This phenomenon in girls is considered a normal process. They occur periodically in any representative of the fair sex. Often indicate the onset of pregnancy, often - a translucent, thin liquid without odor or other symptoms. Whether this is a pathology, we will find out later in the article.
A woman’s body gives the first signals of pregnancy even before her period is missed. Of course, such signs are not always one hundred percent and are not observed in all expectant mothers.
Below we will consider what symptoms can tell a woman that she will soon become a mother:
- emotional instability
- slight malaise
- swelling and pain in the chest
- drowsiness
- nagging pain below the navel
- nausea, vomiting
- low pressure
- appearance or increase in leucorrhoea
- delayed menstruation
- muscle cramps
- frequent urination
- brown or pinkish mucus
Of course, these signs are relative. Even a pregnancy test can be false positive.
Such vivid symptoms are observed only in the first pregnancy, but in subsequent ones the woman may not realize that she is pregnant.
Sometimes in women with gynecological ailments, the first symptoms of pregnancy are felt more vividly, because pain may occur in the lumbar region and appendages.
What discharge is considered normal?
Every day, absolutely any girl can notice mucus on her panties. This phenomenon is considered normal - this is the physiology of the female sex. Sometimes it signals that there is an infection or inflammation in the body, then the secreted secretion changes color and smell.
Leucorrhea has a sour or neutral odor. The secreted secretion consists of lactobacilli, since the vagina has a slightly acidic environment. The main function of mucus is to create a normal environment for conceiving a child. The secreted secretion also provides lubrication to the external genitalia. Therefore, such leucorrhoea is considered normal.
There are a number of signs when a woman herself can diagnose that the mucus secreted is not pathological:
- Leucorrhoea changes color depending on the period of the cycle (they are white, creamy, yellowish or transparent).
- The smell is neutral or slightly sour.
- The secreted secretion can be either liquid or viscous.
- The amount of secretion varies, but no more than a teaspoon per day.
- Before the onset of menstruation, after sex or during periods of arousal, their volume increases significantly.
Remember that if the secreted mucus does not entail and does not have a specific odor, this is not a pathology, but a normal process.
There are quite a few factors influencing the onset of the disease:
- hormonal imbalance
- taking certain hormonal medications
- the period of gestation, as a woman’s immunity decreases
- neglect of personal hygiene rules
- incorrectly selected cosmetics for the care of intimate areas
- uncontrolled
- stress
- unhealthy diet and much more
If such unpleasant symptoms appear, visit a gynecologist. You cannot prescribe medications for yourself, otherwise it will lead to irreparable consequences.
When does such a phenomenon refer to pathology?
Under the influence of various factors, pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply in huge numbers, which subsequently leads to inflammation.
So, what signs indicate a pathological process:
- The consistency of the secreted secretion is similar to cottage cheese, and it is combined with various unpleasant symptoms - this indicates candidiasis.
- The daily amount of secretion exceeds a teaspoon.
- The discharge has changed color to greenish, yellowish or brown.
- Appeared.
- Pain below the navel, pain during urination, redness of the intimate area and other symptoms.
Such signs indicate the onset of an inflammatory process in the female body.
How to determine the disease by the color of the discharge?
Unfortunately, there are too many reasons that cause a change in the shade of the secreted secretion. Therefore, a doctor can make a correct diagnosis only after an examination and a series of tests. Only thrush can be accurately determined without laboratory tests. But here, too, there is one nuance: such a pathology may well be combined with other ailments, so only an examination will determine the obvious cause of the change in the shade of the leucorrhoea.
Types of discharge:
- Foaming discharge - obvious.
- Gray color with a fishy odor indicates gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis.
- A green tint indicates an obvious purulent process.
- Yellow color indicates .
- White curdled discharge is thrush.
- Leucorrhoea without accompanying unpleasant symptoms is the norm.
Don't sit at home. It is worth remembering: untimely treatment of some serious illnesses leads to infertility.
Leucorrhea in the absence of menstruation
Leucorrhoea in the absence of menstruation can be normal or pathological. It all depends on a number of reasons, which you will find out below.
Main reasons:
- Carry out the washing procedure twice a day.
- Choose the right soap for intimate hygiene.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for a while, especially if you are unsure of your partner.
- Do not swim in bodies of water.
- Take a shower instead of a bath.
- Change your underwear daily (it should only be made from natural fabrics).
