Does leucorrhea mean menstruation?

All women will experience leucorrhea. Generally, when a woman's menstruation is about to come, the amount of leucorrhea will be more. This is a very normal physiological phenomenon. Whether the amount of vaginal discharge of a woman is normal is also a reflection of whether her body is healthy. Under normal circumstances, if a woman has abnormal leucorrhea, it means that she may have an infection and needs timely treatment. So, does leucorrhea mean menstruation?

Under normal circumstances, women tend to have increased leucorrhea secretion 2-3 days before and after the menstrual cycle, during ovulation, pregnancy and sexual intercourse. The reason is that during ovulation, the estrogen level is relatively high, the secretion of the cervical glands increases and becomes thinner, which reduces the acidity and alkalinity of the vagina, which is beneficial to the survival and passage of sperm. Before and after the menstrual cycle, vaginal exudate and cervical secretions increase due to pelvic congestion and the influence of estrogen. These factors can increase vaginal discharge, which is normal and there is no need to worry.

However, if a woman experiences abnormal phenomena before her menstrual period, or if her vaginal discharge changes in color or smell, it is best to seek timely treatment. Experts say: Increased vaginal discharge before a woman's menstrual cycle is a sign of a gynecological infection. There are many pathogens that can cause infection, and different pathogens require different treatments. Relevant clinical examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Detect and treat early, and don’t miss the best time for treatment.

Expert tips: Female friends should pay close attention to the changes in the texture and color of leucorrhea, because abnormal leucorrhea is a signal of female internal reproductive disease and should be taken seriously. Many gynecological diseases can cause abnormal changes in leucorrhea, which are beyond the physiological range in quality and quantity, and are also accompanied by other symptoms and different characteristics of leucorrhea. Is it normal to have leucorrhea during menstruation?

1. Colorless paste-like leucorrhea

The leucorrhea is sticky like paste, with a large amount, and often stains the underwear. Except for lower back pain, the patient has no other symptoms. It is more common in chronic metritis. In addition, women who use more estrogen preparations may also experience this kind of leucorrhea.

2. Okara-like leucorrhea

The amount of leucorrhea is large and floc-like like bean dregs, and is often accompanied by vaginal itching. This type of leucorrhea is mostly caused by vaginal fungal infection or diabetes.

3. Foamy leucorrhea

The leucorrhea is foamy and abundant, accompanied by itching of the vulva and vagina. If a vaginal leucorrhea smear test is done, active Trichomonas may be detected. This is because of infection with Trichomonas due to unclean bath water during a tub bath, pool bath or sitz bath. This disease is often caused by itching and scratching of the vaginal opening, which leads to purulent infection and the leucorrhea turns into yellow pus and foam.

4. Purulent leucorrhea

If the leucorrhea is yellow or green and is often accompanied by symptoms such as general weakness and low fever, it is likely that you have acute vaginitis or cervicitis. Purulence indicates bacterial infection and you should seek medical attention immediately.

5. Watery leucorrhea

Leucorrhea that is clear like water, often soaks the underwear, and has a foul odor is often a characteristic of fallopian tube tumors.

6. Bloody leucorrhea

If the leucorrhea is stained with blood, you should be alert to malignant tumors such as cervical cancer and uterine body cancer. However, benign lesions such as senile vaginitis, cervical polyps, severe cervical erosion, intrauterine contraceptive devices, and submucosal uterine leiomyoma may also cause this symptom.

Is it normal to have leucorrhea during menstruation? In fact, not only will there be leucorrhea before menstruation, but it will usually increase. When menstruation is about to come, pelvic congestion increases and blood flow to the cervix and vagina is greater than usual, so vaginal secretions naturally increase.

After women enter puberty, their ovarian function matures. Under the influence of hormones secreted by the ovaries, vaginal epithelial cells are regularly regenerated and shed, and the vaginal walls can secrete a small amount of fluid; the mucous glands of the cervix also change periodically under the influence of ovarian endocrine secretions and secrete transparent mucus. These epithelial cells, mucus, and liquid mix together and flow out of the vagina in the form of egg white, which is leucorrhea.