so much. However, each of the changes that are experienced in the body are necessary and have a reason for being.
The white discharge expelled through the vagina is a fluid that the woman expels frequently and has different meanings depending on the appearance, the amount and the time in which it is expelled. This flow is considered usual or normal before and after the period, although during pregnancy it also makes an appearance, but its texture and color changes.
The main function of vaginal discharge is to perform a self-cleaning, this is to clean and defend the vagina from possible infections, as well as to keep it lubricated during sexual intercourse and in such case that the woman is in period gestation.
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Index
What is white discharge?
The white discharge is a fluid that the woman expels through the vagina naturally, this can vary depending on various situations: stage of the menstrual cycle in which it is, evidence of the state of health or if it has a vaginal infection; the normal thing is that there is always almost transparent white flow and its consistency is very fine.
This fluid tends to become much more evident during the ovulation process and before the arrival of menstruation, also, its amount may increase if the woman has become pregnant. However, this can also vary during sexual arousal, in the face of stress, nutritional deficit or due to the use of a contraceptive method.
Although if the discharge is accompanied by itching, an unpleasant smell, and the color changes significantly, then it may be a vaginal infection caused by fungi or a sexually transmitted disease.
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Causes and consequences of white discharge
The main cause of the appearance of white discharge in the vagina is puberty as such, since it is very common for it to be expelled a few days before the first menstruation and stay forever, since this fluid is part of a woman’s life and it keeps your entire vaginal area protected.
The almost transparent white discharge has as a consequence the protection of the vaginal area, each expulsion of fluid is a self-cleaning that the organism is doing. This works as a protective layer that prevents the passage of bacteria and the implantation of infectious microorganisms.
This flow should always maintain an almost transparent white color, a sticky consistency (similar to egg white) and not have any odor, if it remains so it is a sign that everything is fine. However, if it presents any irregularity such as a change in its color, in its consistency and even emits an unpleasant odor, then you should see a doctor immediately.
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Fertility and infertility
Fertility or infertility may or may not be related to the expulsion of vaginal fluid, since although this is a clear symptom of ovulation and pregnancy, the fact that it is also a natural part of the body and that it has other functions such as lubrication before and during sexual intercourse, accumulated stress, etc.
Also, it is expelled to protect the vaginal flora against any possible bacteria or disease.
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Symptoms of white discharge
The normal symptomatology of the white discharge is that it conserves that color or is a little lighter almost transparent, it must also have a viscous consistency, very similar to that of egg white. Nor should it emit any type of odor, since if it has a bad smell it is already a sign that something may be happening, such as a venereal disease or an infection. Vaginal infections are very common and usually manifest through a change in the fluid expelled.
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White discharge during pregnancy, why? How does it affect?
During pregnancy it is very common for the presence of white discharge to increase because the production of hormones is much greater and there is greater blood flow throughout the vaginal area, the increase in fluids also aims to keep the cervix lubricated and prepare it for at the time of delivery, it also acts as a protective layer so that bacteria do not enter.
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You can have excess white discharge, why?
In the gestational period, the woman experiences an increase in almost white transparent discharge, this is due to the fact that there is an increase in the production of estrogens and in the vaginal area the presence of blood increases. Also, its main objective is to protect the woman from contracting an infection, since at this time she is much more vulnerable.
First term
The first trimester of pregnancy is of great care for women, as there is a high risk of miscarriages or poor cell development. In this period, the woman will notice an increase in vaginal discharge and this is one of the symptoms that will indicate that she is pregnant if she does not know it yet.
second trimester
The vaginal discharge will be abundant in order to keep the vaginal area lubricated and protected. It is important to ensure that it retains its same color and texture, because if any change in the flow is observed, it may be an infectious picture, even more so if it is accompanied by a bad smell.
Third quarter
In this trimester the woman must be attentive to any changes, since labor can occur at any time. It is normal for the amount of vaginal fluid to increase in this period, as the body is preparing to expel the baby and must keep the cervix lubricated.
However, the woman must be attentive to the discharge that she expels, since if the amount is high it may be the mucous plug and be a clear sign that the baby is on the way. Whereas if this expelled discharge is extremely liquid, transparent and odorless, then it may be the expulsion of the amniotic fluid.