The main rule is to constantly visit the gynecologist. Only a gynecologist can cure all pathologies in a timely manner.
Sometimes such a sign may indicate pregnancy. If your period is late for more than 4 days, it is recommended to see a specialist. Only a gynecologist can confirm pregnancy.
You should not sit at home; you should remember that the secreted secretion does not always indicate pregnancy and is not the norm.
Sep 17, 2017 Violetta Doctor
A woman's vaginal discharge is an indicator of her health. They can appear before menstruation, with various pathologies, and also signal pregnancy. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to differentiate them. What are the differences between discharge before menstruation and during pregnancy?
Menstruation and pregnancy are two natural states of a woman. Each of them can be preceded by vaginal discharge of different consistency and color. You definitely need to pay attention to the quality of the secret. He is able to warn a woman about an interesting situation or signal an impending illness.
The differences between discharge before menstruation and pregnancy must be clearly differentiated. If a lady wants to conceive a child or simply has a chance of becoming pregnant, she needs to carefully monitor her condition. The nature of the discharge can tell about changes in the body at a time when no other test can help.
In the second half of the cycle, hormonal changes occur in the body of the fair sex. Gram-negative bacilli gradually begin to dominate in the vaginal microflora. As a result, the discharge becomes more viscous, slightly transparent, and sometimes creamy. In a healthy body, they do not have a specific smell or color and do not cause discomfort.
If the color or consistency of the discharge changes, this may indicate a pathology:
- scarlet, mucous membranes - cervicitis, cervical erosion;
- curdled - candidiasis;
- foamy, purulent - venereal diseases;
- brown - hormonal imbalance, endometritis, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps;
- green, yellow - sexually transmitted diseases, inflammatory processes in the uterus, ovary.
These discharges are not normal and should be alarming. If they are detected, it is advisable for a woman to consult a doctor.
Sometimes a representative of the fair sex does not know that she is pregnant. In the first weeks, vaginal discharge, which changes qualitatively after fertilization has taken place, can tell about this. What kind of discharge should there be before menstruation if there is pregnancy?
After conception, during the period of attachment of the embryo to the walls of the uterus, white thick mucus of a matte shade emanates from the vagina. Its difference from the discharge before regular menstruation is that the consistency of the secretion is thicker, the color is rich, whitish, while before menstruation the mucus is more transparent and liquid.
The volume of discharge also differs. Before menstruation they are much more abundant than during pregnancy. Therefore, in order to detect conception without tests and examination by a gynecologist, you need to analyze every month how much mucus regularly comes from the vagina.
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If conception has occurred, the discharge after ovulation may be brownish, mixed with blood. They are usually darker than during menstruation. This situation is not considered normal and indicates a threat of miscarriage. The cause is a lack of the hormone progesterone in a woman’s body, which is responsible for attaching the embryo to the walls of the uterus. If a pregnant woman discovers such discharge, she should immediately consult a doctor.
Additional signs will help to distinguish the accomplished conception from the upcoming regular periods.
What else will help you recognize an interesting situation?
Differences in discharge before menstruation and during pregnancy are not the only symptom of an interesting situation. If you suspect pregnancy, pay attention to the accompanying signs that will not allow you to make a mistake. This:
- morning sickness, malaise;
- failure to achieve full menstruation, despite previous symptoms;
- changes in the breasts (nipples become more tender, veins on the breasts enlarge, lumps on the halo become larger);
- constant fatigue associated with changes in metabolism;
- frequent urination;
- constipation, flatulence;
- nasal congestion, signs of a cold;
- changes in the acuity of smell and taste;
- emotional instability;
- high basal temperature (this indicator is extremely difficult to control, since preliminary measurements are required for 2 months).
Before menstruation, these signs are absent. Only nagging pain in the abdomen, general weakness and increased libido may be experienced immediately before menstruation.
Secretory discharge from the vagina is observed in women at different phases of the menstrual cycle. On some days they are more abundant, sometimes they are barely noticeable, but sometimes it happens that white discharge appears before menstruation.
Leucorrhoea plays a protective role in the body, protecting the internal genital organs from infections. However, in large quantities and in the presence of foreign impurities, they signal problems in the reproductive system. When leucorrhoea is normal and when it is a pathology, you will find out further.
White discharge - what is it and can it happen before menstruation?
