Periods, pregnancy, yeast infection: what your vaginal discharge says about your health

If there is one subject that should be discussed more often with young girls and women, it is vaginal discharge , and vaginal discharge in the broadest sense .

Why? Because the body naturally secretes it every month, at any time of the cycle, and knowing how to analyze these losses gives real indications about your state of health .

You're probably used to these discharges being "normal," having a little bit all the time without really knowing what they are. But if you look into it a little more, you'll quickly realize that their appearance , texture , color , and even odor change regularly. Vaginal discharge is a bit like your body's intimate compass!

Today, we offer a brief general reminder about the purpose of vaginal discharge and answer all your questions on the subject.

What exactly is vaginal discharge?

The term “vaginal discharge” isn’t really a medical term. There are actually several types of vaginal discharge , also called leukorrhea :

• Cervical mucus : It is produced by the cervix a few days before ovulation and changes gradually throughout the menstrual cycle . Its role? To protect sperm to facilitate fertilization and prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. Cervical mucus is produced in large quantities at the time of ovulation, but its texture changes throughout the month.

• Dead cells : These are the result of the vagina's self-cleaning process, the shedding of cells as they renew themselves. This discharge always has the same appearance, regardless of the time of the cycle. It also plays a role in lubrication and protection against infections.

• Vaginal lubrication : This is the well-known fluid produced (especially) when you are aroused. It is produced by the Bartholin glands located at the entrance of the vagina. Clear and very fluid, it is easily recognizable and should not be confused with dead cells or cervical mucus, which has a more viscous appearance.

These three types of secretions tend to mix, making it a little difficult to distinguish them clearly. With a little experience and practice, you'll be able to determine where you are in your cycle, detect pregnancy, or identify an infection based on your vaginal discharge!

Note: If your vaginal discharge discolors your underwear, this is perfectly normal and actually a good sign! It means that your vagina's pH is acidic, effectively protecting you from infections.

How do vaginal discharges change throughout the menstrual cycle?

Cervical mucus is produced under the influence of estrogen. Throughout the cycle, it is regulated by the interplay of these sex hormones : it is secreted in large quantities during ovulation , then dries up during the luteal phase .

The key takeaway is that the more estrogen you have , the more stretchy, translucent, and lubricated your cervical mucus will be.

Symptothermal charting is a method that helps you learn to track your cycle by monitoring your basal body temperature, the appearance of your vaginal discharge , and the position of your cervix. The French National Authority for Health (HAS) recognizes symptothermal charting as an effective approach to fertility management, provided it is used correctly .

Let's get back to vaginal discharge . Here's how it changes during the cycle:

• During the follicular phase , they are initially yellowish or whitish , then become increasingly liquid as ovulation approaches. They are almost milky just before the release of the oocyte.

• During ovulation , vaginal discharge can be up to 30 times heavier than during the rest of your cycle. You may experience a feeling of wetness in your underwear, which can be quite pleasurable.

• After ovulation, you enter the luteal phase . Vaginal discharge becomes drier, thicker, and stickier as estrogen levels decrease.

During the luteal phase and the premenstrual period , progesterone, another sex hormone, takes over.

• During your period , vaginal discharge is often mistaken for blood. It is less frequent, drier, and less stretchy.

Pregnancy, absence of periods, infection : vaginal discharge can also provide some clues about your intimate health. We'll explain.

All your questions about vaginal discharge

I haven't had my period but I have vaginal discharge: is that normal?

If you observe white discharge but do not have your period , it means that your hormones are working (especially estrogen) but ovulation is not occurring.

In a typical menstrual cycle , you ovulate: one of your ovaries releases an oocyte , contained within a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum lives for several days after ovulation to support a potential pregnancy by producing progesterone.

If there is no ovulation , there is no egg, and therefore no corpus luteum. Progesterone does not play its role as it should in the second half of the cycle, which prevents you from having your period. We can even say that the menstrual cycle is interrupted , or partially interrupted.