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During and after breastfeeding
During and after breastfeeding the woman will notice that on some occasions she will expel the white fluid, since as mentioned above, this is part of the woman’s daily life. It will decrease its amount, compared to that expelled during pregnancy, and refers to the fact that the woman is already resuming her menstrual cycle.
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Ovulation and white discharge
The almost transparent white discharge, with a slimy and odorless consistency, is a sign that the woman is ovulating and that it is the perfect time to conceive a baby. This process usually occurs a few days before the next period and that is why if the ovum is fertilized, the woman will experience the absence of that period.
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White discharge after sexual intercourse, why?
It is very common for a woman to expel white discharge after sexual intercourse, as the body is cleaning the entire vaginal area, especially if the man expelled all the seminal fluid within it. However, it is very common that if the expelled vaginal discharge is accompanied by another characteristic or smell, there is the presence of an infection or a sexually transmitted disease, so you should always be attentive to the expelled fluids.
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Before and after menstruation white discharge, why?
The expulsion of white discharge before menstruation is an indication that it is about to occur, although if the expulsion of the fluid occurs a little longer, two weeks before the period or after, it is an indication that the woman is ovulating and that is the ideal time for a pregnancy.
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White discharge in babies, is it normal? Why?
It is normal for some babies to expel white discharge during their first days of birth, this is because they still keep a little of the mother’s hormonal load in their body and this will cause them to expel said fluid, something that should disappear in a very short time If not, you should consult a specialist.
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White discharge pathologies
White discharge can have different characteristics and each of them has a specific meaning.
Viscous
The viscosity is the normal and natural texture that the white discharge should have if the woman is perfect and does not have any type of infection. Very viscous discharge is also a symptom of pregnancy, so if the woman notices an increase in the amount and viscosity of the expelled discharge then she should be alert and have a test done.
Smelling and odorless
In general, the vaginal discharge should not emit any type of odor and if it does, it must be very imperceptible and almost similar to that of urine. If the expelled discharge is accompanied by a bad smell, similar to that of fish, then the woman has some type of infection or sexually transmitted disease.
Grainy
The granular discharge only occurs when the woman has an infection, fungus or sexually transmitted disease. The consistency is very similar to that of cut milk and has an unpleasant smell, it is also accompanied by itching, burning, redness and inflammation.
Others
Another pathology of white discharge in women is related precisely to the color, since it must always be almost transparent white, if any strange color such as greenish yellow is observed, it means that there is an infection in process.
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Can men have white discharge?
In general, men should not expel white discharge, since this is a very characteristic of women, they expel urine and seminal flow through the same conduit, so their space always remains clean and lubricated. If the man observes that he frequently expels a white discharge, then he should go to a specialist for a diagnosis of what is happening.
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Does white discharge occur after a cesarean section? Why?
After a cesarean section it is very normal for women to expel a wide variety of fluids, the most common being brown or dark red discharge, since the body is expelling all the rest of the placenta and tissue that may have remained inside the uterus and even be accompanied by blood clots; this can last about a week.
The white discharge will also appear, since it will be cleaning the entire vaginal area and will continue to be part of the woman, just as it happened during her menstrual cycle before she became pregnant.
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Menopause and white discharge
Upon reaching menopause, women will experience a large number of changes, since there will be a great hormonal fluctuation, which can cause many vaginal secretions, this expelled white discharge can occur during and after menopause, being sometimes a little abundant and uncomfortable.
The flow during this period is usually extremely irregular and with a short period of duration, all due to the change that is being experienced in hormonal levels. On some occasions, it does not appear and many women come to experience something called: vaginal dryness, this usually influences sexual activity causing it to decrease.
Treatments and home remedies for white discharge
The white vaginal discharge is something totally normal in the organism of the woman and, even, is considered necessary. This is a natural protector that the vagina has to remain clean and free of infections, fungi and diseases. In addition to this, it is of great importance for the sexual act because it keeps the area lubricated, thus reducing pain.
The fluids expelled by the woman are considered normal and without cause for concern, as long as it has a transparent almost white appearance, a viscous texture, does not emit strong odors and does not generate any type of discomfort beyond the sensation of humidity.
However, on many occasions changes in vaginal discharge can occur and we must be attentive to them, since in the best of cases it can be a mild infection caused by fungi that is generated by the alteration in pH; while in other cases it may be due to a sexually transmitted disease.