In an adult woman who has a full sexual life, in the first days after menstruation, the discharge is scanty and transparent, colorless. At the stage of ovulation, they intensify, but remain transparent, and disappear closer to menstruation.
Any changes indicate damage to the reproductive system by infectious strains. The worst thing is when heavy discharge is observed against the background. The situation is aggravated by the strange color, unpleasant smell and unusual consistency of the discharge.
Normal vaginal discharge has the following characteristics:
- Watery or slimy.
- Odorless or slightly sour.
- Colorless, yellowish, white or pale cream.
- Does not cause discomfort.
But this is the ideal option. To figure out whether there can be white discharge before menstruation, you need to understand that the color and composition of vaginal discharge is influenced by various factors - nutrition, medication, psycho-emotional state, change in climatic conditions and even the appearance of a new sexual partner.
Before menstruation, leucorrhoea may change color to , and this is also considered normal. Light spotting indicates the readiness of the uterus to clear the endometrium, which has become unnecessary due to the lack of pregnancy. Your period will start in 2 – 4 days. The thick consistency of leucorrhoea is explained by the influence of sex hormones.
White discharge instead of menstruation in women can occur due to severe stress. Psycho-emotional shocks disrupt hormonal status and affect the nature of menstrual flow. But the amount of leucorrhoea is much less than the amount of bleeding that accompanies full menstruation.
In teenagers
Leucorrhoea appears in girls about six months before menarche - the first menstruation. Sometimes this period extends for 1 – 2 years. The normal age for leucorrhoea to appear is 11 – 14 years.
Hormonal changes make the figure more feminine, but the reproductive organs undergo the main changes. During puberty, the uterus grows, the ovaries learn to produce follicles, the cervix works more actively and secretes mucus.
Before their first period, teenage girls' leucorrhoea becomes more profuse than before. Both liquid and viscous consistency of the discharge is allowed. The mucus looks clear or slightly cloudy, but it should not have a foul odor or cause pain. Soon the preliminary discharge turns into real menstruation.
During pregnancy
Consider white discharge before menstruation as a sign of pregnancy. Abundant, thick leucorrhoea with delayed bleeding signals hormonal fluctuations associated with conception.
Progesterone levels increase and affect the secretory function of the gonads. An increased amount of mucus protects the uterus and embryo from infection. There is also a renewal of the cells that make up the vaginal mucous tissue. For this reason, the density of leucorrhoea increases.
In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the leucorrhoea may have brown spots or be completely brown. These are traces of dried blood. An additional symptom of an ectopic pregnancy is constant aching pain on the side of the abdomen where the embryo is located. Gradually the pain increases and brings significant anxiety.
If the pregnancy test is negative, but there is a delay and white discharge, this may also indicate a hormonal imbalance. Only it is not associated with gestation, but with stress or vitamin deficiency. Low-fat dishes and food depleted in nutrients negatively affect the body's performance and provoke delays in menstruation. Instead of bleeding, intense leucorrhoea continues.
Diseases with the sign of “white discharge before menstruation”
White discharge that appears a week before your period may be abnormal. They are distinguished from normal leucorrhoea by their composition, increased volume, pungent odor and discomfort experienced by the woman.
There are quite a lot of diseases with the common symptom “white discharge on the eve of menstruation”. They affect not only the gynecological, but also the endocrine system. Let's talk about this in detail.
Problems of endocrine origin
With diseases of different organs of the endocrine system in women, the discharge before menstruation changes. Patients with diabetes mellitus complain of thick and profuse leucorrhoea.
Deviations are associated with hormonal disorders, improper functioning of the pancreas and changes in the acidic environment in the vagina. Diseases of the thyroid gland and ovaries create the preconditions for profuse discharge of colorless leucorrhoea.
Erosion
Cervical erosion is ulceration of the mucous tissue and damage to the local glands. With this disease, leucorrhoea appears before menstruation. They are colorless in appearance, but contain mucous inclusions.
The brownish tint of the mucus is explained by the bleeding of the wounds that are on the surface of the cervix. Often women complain about a delay in menstruation.
Thrush
Urogenital candidiasis destroys the mucous membranes of the vagina and triggers an inflammatory process in the genitourinary region. A characteristic symptom is a white, cheesy discharge that smells like sour milk.
Before menstruation, pathological leucorrhoea intensifies. Patients complain of severe itching in the vagina and irritation of the external genitalia.
