White discharge, called leucorrhea, is very common in women. Where do they come from, what are they for and when should they be concerned? All the answers to your questions about white vaginal discharge.
White vaginal discharge is a very common physiological secretion, especially during the period of ovulation or during pregnancy. In some cases, however, they can be a sign of pathologies and infections.
How do they manifest? What is their role ? When are they worrying? We take stock.
White losses: definition
The white losses, from their scientific name leukorrhea, are white to translucent secretions. These losses naturally punctuate the menstrual cycle and occur throughout a woman's hormonal life. Of physiological origin, this phenomenon is completely normal and natural and there is no need to worry about it. These odorless vaginal secretions are even essential. They mean that the genitals are working properly. However, white losses can also be a sign of vaginal infection.
What are the white losses for?
White discharge consists of a liquid produced by the vagina and the vaginal bacterial flora. White discharge allows the vagina:
- to self-clean: the vaginal secretions lining the vaginal walls provide the immune defense of the vagina against bacteria and viruses and eliminate dead cells by "self-cleaning".
- to hydrate and lubricate: the white discharge also allows vaginal hydration essential for a healthy vulva and participates in lubrication during sexual intercourse.
During or after ovulation, before the cycle, during pregnancy: physiological white discharge
- During the ovulation period
The white discharge that occurs during or after ovulation is usually more watery, transparent, and alkaline to facilitate the survival of sperm in the vaginal canal. In some people, they are accompanied by cramps or abdominal pain.
After ovulation, and therefore before the cycle or immediately after the cycle itself, the losses become more sticky and filamentous. Again, there is nothing to worry about! White discharge after ovulation is very common in women taking oral contraceptives.
During pregnancy, white discharge is more abundant. These secretions form a whitish coating, thick and often mucous called the "mucous plug", which is used to protect the fetus from bacteria and infections that could come from the vagina.
White discharge: when does it become worrying?
White losses can vary in appearance. They can be more abundant, colored or more or less thick.
White discharge can be a sign of a vaginal infection. If they become yellowish or even greenish, particularly thick or frothy, smelly, whether it is accompanied by itching or burning, pain in the lower abdomen, it may be a infection, of a vaginal yeast infection or a vaginosis. As soon as you notice a change in the odor, texture or color of your white discharge, it is important to consult your gynecologist quickly.
White discharge: which intimate hygiene to adopt?
Good daily intimate hygiene helps prevent many infections. On the other hand, there is no "treatment" against white losses since they are completely natural.
Contrary to popular belief, good intimate hygiene does not mean excess hygiene! It is important to respect the film natural hydrolipidic of the vagina and especially not to attack it with intravaginal toilets. The vagina is not dirty, it cleans itself very well. Avoid too frequent private toilets, two maximum per day and preferably use a soap without perfume and with a suitable pH.
Also, avoid wearing tight, non-breathable clothing, which can cause bacteria to grow.
See also: how to relieve painful periods?