Currently there is a wide variety of natural remedies that help control and neutralize vaginal discharge, some of them are the following:
Fenugreek infusion
Fenugreek is an herb that is known for its wide variety of medicinal properties that benefit human health, one of its most frequent uses is in women, since a tea of this herb is more than enough to greatly promote the hormonal balance and in the same way make control in the menstrual cycle. In fact, some herbal purists point out that it is similar to estrogens and therefore helps you cope with menopause.
Plain yogurt
Yogurt is known to have a large amount of lactobacilli (healthy bacteria), which have the ability to keep the bacterial flora of the vagina regulated. This is one of the best natural remedies for the vagina, because by spreading a little yogurt all over the area, it is possible to fight bacteria and fungi. Daily consumption of it is ideal to prevent future unwanted infections.
Garlic
Garlic is known to be the most powerful natural antibiotic, since its composition has various assets that are of great help to effectively combat any type of virus, some bacteria and any fungus that could cause an infection in the future.
The daily consumption of it is ideal to completely eliminate the bad smell of vaginal secretions and does not alter its pH.
Milk and turmeric
The combination of milk with turmeric is an extremely simple and practical remedy that helps eliminate yeast from the vagina and keep it protected. It is considered one of the best natural remedies to combat bacterial vaginitis and eradicate vaginal dryness.
Guava leaf tea
Guava leaves are known for their great medicinal properties, as they are characterized by being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant. One of its most frequent uses is to eliminate menstrual cramps that many women suffer during their periods, it also helps control excess vaginal fluids.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been studied for many years by the medical world due to its healing properties, especially when it comes to vaginal infections, since it has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
Similarly, apple cider vinegar can help maintain a pH balance, which helps eliminate odors.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is known to be a great natural antiseptic, as it has the possibility that the body releases all accumulated germs and bacteria. It is important to note that this oil should always be used mixed with water, since it is extremely strong and if it comes into direct contact with the skin it can cause irritations and burns.
Sodium bicarbonate
On some occasions the vaginal discharge can be accompanied by a bit of a bad smell and this is only generated by the imbalance in the pH, so the use of baking soda on those occasions will help to eliminate that unpleasant sensation and to level it immediately the pH.
Cranberry juice
Blueberries have a great detoxification power of the body, which is why it helps the body to eliminate the bacteria accumulated within it, that is why it is of great help to always keep the urinary tract clean and free of infections, for this only you should consume some of this juice without any sugar.
Alum
Alum is an aluminum sulfate that not only serves to preserve food and purify water, but it is also of great help to preserve human health, specifically everything that refers to body odor and this includes bad odors that are it can issue through the vagina in case of infections.
Indian gooseberry
The Indian gooseberry is known for its many properties that are good for human health, including that it is loaded with vitamin C, as well as purifying the blood. In the vaginal area, the daily consumption of currants can help the individual to eradicate the bad vaginal odor caused by the discharge and other possible infections.
Hygiene and diet
Beyond all the natural remedies that may exist to treat vaginal discharge there are some that are extremely essential, not only to treat secretions, but the entire body as such, because good hygiene and a proper diet are of great importance in everything. this area.
The daily intake of water is of vital importance, as it is responsible for helping the body eliminate toxins and all the harmful bacteria that may be accumulated. In the same way, you should try to consume citrus foods, since they are characterized by being rich in vitamin C and this is a great stimulant for the immune system, helping the body create antibodies and fight against bacteria.
On the other hand, excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages should be avoided, such as coffee, tea, soda, etc., even more so if they are sugary because this substance helps bacteria pass through and increases the bad smell. Likewise, the consumption of foods with excess seasonings and starch should be avoided.
In addition to this, it is always recommended to have protective sex, because in this way the spread of infections and diseases is avoided.
Finally, it is recommended to frequently change sanitary napkins during menstruation and avoid wearing very tight clothing to help air flow freely.
Reader resources other types of flows
Types of Flow WITHOUT pregnancy
- Gelatinous Flow: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Sticky Flow: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Greenish Flow: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Yellow Flow: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- White Flow: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Transparent Flow: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Brown discharge: causes, consequences, symptoms and cases
Types of discharge WITH pregnancy
- Brown discharge in pregnancy: causes, consequences, symptoms and cases
- Transparent flow in pregnancy: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Yellow discharge during pregnancy: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Pink discharge in pregnancy: causes, consequences, symptoms and cases
- White discharge in pregnancy: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases
- Green discharge in pregnancy: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Case
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.