How your Discharge Changes Throughout your Cycle

Vaginal discharge is an integral part of the menstrual cycle.
It is neither dirty, abnormal, nor random. On the contrary, its appearance, texture, and quantity change naturally throughout the cycle and constitute a valuable indicator of your gynaecological and hormonal health.

Vaginal discharge throughout the menstrual cycle

Each phase of the cycle influences the production and appearance of vaginal discharge. These variations are linked to hormonal fluctuations, mainly oestrogen and progesterone.

Menstrual phase (Days 1 to 5)

During menstruation, vaginal discharge mixes with menstrual blood.

• Appearance : bright red to dark brown

• Observation : cervical mucus is barely noticeable as bleeding dominates

The absence of visible vaginal discharge during this phase is completely normal.

Follicular phase (Days 6 to 13)

After menstruation, the body enters a phase of preparation for ovulation.

Early follicular phase :

• Vaginal discharge : scarce or absent

• Sensation : vaginal dryness possible

Late follicular phase :

• Discharge : whitish, milky, or slightly creamy

• Hormonal signal : increase in oestrogen

This white discharge of the menstrual cycle indicates that the body is approaching ovulation.

Ovulation and fertile vaginal discharge (Days 14 to 16)

Ovulation corresponds to the period when vaginal discharge is most characteristic.

• Texture : clear, slippery, highly elastic, like egg white

• Role : fertile cervical mucus facilitates the movement and survival of sperm

• Duration : generally 2 to 3 days

This ovulation vaginal discharge signals the maximum fertility window.

Luteal phase (Days 17 to 28)

After ovulation, progesterone changes the appearance of vaginal discharge.

Early luteal phase

• Discharge : thicker, creamy, white, or slightly yellowish

Late luteal phase (before menstruation)

• Sensation : sometimes drier or denser

These changes are part of the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle.

Why tracking your vaginal discharge is essential

Many women mistake normal variations in the menstrual cycle for an infection.
Yet, up to 50% of vaginal infections are misdiagnosed at the initial evaluation.

Observing your vaginal discharge allows you to :

• Reduce misdiagnoses

• Avoid unnecessary treatments

• Better describe your symptoms to a healthcare professional

  
  

Unusual vaginal discharge : when to check

The majority of variations in vaginal discharge are linked to the menstrual cycle and are normal.
But when the appearance, odour, or texture suddenly changes, it can be useful to check if it is a vaginal infection.

In this context, Santelle serves as a tool for clarification.

Santelle is a vaginal home self-test, designed to detect a vaginal infection in a simple and discreet way.

It provides an initial indication, in order to know if an observed change is a cycle variation or requires medical advice.