Oncological diseases of the uterus
Doctors warn that malignant tumors are the most dangerous. In most cases, they develop asymptomatically, and only foul-smelling white thick discharge before menstruation attracts the attention of women. The shade of mucus varies. Bloody clots may be visible.
Leucorrhoea with bloody impurities may also indicate endometriosis. This is an abnormal growth of the mucous tissue that lines the uterine cavity. Oncopathology disrupts the structure of the endometrium, causing damage to blood vessels. In addition to bloody discharge, women note nagging pain in the lower abdomen.
Polyps
Growths form on the mucous surface of the uterus. On the eve of menstruation, the endometrial layer loosens and swells. New growths are damaged or twisted. These events make the leucorrhoea bloody. There may be no other symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis
Leucorrhoea with a yellowish tint and a distinct fishy odor facilitates the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Before menstruation, their volume increases.
Pathological discharge irritates the vagina and causes... Sexual intercourse is painful. Vaginosis develops due to bacterial infection of the genital organs.
Inflammatory diseases
When discharge appears like egg white before menstruation, women must pay attention to its composition, smell and accompanying signs. Leucorrhoea often signals the development of an inflammatory process in the reproductive system.
What gynecological diseases may leucorrhoea indicate:
- Cervicitis. The mucous membrane of the cervix suffers from inflammation. Before menstruation, leucorrhoea intensifies and thins out. In the presence of pus, the discharge acquires an unpleasant odor.
- Vaginitis. The inflammatory process affects the mucous membrane of the vaginal tube. Local swelling, itching and burning are observed. Women feel pain in the sacrum. Leucorrhoea is thin, profuse and yellow, appearing about a week before menstruation. The analysis shows an elevated level of leukocytes.
- Endometritis. In this case, the uterine cavity suffers. Patients complain of foul-smelling cloudy discharge, pain when urinating, hyperthermia, and pain in the lower abdomen. Chronic endometritis on the eve of menstruation causes profuse leucorrhoea with a greenish tint. From the uterus, the pathology can spread to the appendages.
Venereal diseases
Sexually transmitted infections have an incubation period of development. Therefore, an STD may not appear immediately, but only after some time.
For example, as soon as menstruation ends, a woman will see yellow leucorrhoea. Menstruation is a kind of inflammatory process. They activate bacteria and increase discomfort if a woman develops:
- Chlamydia. It manifests itself as yellow discharge after menstruation, itching of the perineum and a sharp unpleasant odor.
- Trichomoniasis. Copious mucus, smelling like rotten fish, irritates the vagina and external organs. Transparent mucus first turns yellow, then greenish. Pain occurs during sex.
- Gonorrhea. Copious discharge contains pus. They feel sticky to the touch. Symptoms of the disease are sharp pain during intimacy and urination.
Is leucorrhoea necessary before menstruation?
Since clear mucus performs a protective function, the genitals always produce it.
However, in some cases, there may not be white discharge before menstruation. The absence of leucorrhoea on the eve of menstrual periods has its own reasons. For example, in case of allergies, the amount of vaginal secretion can be affected by synthetic fabrics of underwear or unsuitable intimate hygiene products.
If, according to indications, a woman takes antibiotics or is protected with oral contraceptives, the reproductive organs also reduce secretory activity. Mini-pills especially affect the volume of discharge. The composition of these birth control pills is rich in estrogen.
Frequent douching affects the intensity and composition of discharge. Abuse of manipulation disrupts the proper functioning of mucous tissues. The result is dryness in the genitals. There will be no mucus before menstruation in this situation.
As menopause approaches, age-related changes begin to occur in the female body, affecting the hormonal system. These processes are natural. But they inhibit the production of mucus by the internal genital organs.
White discharge before menstruation is absent in those women who smoke a lot and abuse alcohol. Harmful substances disrupt hormonal levels and dry out the vaginal mucosa. There is little discharge due to improper functioning of the endocrine glands.
Do I need to treat white discharge before menstruation?
If leucorrhoea appears as a physiological phenomenon on the eve of menstruation, there is no need for treatment. It is enough to strengthen your personal hygiene and use panty liners to protect your underwear.
It is recommended to wash the intimate area at least once a day by moving your hand from front to back. This will help avoid infection of the vagina with intestinal microbes. For washing, you can use unscented baby soap and care products for delicate areas.
