Personal Hygiene: Understanding the Different Types of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is not a taboo topic, but an integral part of women’s lives. But faced with the variety of colors, textures, smells and eras, it’s easy to get lost in guesswork. Is this normal discharge or a sign of an infection that requires medical attention? Whether during your period or outside of this period, such as during bleeding, find all the information you need here.

Periodic discharge: rules

Menstruation occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle, approximately 10–16 days after ovulation, when the endometrium is shed in the absence of fertilization. This detachment results in vaginal bleeding that usually lasts three to seven days, although the duration may vary from woman to woman.

During this time, the uterus contracts, pushing blood and tissue out of the endometrium, which can sometimes lead to abdominal cramps. Your period may also be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, feeling tired, mood swings, etc.

Menstruation is a natural and healthy process, although sometimes unpleasant. Regular menstrual cycles and normal menstrual bleeding are often a sign of a well-functioning reproductive system. In addition, the end of menstruation marks the beginning of a new cycle, preparing the uterus for the possible arrival of a new fertilized egg.

Intermenstrual bleeding: spotting

Intermenstrual bleeding occurs outside the normal period. Although they are generally considered harmless, they can sometimes signal health problems. By understanding the difference between spotting and menstruation, you can better understand specific bleeding and determine whether it is normal or potentially problematic.

Indeed, spotting is light bloody discharge that occurs at different times of the menstrual cycle, often different from the actual period. Sometimes this bleeding does not even come from inside the uterus, but from the cervix. From a physiological point of view, spotting is different from menstruation.

For example, if your period begins three days after the bleeding begins and then becomes heavier, the start of your period is considered to be when the bleeding becomes heavier. The small spotty marks do indeed belong to the previous cycle.

In other words, you are in the postovulatory phase of your cycle, but not yet in the next stage, which marks the beginning of a new cycle. Intermenstrual bleeding may be normal or abnormal depending on the circumstances.

Normal bleeding

Normal bleeding does not pose a pathological risk. As a rule, these are normal reactions of the functioning of the reproductive tract.

End of periods

Menstrual flow is usually heavy between the twelfth and twenty-fourth hour and gradually decreases until the end. In the last hours (especially the last two days) you can notice small traces of blood. In this case, the suspected spotting is normal because it marks the end of menstruation. On the other hand, when light bleeding continues 4 to 5 days after the usual time for bleeding to stop, it may be due to pathology.

Estrogen bleeding

A surge of estrogen can occur a week to fifteen days after menstruation, last one to two days and in small quantities. This bleeding is usually pink in color because it is mixed with cervical mucus. They are less of a concern because they involve a rapid rise in estrogen levels, often before ovulation. Although rare, recurrences should be monitored by a medical professional.

Implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding is bloody discharge that occurs when an embryo is implanted into the endometrium. This situation is not systemic in nature. In fact, you won’t notice spotting every time you decide to get pregnant (meaning the implantation of the embryo into the lining of the uterus). This small bleeding appears a week to ten days after ovulation and usually lasts one to two days.

Other factors, such as menopause and wearing a copper IUD, can cause spotting. However, it is important to focus on the troubling causes.

Abnormal bleeding

Abnormal intermenstrual bleeding is caused by pathologies. Unfortunately, and this is where the difficulty lies, some diseases can cause such problems. Maybe :

• ectropion;
• polyp;
• myoma;
• tumor;
• endometriosis or adenomyosis;
• cervical infection;
• cervical cancer, etc.

Although some of the conditions on this list seem serious, abnormal bleeding can also be caused by less troubling factors such as stress, anxiety, etc.

Understanding the cause-and-effect relationship between certain pathologies and spotting can be difficult because each organism reacts differently. Individual differences in responses to health problems make these relationships difficult to explain precisely. However, keep in mind that the circumstances under which these pathologies can trigger intermenstrual bleeding are numerous.

So, if you notice traces of blood after sexual intercourse or a few days before your period, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Likewise, if you experience spotting for more than two days after your period, or if this bleeding is accompanied by foul odor, fever, and fatigue, it is important to consult your doctor.

Hygiene during intermenstrual loss: what to do?

Maintaining excellent hygiene during intermenstrual bleeding is normal. To do this, use menstrual panties. Designed with women’s privacy in mind, they perfectly absorb small and heavy discharge, limiting moisture and discomfort. Wearing cotton underwear helps your skin breathe and reduces the risk of irritation.

It is also recommended to clean the genital area with warm water and mild soap. Also avoid irritating products such as scented sprays and scented tampons. By following these instructions, you will undoubtedly be able to maintain the natural balance of your reproductive tract. Do not hesitate to contact a specialist in case of complications or doubts.