egg white discharge · vaginal discharge · women's health ·May 13, 2022

Egg White Discharge - What It May Mean, Shades, Is it normal?

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of every menstruator. From the start of your menstrual cycle, you will notice your vagina secreting fluids that change in consistency and colour, each indicative of different states of your body.

While most discharge is completely normal and a natural part of your system, some discharge is indicative of bacterial or other infections, sexually transmitted diseases or even cancer.

Egg White Discharge Meaning

Egg white discharge refers to the clear, stretchy liquid that comes out of the vagina as a result of hormonal fluctuations in the body. In most cases, it helps in the sperm travelling from the vagina to reach the uterus.

The name comes from the fact that the discharge resembles and feels like that of raw egg white. Normally, it is released a few days prior to ovulation and can last up to 1 or 2 days after that.

What does it indicate?

Under normal circumstances, egg white discharge is a symbol of fertility, but it can mean a few more things:

Ovulation - You may notice a clear and stretchy mucus like secretion before and when you are ovulating. This usually marks your most fertile period as it serves to help the sperm reach the uterus.

Sexual arousal - This type of discharge is common during arousal and serves as a lubricant for comfortable penetration.

Pregnancy - Termed as leukorrhea, a thin slightly milky and stretchy discharge is normal in the early stages of pregnancy.

When does it occur?

Under normal circumstances, egg white mucus appears a few days before ovulation and continues for 1 or 2 days after that. The thin consistency of the secretion makes it easier to conceive. The consistency changes after ovulation and stops once your period is over.

How is it triggered?

The main hormone responsible for triggering this type of discharge is estrogen. If you have a lack of it, you may not have egg white mucus secretions. Along with the discharge, the body also undergoes certain other changes to facilitate pregnancy, like the cervix becomes softer and opens up wider, while you may notice an increase in libido.

How do you check for egg white discharge?

Mostly, if a person is trying to get pregnant, they would want to keep a track of when their vagina is releasing egg white discharge. The few methods to check include:

Underwear check - The best way to find out is to check your underwear for thin, sticky vaginal discharge.

The finger method - Another great method to check is to insert two fingers and stretch them. Egg white mucus will stretch a few inches and appear clear. Non-fertile secretions do not stretch and are usually sticky in consistency.

The Billings Ovulation Method - This method is meant to keep in track of when you are ovulating and maintaining a record of when you feel the secretion in your vulva and also testing it with your fingers and noticing it on your underwear. The Billings Ovulation Method is useful for charting a conception plan.

Can you get pregnant if you have little or no egg white discharge?

It is possible to get pregnant with or without egg white discharge as long as you are ovulating. Though, it might be easier to conceive when you secrete the mucus as compared to when your vagina releases little to none of it, as sperm will have a harder time travelling to the uterus.

What are your options if you don’t get it?

You can opt for certain things if you have little to no cervical mucus and still wish to conceive naturally:

If your medication is preventing this type of discharge, talk to a doctor to identify the cause and change your prescription.
Stay hydrated as dehydration may often cause a loss of egg white mucus.
Use certain water-based lubricants that are not harmful to sperms.
You can opt for natural supplements that may boost your discharge like primrose oil, marshmallow roots, dandelion, licorice and L-arginine.

What happens to egg white discharge after menopause?

Vaginal discharge lessens and slowly dries up after menopause due to the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls. This is usually caused due to dropping estrogen levels in the body. Certain vaginal creams and medication can be used to treat discomfort arising from vaginal dryness and lubricants should be used for having sex. Talk to your doctor to draft a plan.