Underwear should be changed every day or when soiled. Panties should be made from natural, breathable materials. You can wear lace underwear, but rarely. Synthetics and low-quality fabrics do not allow air to pass through well and create a “greenhouse effect” in the intimate area. A warm, humid environment promotes the development of pathogenic agents.
If an infectious or inflammatory process is suspected, a woman should consult a gynecologist. Treatment will be prescribed after a thorough examination. The patient will be prescribed vaginal suppositories, tablets or ointments. Giving up bad habits, proper nutrition, and measures to strengthen the immune system will help speed up therapy. In order for the body to fully perform its functions, it is important to reconsider your lifestyle and reorganize your daily routine.
Brown discharge before and after menstruation is not always a symptom of a dangerous illness, but, be that as it may, it is important to understand the cause of such a symptom. A comprehensive diagnosis will help determine the provoking factor, and timely treatment will relieve the consequences.
Causes of brown discharge
Brown discharge that occurs before or immediately after menstruation is often a sign of hormonal imbalance. Taking medications can provoke such a symptom. Most often these are hormonal contraceptives. The occurrence of discharge closer to menstruation indicates that in the second phase of the cycle there is a lack of progesterone. This may be an individual characteristic of the body, and can also be provoked by medications and pathological processes.
With a regular menstrual cycle, the amount of progesterone in the second (luteal) phase always increases. If this does not happen, spotting may occur
If a woman is taking oral contraceptives, then this symptom may indicate that the drug is not suitable in a particular case. This is due to the fact that if the balance between estrogen and progesterone is disturbed, hormonal medications are selected only taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.
The same medicine may not suit every woman. If the amount of progesterone in an oral contraceptive is insufficient, then this symptom occurs. This often happens when taking microdosed drugs, such as Jess, Yarina, etc. Especially in the first three months, when the body adapts.
Microdosed contraceptives such as Jess may cause brown discharge The trigger for the occurrence of acyclic discharge may be an intrauterine device, which is installed to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The symptom may also appear after sex. In this case, we are talking about either the rude actions of the partner, or the presence of cervical defects: polyps, endometriosis, scar tissue, etc.
The intrauterine device can cause brown discharge before and after menstruation Normally, vaginal discharge before menstruation becomes scanty, thicker and more viscous. It may be white. In the first phase of the cycle (the period after menstruation), the secretion becomes transparent and more liquid. At the same time, you are not bothered by extraneous symptoms: itching, burning, frequent urination.
Why does a symptom occur - video
Physiological
If a symptom occurs a week before or after menstruation and is associated with a recent visit to the gynecologist, then do not worry. This sign is considered normal if it appears after taking a smear for oncocytology or after interventions in the uterine area: after cauterization of erosion, removal of a cyst, etc. In this case, the discharge from the vagina is not abundant and brown in color. Passes within two days.
Pregnancy can be a provocateur for the occurrence of such a clinical picture before menstruation. In this case, menstruation itself does not occur. There is only scanty brown discharge, which can last for a week.
If the symptom occurs 1-2 days before your period, there is also no need to worry. This is a harbinger of menstruation. A small amount of the endometrium (the inner mucous layer of the uterus) begins to be rejected, small bloody clots appear, oxidize under the influence of oxygen and mix with the secretion that is released from the glands and acquires a characteristic brown tint. This sign is not considered pathological.
Brown discharge that is present for 1-2 days should also not be alarming. These may be the remains of desquamated endometrium, which did not have time to come out completely.
Pathological
Pathological vaginal discharge often has a dark brown hue and a thick consistency. In this case, clots may be noticed. They can appear a week before menstruation and be present until its onset. What reasons can provoke such a symptom:
- erosion - the appearance of a defect in the mucous membrane of the cervix under the influence of a number of factors. Discharge is provoked by injury and occurs after examination by a gynecologist or sexual intercourse;
- endometriosis is the proliferation of endometrial tissue due to hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body. The symptom occurs 7 days before menstruation and appears immediately after it;
- Endometrial polyps - formed due to excessive production of estrogen and lack of progesterone, are neoplasms filled with brown liquid. Discharge appears when damaged areas are injured;
- cancerous tumor - malignant transformation of cervical tissue, which often occurs with the human papillomavirus, the symptom can accompany almost constantly;
- scars on the uterus - formed after cauterization of erosion and other interventions on the cervix or organ cavity. Mucosal defects may bleed after a gynecological examination, taking a smear from a damaged surface, and after sexual intercourse.
