Lots of discharge after ovulation

Ovulation Discharge and Cervical Mucus: What You Need to Know

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a healthy menstrual cycle.

It’s also normal to notice more or less discharge and different consistencies in this fluid depending on if you are at the beginning, end, or middle of your menstrual cycle.

In particular, many people with vaginas produce a lot more cervical mucus before ovulation.

In fact, some track their discharge and use the cervical mucus method as a form of birth control or to try to time sex to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

In this article, I’ll explain what ovulation discharge is and what to watch out for.

Then I’ll discuss cervical mucus, including tips for checking it. I’ll also share specific changes you might notice in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Lastly, I’ll go over when to see a doctor about ovulation discharge.

Ovulation Discharge

Normal menstrual cycles range between 23-35 days, with the average cycle lasting 28 days.

Although ovulation can happen a few days to a few weeks after a period ends, it typically happens on day 15 of a 28-day cycle.

Ovulation discharge is produced when follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen all increase in preparation for maturing and releasing an egg.

This fluid prepares the vagina for being receptive to sperm.

What to look out for

As ovulation approaches, you may notice an increase in clear or white vaginal discharge.

You may experience this as a sensation of wetness or see residue on your underwear.

The discharge may also be visible after urination.

Seeing ovulation discharge does not guarantee that ovulation has happened.

It is also possible to have a few surges of hormones that mean a few different times of ovulation discharge.

Have questions about discharge? Chat with a medical professional today.

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What Is Cervical Mucus?

Cervical mucus is made by glands in the cervix.

In addition to lubricating the vaginal canal, this discharge helps clear old cells and other debris.

It also keeps the vagina at an acidic pH to prevent pathogens from easily entering the cervix and uterus and causing an infection.

Around the time of ovulation, the pH level of cervical mucus changes to be more friendly for sperm, allowing it to travel up the vagina and through the cervix.

Sperm can survive in this ovulation cervical mucus for 3-5 days and, if an egg was released, attempt to fertilize it.

Different types of cervical mucus

You may notice different types of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle.

This tends to happen in a predictable pattern according to the hormone changes that regulate ovulation and your period.

After your period ends, you may have 3-4 days of dryness, or you may immediately notice sticky, thicker cervical mucus that may look white, off-white, or pale yellow.

This is not typically fertile and is part of the final shedding process of the uterine lining.

As ovulation approaches and hormone levels change, this cervical fluid becomes thinner and clearer.

During ovulation, cervical mucus levels are at their highest and the texture goes from thick and sticky to watery and, finally, to the consistency of egg whites.

Once ovulation is over, cervical mucus tends to noticeably decrease within 1-2 days.

The week before a person’s period may contain very little visible cervical mucus.

If you get pregnant, one of the first signs may be an increase in what appears to be watery, clear, or white discharge again around the time your period is expected.

To protect a growing embryo, the cervix creates a mucus plug to seal off the uterus.

This can lead to an increase in mucus during early pregnancy.

Tips for checking cervical mucus

It can be helpful to pay attention to your cervical mucus, especially if you are trying to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy without the use of contraception.

To identify your fertility status, you should also track your basal body temperature, since a rise in temperature can help confirm that ovulation has occurred.

You can also use at-home ovulation predictor kits in conjunction with charting your menstrual cycle to track ovulation.

If you want to track your fertility by cervical mucus, it’s best to check once a day.

Start when your period flow has ended and check at the same time every day.

You can use an app to record your daily observations, or keep a note on a smartphone or in a notebook.

To assess your cervical fluid:

After you finish using the bathroom, wipe the external vaginal area thoroughly to ensure no urine remains.

Pat the external vaginal area or just inside with a fresh piece of toilet paper. When cervical mucus is higher, you will be able to see it. It may be very slippery and glossy, or it may just be a small area of thicker substance.

Wash your hands. Then briefly insert one finger into the vagina.

Remove the finger and note the amount, color, and texture of any fluid. (The most fertile cervical fluid will have a texture and appearance similar to raw egg whites. )

You do not have to check cervical mucus to try to get pregnant, but some people with vaginas want to understand the subtle signs that can indicate higher fertility levels.

Cervical fluid is an easy at-home way to do this.

Note that if you have had intercourse within the last day or two, some semen may remain.

It can appear the same as cervical fluid if you are monitoring fertility this way.

Some people naturally produce less cervical mucus and may not notice much difference using the method above.

This does not mean that you cannot get pregnant or that you are experiencing reduced fertility.

If you are concerned about vaginal dryness or a lack of cervical mucus, talk to your healthcare provider.

Cervical Mucus Changes Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

Cervical mucus changes throughout a menstrual cycle in response to hormones.

The phases of cervical mucus typically include:

After period: Dry or no cervical mucus

Before ovulation: Sticky, thicker cervical mucus that may be white, pale yellow, or clear. This gradually increases in volume and turns more watery

During ovulation: Highest volume of thinner, stretchy, egg-white-like cervical mucus that is typically clear

After ovulation: Thicker, sticky cervical mucus that may gradually decrease or suddenly drop off

Before period: Small amounts of white, thick mucus, with the 1-2 days before a period being the driest

Cervical Mucus Changes Throughout Pregnancy

Although increased cervical fluid can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is not a guaranteed sign.

