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Before menstruation, the woman may notice the presence of a white, thick and odorless discharge, which is considered normal and happens due to hormonal changes typical of the menstrual cycle. This discharge serves to ensure the lubrication of the woman, in addition to providing information about the period of the cycle in which the woman is, being interesting to note especially for those who want to get pregnant.
However, when the white discharge before menstruation is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as bad smell, discomfort, itching or a burning sensation, it is important to consult the gynecologist so that tests can be done and the cause of the change can be identified, already which may be indicative of fungal or bacterial infection and which requires specific treatment.
1. Menstrual cycle
White discharge is usually part of the woman's normal menstrual cycle and happens due to hormonal changes, mainly due to the increased production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, and it consists mainly of leukocytes. As the amount of progesterone increases in the blood, white discharge is released before menstruation.
What to do: As it is something normal and is not associated with any signs or symptoms, treatment is not necessary. However, some women who wish to become pregnant may pay more attention to the texture of the discharge and cervical mucus to see if it is close to ovulating, which is known as the Billings ovulation method.Understand how it works and how to do the Billings ovulation method.
2. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis corresponds to the deregulation of the microbiota of the vagina, with the proliferation of bacteria that are naturally present in the region and leading to the appearance of signs and symptoms. The main bacterium related to vaginosis is Gardnerella vaginalis, which in addition to causing white discharge before menstruation, can also cause itching and burning of the genital region, in addition to the discharge having a bad smell. Know how to recognize the symptoms of vaginosis.
What to do: Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as Metronidazole, which should be used as directed by the gynecologist. It is important that bacterial vaginosis is identified and treated according to medical guidelines to prevent the bacteria from proliferating and resulting in complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
3. Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an infection caused by fungi naturally present in the woman's genital region, being mainly related to the development of fungi of the genus Candida, mainly of the species Candida Albicans. In this case, in addition to the white discharge, it is common for women to present other symptoms, such as itching, burning and redness of the intimate region. See how to identify the symptoms of Candida.
What to do: To eliminate excess fungi and relieve symptoms, the gynecologist may recommend the use of antifungal remedies, such as Fluconazole and Miconazole, which can be in the form of pills, ointments or vaginal creams, and which should be used in accordance with medical advice.
4. Colpitis
White discharge before menstruation can also be a sign of colpitis, which is an inflammation of the vagina and cervix caused by bacteria, fungi and protozoa. In addition to the discharge, the woman may also experience an unpleasant odor that worsens after intercourse, swelling of the genital area and small white or red spots on the vaginal mucosa and cervix that are identified from the gynecologist's evaluation.
What to do: It is important to go to the gynecologist to make the assessment, diagnosis and treatment, which in these cases is done with the use of antimicrobials in the form of cream, ointments or pills.
5. Pregnancy
In some cases, the white discharge before menstruation can also be indicative of pregnancy, in which case it is thicker than the white discharge that normally occurs.
What to do: It is important to pay attention to the appearance of other signs and symptoms of pregnancy, such as dizziness, headache, delayed menstruation and cramps, for example. In such cases, it is recommended to take the pregnancy test and consult the gynecologist to prove the pregnancy. Know how to recognize the first symptoms of pregnancy.
See more about white discharge and what may be the other discharge colors in the following video: