Two days ago, I got an email from one of my readers asking if it is normal to have white discharge after her period. She was bothered because she had not experienced it before, and it seemed easily noticeable.
She is from the UK and is 19 years old. So, is white discharge after your period abnormal? What does it mean if you experience whitish discharge after your period?
First of all, all types of vaginal discharge have their significance. Often, if the discharge is clear or whitish, has no strong smell, and you have no itching, pain, or burning, it is very likely to be normal.
However, whitish vaginal discharge can sometimes result from infections such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. These infections are not always sexually transmitted and may be related to changes in the normal vaginal bacteria, hormone changes, use of new soaps or products, or recent antibiotics.
If you’ve been involved in sexual intercourse without condoms, especially with a new or multiple partners, and your discharge has changed in colour, smell or is associated with pain or bleeding, then a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is also possible.
But don’t panic. Most ladies get discharge from time to time. In many cases, this is simply due to the influence of hormones on your menstrual cycle.
That is, your hormones can make your discharge look a little excessive and thick. They can also make you have a white, watery or stretchy discharge at different times.
Mild white discharge on its own is usually not something you should be anxious about and often does not need treatment. However, if you notice a new bad smell, itching, burning, pain, or blood mixed with the discharge, you should see a doctor or nurse for a proper check.
I have compiled the possible reasons why you have whitish discharge after your period and when you should see a doctor.
Why do you have white discharge in the first place?
As earlier mentioned, most ladies have come to terms with their vaginal discharge. They know it is a normal part of their menstrual cycle.
So, if you’ve unexpectedly noticed whitish discharge from your vagina, you do not always need to worry.
Vaginal discharge is produced by your cervical glands, which are located at the upper part of your vagina.
This mucus comes down from the cervix and picks up old cells in the vagina, shedding them. It also helps remove small particles and irritants from the vaginal canal.
In the end, vaginal discharge plays a critical role in keeping your vaginal canal healthy, clean, and less prone to infections.
Mostly, this happens because of a special type of vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria are one of the main reasons you don’t get infections all the time. They protect the vagina by keeping it acidic through the production of hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid.
When this balance is disturbed (for example, with bacterial vaginosis or some STIs), you may notice a stronger or fishy smell, a change in colour, or more discharge than usual.
What causes white discharge after period?
If you have whitish discharge after your period, here are the most common causes.
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Normal vaginal discharge
Yes, most whitish vaginal discharge is normal. In fact, in many cases you do not need any treatment. Most women will experience some vaginal discharge every day, sometimes up to about a teaspoon.
This means it is very common to experience whitish discharge at different times in your menstrual cycle. What matters more is whether it has a strong smell or comes with other symptoms such as itching, burning, pain, or bleeding.
Are you still confused? Let me explain. There are numerous hormones that play a critical role in your menstrual cycle.
Your menstrual cycle is the timeline between two of your menstrual periods. Between this time, your body prepares your ovaries for ovulation, triggers ovulation, prepares the uterus for your next period, and then triggers your next period.
All these happen because of the influence of hormones.
At the beginning of your menstrual cycle, just after the end of your period, you may experience a “vaginal drought.” That is, you only see a small amount of discharge. Later on, as estrogen begins to rise in the first part of the menstrual cycle, you may notice more clear or whitish discharge after your period.
Usually, towards ovulation, stretchy, clear or whitish discharge after your period is normal and physiologic (more on that in a minute).
Towards your next period, there is a spike in the level of progesterone. This hormone acts to make your discharge look a little bit thick, creamy or milky. This is also normal.
If your discharge is white/clear, without bad smell, and you have no itching, burning, pain or unusual bleeding, it is most likely normal.
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You may be pregnant
This may sound strange, right? How could you be pregnant after having your period?
An increase in clear or whitish discharge after your “period” may actually be due to early pregnancy. This could happen if you’ve mistaken implantation bleeding or other light bleeding for your normal period.
So, is your white discharge after “period” a sign of pregnancy? Here are a few questions to consider.
How long did your period last?
The duration of your bleeding may help you guess if it was implantation bleeding or your usual period. If it only lasted for one or two days and was very light, it could be implantation bleeding, but it could also be a short period or a hormonal change. You cannot rely on this alone.
On the other hand, if your period lasts about three to seven days with your usual flow, then you likely had your normal period. A simple way to differentiate both is to think about your pad or tampon use. If you used a sanitary pad and it got soaked at any time, that’s more likely to be a true period.
Did you have unprotected intercourse recently?
You cannot get pregnant without sperm entering the vagina. This usually happens with vaginal sex when no effective contraception was used, or when contraception failed.
If you’ve not had intercourse at all, then that’s your period. If you did, pregnancy is possible even if you used contraception, because no method (except abstinence) is 100% effective.
Usually, if you are pregnant, there are other signs that you may notice. These include breast tenderness and pain, back pain, vomiting, nausea, mood swings, increased whitish discharge (called leukorrhea) and lower belly cramps. However, some women feel completely normal in early pregnancy.
If you have these symptoms, you could be pregnant. The only way to confirm is through a pregnancy test. Take one, especially if your period was much lighter than usual or you are having signs of pregnancy.
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You are possibly ovulating
Another possible reason for whitish discharge after your period is ovulation.
Ovulation is the release of an egg from your ovaries. If you’ve just heard the term ovulation, it is nothing new to your body. If you’ve been menstruating regularly for months or years now, it means you’ve silently been ovulating.
Most times, it is easy to miss the signs of ovulation. One of those signs is a change in your discharge after your period.
As mentioned earlier, towards ovulation there are hormonal changes that cause your vagina to discharge more. Specifically, this happens because of elevated estrogen levels.
So, how can you tell your whitish vaginal mucus is due to ovulation?
Ovulation timing
Though your body hormones may be complex, you can still estimate when you will ovulate in your menstrual cycle.
Most ladies with a “textbook” 28-day cycle will ovulate around day 14. This means that if you get whitish, stretchy discharge about a week after the end of your period, it is likely due to ovulation.
If your cycles are shorter or longer, or irregular, ovulation can happen earlier or later than day 14. In these cases, the timing of this stretchy discharge will shift with your cycle.
What does ovulation discharge look like?
Ovulation discharge has its own characteristics. It often appears about a week after your period and is slimy, thread-like, stretchy (like raw egg white), excessive and watery to feel.
If you get this type of discharge, and you do not have itching, bad smell, burning, or pain, don’t panic. You’re most likely ovulating and need no treatment.
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During or after intercourse
If you are sexually active and engage in vaginal intercourse or stimulation, you should expect an increase in vaginal moisture during arousal. This discharge often looks clear to whitish and has a mild odor.
This is not abnormal and happens naturally as your body gets aroused. It helps reduce friction and makes sex more comfortable.
However, if you notice new pain, bleeding after sex, a strong or fishy smell, or pain during intercourse, please see your doctor, as these can be signs of infection or other conditions that need treatment.
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You could have a yeast infection
Yeast infection (thrush) can be terrible. And if you currently have the infection, you will usually have white discharge.
White discharge due to a yeast infection is typically clumpy and thick, often described as a “cottage cheese” discharge. Other signs of a yeast infection are vulval and vaginal burning sensation, vaginal itching, pain during sexual activity, painful urination (dysuria), and soreness on the outside of the vagina.
If you get these symptoms, it is likely that you have a yeast infection.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of abnormal discharge, but the discharge usually looks thin and grayish or off-white, with a fishy smell, especially after sex.
If you suspect an infection, it is safer to see your doctor or clinic for a proper diagnosis rather than self-treating repeatedly.
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You have sexually transmitted infections
Your white or off-white discharge could also mean you have a sexually transmitted infection. Common STIs that affect the cervix and vagina include chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.
So, how can you tell it might be an STI?
Your vaginal discharge may look greenish, yellowish, gray, or frothy.
There may be a strong or unpleasant smell.
You may have pain in your lower abdomen or back.
You may have difficulty passing urine with a burning sensation.
You may notice bleeding between periods or after intercourse.
Your vulva may itch more and more.
Other signs are fever, vomiting, painful intercourse, and feeling generally unwell.
Sometimes, STIs cause only mild or no symptoms, but they can still damage your reproductive organs and affect your ability to get pregnant later.
If you suspect an STI, see a doctor or sexual health clinic for testing and treatment, and ensure your partner(s) are treated too.
How to prevent an abnormal white discharge after period
Abnormal white discharge after a period often happens because of vaginal infections. Here are ways to reduce your risk of these infections in the first place.
Choose breathable underwear. Synthetic panties can trap heat and moisture, which may encourage yeast and bacteria to overgrow. Cotton underwear (or at least a cotton crotch) allows more air flow.
Avoid douching and strong products inside the vagina. Don’t wash inside your vagina with soap, antiseptics, or spray perfumes in and around the vagina. The vagina is self-cleaning, so let it do its work. You can gently wash the vulva (outside) with water or mild, unscented soap if needed.
Practice safer sex. Using condoms, limiting your number of sexual partners, and going for regular STI checks can significantly reduce your risk of infections that change your discharge.
Use medicines wisely. Long-term or repeated antibiotics and steroids can increase your chances of a yeast infection. If you must take these medications, talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of thrush.
General hygiene and period care. Bathe regularly, change pads or tampons frequently during your period, and change underwear daily. Avoid leaving tampons in for too long.
If your discharge suddenly changes in colour, smell or amount, or you have itching, burning, pain, or bleeding when you are not on your period, please see your doctor or clinic for a proper examination.
Are you worried about your discharge after your period? You could let us know in the comments and, most importantly, talk with your healthcare provider who can examine you in person.
Dr Akatakpo Dunn is a Nigerian medical doctor, sonologist and Medical Director of Verah Clinic & Maternity in Warri, Nigeria. He holds an MBBS from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnostic Ultrasound (India) and a Professional Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RCPI). Through Medplux, he explains women’s health, pregnancy, fertility and ultrasound in clear, practical language so readers can make informed decisions with their own doctors.
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