Is it normal to have a discharge before menstruation?

The appearance of discharge before menstruation is a relatively common situation, provided that the discharge is whitish, odorless and with a slightly elastic and slippery consistency. This is a discharge that usually appears due to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle and is common after the egg is released.

However, if the discharge has a different color or if it has other strange characteristics such as bad smell, thicker consistency, change in color or other associated symptoms such as pain, burning or itching, it may be a sign of infection, for example, and it is recommended to consult the gynecologist to do the necessary tests and start the appropriate treatment.

One of the most easily observed changes in the discharge is the change in color. For this reason, we explain the most common causes for each color of discharge before menstruation:

White discharge

White discharge is the most common type of discharge before menstruation and is a completely normal situation, especially when it is not accompanied by a bad smell and is not very thick.

If the white discharge has a bad smell, is thick and comes with itching, pain or irritation in the vaginal area, it can be a type of infection and should be evaluated by a gynecologist. Check the causes of white discharge before menstruation and what to do.

Pink discharge

The pink discharge can also appear before menstruation, especially in women with irregular menstrual cycle or who are going through a phase of greater hormonal imbalance.

This is because, in these cases, menstruation may end up coming earlier than the woman expected, causing the bleeding to mix with the whitish discharge that is common before menstruation, thus causing a more pink discharge.

Some situations that can cause hormonal imbalance are:

• Start or exchange of contraceptives;
• Presence of cysts in the ovaries.
• Pre-menopause.

If the pink discharge appears with other symptoms such as pain during intercourse, bleeding or pelvic pain, it may be a sign of infection. In such cases, it is recommended to consult the gynecologist to identify the cause and initiate the appropriate treatment. See more the main causes for pink discharge throughout the cycle.

Brown discharge

The brown discharge is more common after menstruation due to the release of some blood clots, but it can also happen before menstruation, especially after intimate contact or by changing contraceptives.

However, if the brown discharge appears with blood or appears associated with pain, discomfort during intercourse or burning when urinating, it may be indicative of a sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea, which must be properly treated with the use of antibiotics prescribed by the gynecologist. . Check out what the brown discharge might be.

Yellow discharge

The yellow discharge is not an immediate sign of a problem, and it usually appears within 10 days prior to delivery due to ovulation.

However, the woman should always be aware of any change in smell or the appearance of other symptoms such as pain when urinating or itching in the intimate region, as the yellow discharge can also be indicative of infection in the genital region, being necessary to consult the gynecologist. Understand more what causes yellow discharge and treatment in case of infection.

Greenish discharge

The greenish discharge before menstruation is not common and is usually accompanied by an unpleasant smell, itching and burning in the vaginal area, pointing to a possible infection caused by some fungus or bacteria.

In such cases, it is recommended that the woman see a gynecologist to identify the infection and start treatment. Learn the causes of greenish discharge and what to do when it appears.

When to go to the doctor

It is important to consult your gynecologist when:

• The discharge has an unpleasant smell;
• Other symptoms appear, such as pain or irritation in the genital region, when urinating, or during sexual intercourse;
• Menstruation is delayed for 2 months or more.

In addition to these situations, it is also recommended to consult the gynecologist regularly, at least once a year, to perform preventive diagnostic tests, such as the pap smear. See the 5 signs that you should go to the gynecologist.

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Bibliography

• DASHARATHY, Sonya et al. Menstrual Bleeding Patterns Among Regularly Menstruating Women. American Journal of Epidemiology. Vol.175. 6.ed; 536-545, 2012
• MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Family Planning Assistance. 2002. Available at:. Accessed on 28 Oct 2020
• Sherrard, Jackie et al. European (IUSTI / WHO) Guideline on the Management of Vaginal Discharge. International Journal of STD & AIDS. Vol.22. 8.ed; 421-429, 2011
• UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE. Investigation and Management of Vaginal Discharge in Adult Women. 2014. Available at:. Accessed on 28 Oct 2020