Causes behind changes in vaginal discharge

Although it may seem like a somewhat odd topic of conversation at the dinner table, the truth is that almost every woman at some point during the day takes a quick look in her underwear after using the toilet. It is a silent check, an unconscious health check, which, despite involving 100% of all women, is rarely discussed openly. The nature and frequency of discharge change through the different stages of life, from puberty to menopause and everything in between. These changes can tell us a lot about our health and well-being, making it remarkable how little conversation there is around this topic. Rather than sharing experiences, many women turn to Google to try to understand alone what is "normal." But what if we could change this? What if instead we could create an open dialogue where no topics are taboo and where knowledge and understanding of our body and its signals are seen as a strength? Our vaginal discharge is often more than just a physical event; it can also be a reflection of our health that gives us important information. By starting to talk openly about these topics, we can begin to build a culture of openness, knowledge, and support. So let's start the conversation by talking a little more about what our vaginal discharge tells us ❤️

FOUL-SMELLING DISCHARGE 

Foul-smelling discharge or itching can be signs of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Studies have found that up to 30% of women experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lives. With VagiVital VS Self-test you can diagnose within 30 seconds whether your discharge is due to bacterial vaginosis with 92% accuracy, and with Vernvia Vaginal Mousse by VagiVital you can then easily treat bacterial vaginosis at home where the foul-smelling discharge is relieved within only 12 hours. 

Don't miss our bacterial vaginosis kit with 10% discount on VagiVital VS Self-test & Vernvia Vaginal Mousse by VagiVital.

VagiVital BV kit for diagnosing and treating bacterial vaginosis can be found here!

DISCHARGE DURING OVULATION

If you are trying to conceive or exploring natural family planning, the knowledge of identifying ovulation-related discharge is an invaluable insight. It is fascinating how well our body communicates with us, if we only learn to listen ❤️

🌸 Characteristics to notice

As you approach ovulation, you should pay attention to the following signs in your discharge:

Consistency: The discharge becomes more elastic and resembles raw egg white, facilitating sperm mobility.

Color: The discharge becomes clearer, indicating an increase in estrogen levels and the optimal period for fertilization.

Amount: You will notice an increased amount of discharge, which is another sign that the body is preparing for fertilization.

🌸 The science behind the phenomenon

This change in discharge during ovulation is well documented in scientific studies. It is a result of the elevated estrogen levels that occur just before ovulation, making cervical mucus more favorable for sperm survival and movement. It is the body's natural way to maximize the chances of fertilization.

🌸 Empowerment through knowledge

By understanding and identifying these signs of ovulation, you can become more in sync with your body's natural cycles. It is a step towards taking control of your reproductive health and making informed choices based on your body's signals. Learning to identify ovulation-related discharge is an important tool for anyone interested in their fertility and wanting to understand their body. It not only provides insight into the body's natural cycles but also encourages a proactive approach to women's health and well-being ❤️.

Read the blog A Basic Guide to Vaginal Discharge here!

DISCHARGE WITHOUT OVULATION

Hormonal imbalances, stress, and certain medications can affect the characteristics or qualities of vaginal discharge, such as their color, consistency, and smell. This includes how thick or thin they are, whether they are clear or cloudy, and whether they have a neutral, sweet, or unpleasant odor. Hormonal imbalances, stress, and the use of certain medications can lead to changes in discharge, even in the absence of ovulation. However, it is important to understand that although ovulation is an important part of the reproductive cycle, the body can still produce vaginal secretions even without an active ovulation process. When the body does not undergo an ovulation process, hormonal balances can change, which in turn can lead to different types of vaginal discharge. These changes can be due to several factors:

🌸 Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are an important factor that can affect women's health in several ways, including their reproductive system and vaginal discharge. These imbalances can be the result of various causes, such as medical conditions, lifestyle choices, medication, and natural transitional periods in life such as perimenopause and menopause.

🌸 Perimenopause and Menopause

During transitional periods such as perimenopause and menopause, women's bodies undergo significant hormonal changes that can affect vaginal discharge. Perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, can be characterized by irregularities in the menstrual cycle and thus also in discharge. Women may experience both dryness and episodes of increased discharge as a result of fluctuating hormone levels.

During menopause, when menstruation stops completely, the body's estrogen production decreases sharply. This can lead to vaginal dryness, which is a common problem among postmenopausal women. The dryness is not only due to reduced estrogen production but also to a change in the composition and amount of vaginal discharge.

Find out if you are in perimenopause/menopause with VagiVital Menopause FSH test. It can help you gain a better understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing and assist in deciding on possible next steps, such as exploring appropriate treatment options. 

You can find the VagiVital Menopause FSH test here!

🌸 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is an example of a condition that can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular or absent ovulation. This can in turn affect vaginal discharge, where women with PCOS may experience both drier discharge and periods of unusually heavy discharge depending on the specific hormonal imbalances.

🌸 Effects of Estrogen and Progesterone

When the body produces too little estrogen, it can result in drier discharge, as estrogen plays a key role in maintaining moisture and elasticity in the vagina. Conversely, an imbalance where estrogen dominates over progesterone can lead to increased production of discharge, resulting in irregular or unusually heavy discharge.

🌸 Stress

Stress is another important factor that can affect both ovulation and vaginal discharge. The body's stress response can disrupt the hormonal balance, which can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle and the associated discharge. This can mean anything from a reduced amount of discharge to a change in its consistency.

🌸 Medications

Certain medications, especially those that affect hormones, can also affect your discharge. This includes hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings. These medications can affect the natural balance between estrogen and progesterone in the body, which can lead to ovulation being suppressed and thus also affect vaginal discharge. 

WHAT DOES DISCHARGE WITH BLOOD MEAN?

If you no longer have menstruation and experience discharge with blood, it may be a sign of medical conditions that require attention from a healthcare provider.

Discharge with blood outside the normal menstrual cycle, often called "abnormal vaginal bleeding," can be due to a variety of causes that vary in severity. When blood is present in vaginal discharge outside the expected menstruation time, it is therefore important not to ignore this sign, as it can be an indicator of several medical conditions. When you experience bleeding that does not fit into your normal cycle, it is therefore important to seek medical advice. 

DISCHARGE & VAGIVITAL AKTIVGEL

In our clinical studies with VagiVital AktivGel that we have conducted with about 500 patients, there are some women who have actually gotten discharge, or rather got back the natural discharge they once had before menopause, before suffering from dry mucous membranes. Discharge in this case is a fantastic proof that AktivGel works and it shows that the mucous membranes are once again moisturized ❤️ To get the best effect of AktivGel against dry mucous membranes, we see in our studies that the best effect is achieved by initially using the gel once a day for three months, which corresponds to three tubes and thereafter as needed, which is usually every other or every third day. 

When buying a 3-pack AktivGel get 10% discount here now!

Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️

/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se