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Before menstruation, a 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 has the function of guaranteeing the woman's lubrication, in addition to providing information about the period of the cycle in which the woman is, being interesting to observe especially for those who want to get pregnant.
However, when the white discharge before menstruation is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as a bad smell, discomfort, itching or burning sensation, it is important to consult the gynecologist so that tests are carried out and the diagnosis can be identified. cause of the change, as it may be indicative of a fungal or bacterial infection and that requires specific treatment.
1. Menstrual cycle
White discharge is normally part of a woman's normal menstrual cycle and happens due to hormonal changes, mainly due to the increased production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, and is mainly made up of leukocytes. As the amount of progesterone in the blood increases, white discharge is released before menstruation.
What to do: As it is normal and is not associated with any signs or symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, some women who want to become pregnant may pay more attention to the texture of the discharge and cervical mucus to know if they are about to ovulate, 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 dysregulation 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 bacteria related to vaginosis is Gardnerella vaginalis, which in addition to causing white discharge before menstruation, can also cause itching and burning in the genital region, in addition to the discharge having a bad smell. Know how to recognize the symptoms of vaginosis.
What to do: The treatment for bacterial vaginosis is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as Metronidazole, which should be used as indicated by the gynecologist. It is important that bacterial vaginosis is identified and treated according to medical guidelines to prevent the bacteria from continuing to proliferate and resulting in complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
3. Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an infection caused by fungi naturally present in the female genital region, being mainly related to the development of fungi of the genus Candida, mainly of the Candida albicans species. In this case, in addition to white discharge, it is common for women to present other symptoms, such as itching, burning and redness of the intimate region. Here's 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 drugs, such as Fluconazole and Miconazole, which can be in the form of pills, ointments or vaginal creams, and which should be used according to medical advice.
4. Colpite
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 sexual intercourse, swelling of the genital region and small white or red dots on the vaginal mucosa and cervix that are identified from the evaluation of the gynecologist.
What to do: It is important to go to the gynecologist for evaluation, 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, 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, delay in menstruation and cramps, for example. In these cases, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test and consult the gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy. Know how to recognize the first symptoms of pregnancy.