Pathological discharge may have an unpleasant odor or be accompanied by pain, bringing a lot of discomfort to a woman’s life.
Pathological causes - photo gallery
A scar on the cervix may bleed 
Cervical erosion is a precancerous disease 
Cervical polyp forms when progesterone levels decrease 
Endometriosis can affect different organs 
Cervical cancer is a deadly pathology
The nature of the discharge depending on the provoking factor - table
| Provoking factor | Discharge shade | Consistency | Smell | When do they arise? | Duration |
| Erosion | Brown or dark brown | Liquid, not abundant | Ordinary |
| 2–3 days |
| Dark brown | Thick with clots, may be copious | Ordinary | A week before menstruation, as well as immediately after its end. | 7 days or more | |
| Endometrial polyps | Brown and dark brown | Liquid, not abundant | Ordinary | After menstruation | 3–4 days |
| Cancer tumor | Dark brown | Abundant, can be thick or thin | Unpleasant, can be harsh | After and before menstruation | 5–10 days |
| Scars on the uterus | Brown | Slight, liquid | Ordinary | After and before menstruation, as well as during the act of defecation when straining. | 5–7 days |
| Taking microdosed oral contraceptives | Brown and light brown | Slight, liquid | Ordinary | Before menstruation | 3–4 days |
| Dark brown and brown | Abundant, liquid | Ordinary | Before and after menstruation | 4–5 days |
Associated symptoms
Often there are no additional symptoms. But in rare cases, brown discharge may be accompanied by:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- general unsatisfactory condition;
- lower back pain;
- burning and cutting in the vagina.
Pain in the lower abdomen, which is accompanied by brown discharge, is an alarming signal from the body If the symptom is accompanied by intense pain in the lower abdomen, and the discharge becomes profuse, you should immediately consult a doctor.
When to visit a doctor
If the main symptom is not accompanied by pain, but occurs only 2 days before or after menstruation, then there is nothing wrong with it. If the clinical picture is supplemented by such signs as a general unsatisfactory condition, an increase in temperature, then you need to visit a gynecologist. Consultation with a doctor is also necessary when the discharge is heavy and lasts more than 1-2 days.
Prevention measures
Prevention rules:
- Maintain intimate hygiene. Wash regularly.
- Do not select hormonal contraceptives on your own.
- Do not resort to abortion.
- Avoid rough actions on the part of your sexual partner.
- If possible, avoid using intrauterine devices.
- Visit a gynecologist once a year and have a smear for oncocytology.
- Do not take emergency contraceptive medications. They can provoke serious hormonal imbalances.
- Strengthen immunity.
To prevent such symptoms, I try to visit a gynecologist once a year. I encountered brown discharge when an endometrioid lesion was diagnosed. During menstruation, she felt pain, which was sometimes difficult to relieve with analgesics. After cauterization of the lesion, the doctor prescribed low-dose hormonal contraceptives, which are indicated to be taken for endometriosis. The specialist explained that such drugs contain more progesterone, so the risk of recurrence of the pathology is reduced. I took the contraceptive for more than a year for the purpose of prevention. However, I do not recommend choosing your own medication. The doctor warned that otherwise the discharge would become even more abundant and the appearance of new lesions could be provoked.
Such a clinical picture should not be ignored. It is important to timely diagnose a pathology that may not be so harmless. Timely elimination of the provoking factor is the key to preserving a woman’s reproductive function. A preventive examination by a gynecologist will help prevent the progression of dangerous pathologies and eliminate discharge uncharacteristic of the phase of the cycle.
On average, every 28 days, for forty years, cyclical processes occur in the body of representatives of the fair sex, the result of which, according to nature’s plan, should be pregnancy. If it does not take place, then the uterus rejects its “empty” inner layer and the body again lives in “waiting for a miracle.”
The period of time from the beginning of the previous and subsequent menstruation is called the menstrual cycle. Thus, the beginning of the cycle coincides with the beginning of bleeding. For each woman, the length of the cycle and the duration of monthly bleeding are an individual indicator determined by the physical condition and lifestyle. The normal duration of menstruation is 3-6 days, and the length of the cycle should vary in the range of 21-35 days. Typically, menstruation begins with light, dark bloody discharge, which increases in intensity throughout the day and acquires a bright color. At this stage of bleeding, inclusions of mucus and blood clots are characteristic. It usually lasts 1-3 days. Later, the discharge loses its intensity, becomes less abundant and darkens, its quantity disappears, and by the fourth to seventh day it stops altogether. Representatives of the fairer sex who use hormonal contraceptive pills or the IUD may experience brown discharge one or two days before the start of the cycle; this phenomenon can be considered normal.