According to a statement produced by the gynecology department of the Lausanne University Hospital, this could be due to several things:

• A hormonal imbalance such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis or taking hormonal treatment.

• An eating disorder or excessive physical activity . When your weight is too low, your body goes into "survival" mode, dedicating all its energy to vital organs and diverting its attention from the menstrual cycle.

• Stress or emotional shocks can also disrupt hormonal balance.

If you're not having your period but are experiencing vaginal discharge , the first thing to do is check that your lifestyle is meeting your needs, that you're getting enough sleep and food. You can also consult a healthcare professional for a hormonal assessment.

Note that just because you don't have your period doesn't mean your system isn't working! Your vagina continues to clean itself as usual, which explains why you still observe vaginal secretions.

How do my vaginal discharges change during pregnancy?

If you have a regular cycle ( lucky you ), the appearance of your vaginal discharge allows you to detect a pregnancy .

Outside of pregnancy, your secretions are at their maximum during ovulation and then become less frequent in the second part of the cycle… You know the drill.

But that's not the case if you're pregnant!

From the very first day and throughout the pregnancy, your hormones are at their peak . In the period following fertilization, the embryo and the placenta secrete a large quantity of hormones to support the implantation and development of the fertilized egg.

Vaginal discharge continues for up to 9 months: 75% of women experience an increase in vaginal discharge during their pregnancy !

Under the influence of progesterone, cervical mucus coagulates to form a mucus plug at the cervix. This protects your embryo and reproductive tract from foreign bodies until delivery. The body is wonderfully designed!

Note : You are particularly susceptible to yeast infections during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Pay close attention to the appearance of your vaginal discharge at this time.

What do my vaginal discharges look like if I have a yeast infection?

Vaginal thrush (also called a yeast infection) is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus naturally present in the vagina, most often Candida albicans . Yes, it's all about balance again.

It can be favored by several factors:

• wearing clothes that are too tight or synthetic,

• Inadequate intimate hygiene ( harsh soaps, vaginal douches…),

• taking antibiotics,

• certain medical conditions such as diabetes,

• or even hormonal variations (hello pregnancy, periods, stress).

In practical terms, vaginal discharge in cases of yeast infection is quite recognizable: it's thick, whitish, creamy, with a "cottage milk" appearance. But that's not all. It's almost always accompanied by other, less pleasant symptoms:

• intense itching

• irritations,

• burning sensations

• sometimes urinary problems or pain during intercourse.

The good news is that yeast infections are very treatable and quick to resolve. A topical antifungal treatment (often in the form of a vaginal suppository, sometimes supplemented with a cream) is usually enough to clear the problem in a few days. If recurrences are frequent, a medical consultation is essential to understand what is disrupting your vaginal flora.

Vaginal discharge: when should you consult a doctor?

Normally, vaginal discharge is neither painful, nor strongly odorous, nor brightly colored. It may vary throughout your cycle, but it shouldn't cause you any discomfort.

It is important to consult a doctor if your vaginal discharge is accompanied by:

• pain,

• itching or burning sensations,

• persistent discomfort,

• fever.

It's not necessarily serious, but it could be a sign of several things:

• an imbalance of the vaginal flora (following vaginal douching or treatment),

• a sexually transmitted infection (STI),

• a lack of hygiene or, conversely, an excess,

• dehydration

• or even a foreign body (yes, the forgotten tampon happens more often than you think).

Note: slightly yellowish discharge is not necessarily a cause for concern . It may simply oxidize upon contact with air and is not always a sign of infection or a fungal infection.

However, if your discharge is green , frothy , or very smelly , this could indicate a significant imbalance in the vaginal flora (bacterial vaginosis) or an STI such as Trichomonas vaginitis . In this case, don't delay: see a healthcare professional immediately.

Vaginal discharge is neither dirty, nor shameful, nor insignificant. It's a fantastic indicator of what's happening in your body and your cycle. Learning to observe it helps you get to know yourself better, identify imbalances, and seek medical advice at the right time.

Your vagina is talking to you. It's up to you to listen to it (and thank it while you're at it).