First of all, you must bear in mind that white vaginal discharge is standard throughout women’s reproductive cycle. These secretions can vary in appearance during the different cycle stages and can be white discharge without representing an abnormality.
Typically the discharge is white, clear, or even pale yellow, and as long as it remains that way and there are no other symptoms, there should be no cause for concern. However, if we also have a delay and the white flow increases, it can be a sign to consider. We want to explain to you when white discharge is expected and when it can be a cause for concern.
Do you wonder why I have white discharge and my period does not drop? In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain it to you.
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Menstrual delay and white discharge: pregnancy?
When your period does not drop, and you have a delay, it is logical that the first thing you think about is pregnancy. The truth is that it is an option that cannot be ruled out since the white discharge, along with the delay, is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy.
The fact is that when it has been fertilized, the woman’s body reacts by producing a tremendous amount of estrogen, which causes a more significant amount of flow to be released. The goal is for the discharge to protect the uterus and the fetus from germs or bacteria that can cause infection, harm the fetus, and interrupt the pregnancy.
This increase in white discharge is expected in the first three months of pregnancy. Although this secretion decreases from the second trimester in most cases, it is not uncommon for some women to appear or disappear throughout pregnancy.
On the other hand, the absence of the rule is one of the most recognized first-time signs of pregnancy. It is necessary to be clear about what is considered a menstrual delay: it occurs once the five days in which the rule should have come down have passed. This should be three 28 days after your period if you are a regular woman.
My period does not drop, and I have white discharge: hormonal changes.
Not all women are regular or have the same cycle days, although most women generally have cycles that can range from 25 to 32 days. From here, depending on the woman’s lifestyle and the vital moment that she is going through, there may be hormonal changes that cause a menstrual delay and an increase in white flow.
As we have explained in the previous section, an increase in estrogen production will affect the volume of vaginal discharge, which is why the following situations can cause hormonal changes:
- Menstruation and hormonal production can be affected by job changes, intense emotions, or weather changes.
- Starting the contraceptive pill or stopping treatment will cause changes in menstruation for a few months.
- Sudden weight loss or gain will be reflected in hormonal production.
In all these cases, the flow will be present. In addition, if it is a simple delay without further consequences, it is expected that the days before menstruation arrives, the flow becomes whiter and thicker than usual.
In short, there is no reason to be overly alarmed when we have white flow, and the rule does not drop. However, we must consider the days of delay that we are or if we have any added symptoms such as those that we will explain below.
Delayed rule and white discharge: could it be an infection?
Some different diseases and infections can cause white discharge. Although we have already commented before that white discharge does not have to be abnormal, there are indeed a series of associated symptoms that can make us suspect that we are suffering from an abnormality.
The symptoms of infection may include the following:
- White discharge appears alongside green, gray, or yellow release.
- The white release is like cottage cheese.
- Vaginal itching and burning occur.
- It can be accompanied by blood.
- Stomach ache.
- Vaginal pain
- Bad-smelling discharge.
- Pain when having intercourse or urinating.
Here we explain which are the central infections that can cause the appearance of white discharge and menstrual delay:
Yeast infection
The fungal infection, candidiasis, or yeast infection is the proliferation of the fungi of the vagina as a result of a change in the vaginal flora, usually as a result of:
- Consumption of an antibiotic.
- Due to stress.
- Disease.
- Pregnancy.
The alteration of the vaginal pH causes an increase in the population of fungi in the vagina, causing symptoms such as the appearance of abundant white discharge, similar in consistency to cottage cheese, burning, and pain in the vagina.
Vaginosis bacteria
It is the vaginal infection that causes the most gynecological consultations because it is pretty standard.
As the name suggests, it is caused by a bacterial infection and, among its primary symptoms, we also find white discharge, which can be gray or yellow, pain, and vaginal burning.
If we compare bacterial vaginosis with candidiasis symptoms, we will find why it is common to confuse them.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is one of the most widespread STDs in western countries, and although it is not very likely to cause the appearance of white discharge, we should mention its prevalence. It is an infection caused by a pathogen that colonizes the genital mucosa, overtaking the patient’s immune system.
The reality is that, typically, its main symptom is the appearance of yellow discharge and vaginal bleeding, but depending on the woman, it can also cause white discharge.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have white discharge and my period does not lower, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.