Discharge not related to menstruation is called leucorrhoea. Their quantity, color, consistency can be different and depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes in the woman’s body.
In the first period of the cycle (follicular phase), which usually lasts two weeks from the start of menstruation, including bleeding, a dominant follicle is formed under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone. And the increased production of estrogen promotes the formation of a new inner layer of the uterus. In addition, this hormone has such an effect on the surface mucus of the cervix, the likelihood of becoming pregnant during this period is minimal. During this period, a meager amount of mucous discharge may be released from the female genital tract, almost imperceptible to the patient.
The second period of the cycle (ovulation) lasts three to four days and is characterized by the release of a mature egg from the ovary (ovulation). Ladies develop abundant transparent mucous discharge. Also during this period, short-term slight discharge of brown, brown or pinkish color is possible. They may be caused by hemorrhage during the release of the egg from the follicle. Such discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle indicates that the most favorable period for conception has arrived. But the combination of bright bloody discharge in this phase with severe pain in the lower abdomen, dizziness, even loss of consciousness, indicates that an ovarian rupture has occurred. And this condition requires emergency medical attention.
In the third period of the cycle (luteal phase), progesterone and estrogen are actively produced. They prepare the endometrium for implantation of the embryo in it. The duration of this phase is no more than 15-16 days.
Further, under the influence of estrogens, the vaginal flora changes, and the discharge resembles a cream-like mass of white color, possibly with a tinge of yellow. Closer to menstruation they become thick and plentiful. All this can be considered normal if the discharge is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor and discomfort in the vagina, such as burning and itching.
White discharge
- may be a symptom of vaginal candidiasis (thrush). In this case, the discharge looks like white lumps and has a specific sour smell;
- may indicate inflammatory diseases of the cervix. Especially if combined with pain during sexual intercourse;
- can be companions of diabetes mellitus, combined with constant itching and swelling of the perineum;
- may be the first manifestations of uterine cancer, when there are no other symptoms. At the first stage of the disease, the discharge becomes watery and transparent.
Yellow discharge
Different shades on the eve of menstruation indicate the imminent onset of bleeding, but they should not be combined with an unpleasant aroma and discomfort in the genital tract. Otherwise, they may indicate:
- inflammatory diseases of the appendages. Combined with pain, fever, general weakness;
- non-specific inflammation of the vulva and vagina;
- erosive changes in the cervix, when combined with pain during sexual intercourse;
- venereal diseases, combined with itching and the smell of rotting.
Pink discharge
Pinkish discharge from the genital tract can be caused by taking medications, the installation of an IUD (in the first months, such a reaction is possible), the beginning of pregnancy (slight pink discharge may appear at the stage of fixation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall), and the early onset of menstruation. Also, the presence of pink discharge can be a manifestation of diseases such as:
- inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus (after interventions in the uterine cavity, accompanied by general symptoms);
- inflammatory processes in the cervical canal (discharge has a purulent appearance and smell);
- endometriosis (pink discharge is present both before and after menstruation);
- formation of the muscular layer of the uterus (combined with bleeding at different periods of the cycle);
- oncological changes in the uterus (over time, abundant mucous secretions turn into them after they combine with blood).
Bloody issues
They can be considered normal only if they precede menstruation and last no more than two to three days. This situation often occurs when using an IUD. Here they are scanty in nature and can continue for several days after menstruation.
If the spotting is very heavy (more than ten pads per day) and has a bright color, then you can think about bleeding, and such a woman needs medical attention. Heavy bleeding may be a symptom of:
- increased endometrial growth;
- polyps of the uterus and cervical canal;
- endometriosis;
- disorders in the endocrine system;
- threats of miscarriage of a short term pregnancy;
- severe stressful situation.
As can be seen from the above, discharge from the genital tract of a particular type can be called physiological only in a limited number of cases. In other cases, it is a symptom of gynecological pathology that requires the intervention of a specialist, especially if it has been observed for a long time and there is a tendency to worsen it.