It is possible to be pregnant without increased cervical mucus.

Higher levels of cervical mucus before a period can also indicate other things, including hormone changes or infection if the discharge smells foul or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Cervical mucus is also common throughout pregnancy.

It is typically thin, white or clear, and does not have a distinct odor.

Because blood flow dramatically increases during pregnancy, any vaginal irritation may lead to bleeding and cause discharge to appear pink or brown.

This may be no cause for concern.

However, any time you notice bleeding, spotting, or discharge with color, tell your healthcare provider.

In less common cases, this can be a sign of infection, cervical problems, or miscarriage.

Also, if you notice increased discharge at any point in pregnancy along with cramps or contractions, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.

Have questions about discharge? Chat with a medical professional today.

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When to See a Doctor

Most of the time, vaginal discharge is normal, especially if it is clear.

An increased amount of discharge before ovulation is a sign of a healthy reproductive system.

However, see a doctor if you have concerns about changes to your normal level of cervical mucus or if you experience any of the following conditions:

Change in color
Change in odor or smell
Change in texture
Abdominal pain
Cramping
Burning or pain during urination

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you ovulate discharge?

Discharge is a normal part of a healthy reproductive system for people with vaginas. It increases in volume around the time of ovulation and lasts for about 1-5 days.

What does discharge look like after ovulation if not pregnant?

If you do not get pregnant, cervical mucus tends to decrease after ovulation and gradually become drier. The 1-2 days before a period are typically the driest of the cycle. If you notice a lot of discharge after ovulation, it could mean that you did not ovulate when you thought you did. It could also mean that you have an infection or something else irritating the vaginal canal. If your normal level of cervical mucus changes, contact your healthcare provider.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Natural Family Planning. (2021).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546661/
Real-Life Insights on Menstrual and Ovulation Using Big Data. (2020).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164578/
Vaginal Discharge. (1990).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/

Cervical mucus after ovulation (and throughout your cycle)

Your body is kind of like an info feedback loop for reproductive health, and one example of this is your cervical mucus — specifically its volume and consistency. Tracking changes in cervical mucus is one of the most effective ways to understand where you are in your menstrual cycle. Because cervical mucus creates an optimal environment for sperm in your vagina and helps the sperm travel to the egg, documenting changes in consistency and appearance each month can reveal when you have the highest or lowest chance of getting pregnant (or when cervical mucus makes it easier or harder for sperm to travel through the fallopian tube).

What is cervical mucus monitoring?

Monitoring your cervical mucus, also known as the cervical mucus method, is a fertility awareness method technique that can help you try to conceive. Aside from ovulation tests, cervical mucus monitoring is one of the most effective ways to predict ovulation so you can time sex around your fertile window.

Cervical mucus tracking can also help you to avoid pregnancy if you’ve been able to identify your “safe” days (when you are least fertile and able to get pregnant) and “unsafe” days (when you are most fertile and likely to get pregnant). Note that if you plan to use cervical mucus tracking to avoid pregnancy, it’s recommended that you’ve charted your mucus changes for at least one cycle and that you’ve sought guidance from your doctor.

Three different ways to monitor your cervical mucus

There are three different methods for recording your cervical mucus changes: the Billings Ovulation Method, the Creighton Method, and the 2-Day Method (read more about them here!). Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not, understanding your cycle better through one of these methods can help you note patterns and become more familiar with symptoms you experience at certain times of the month. Whichever method you choose, there are a few different ways to actually check for the changes:

Wiping your vaginal opening with toilet paper before you pee and inspecting what’s left on the toilet paper.
Noting mucus appearance, color, and texture on your underwear.
Inserting fingers into your vagina to see mucus color and feel its consistency. If you then put your fingers into a glass of water and the substance either stays on your fingers or sinks to the bottom of the glass, then it’s definitely cervical mucus — as opposed to vaginal fluids (made up of water and microorganisms) that help to keep the vagina clean.

Once you start examining your cervical mucus, what does each change mean? When can you expect to see watery cervical mucus versus creamy cervical mucus? What is fertile mucus, as opposed to infertile mucus? We’re breaking it all down for you right here.

How cervical mucus changes throughout your cycle

Dry, and the least fertile. This mucus is produced a few days before your period, during your period, and immediately after your period.
Slightly damp, low fertility. This type of mucus is produced during the first three to four days days following your period.
Thicker in consistency — could be sticky or even creamy. Signals intermediate fertility. This mucus is produced when one egg in one ovarian follicle fully matures (around day 10 if you have a 28-day cycle).
Stretchy and similar to an egg white in consistency. Indicates you’ve reached peak fertility. This mucus is produced during the days preceding your day of ovulation (day 14 if you have a 28-day cycle).

Cervical mucus before your period

In the days leading up to your period, you likely won’t notice any cervical mucus, whether you’re checking for it or not. While you probably won’t observe anything on your underwear, you may notice a shiny residue on toilet paper when you wipe (this is called vaginal cell slough).

This type of cervical mucus has a dry consistency, but if you insert your fingers into your vagina, the mucus feels slightly damp to the touch before any moisture quickly evaporates. (Because the vagina is a mucus membrane, it’s never completely dry.) Once your period begins, any cervical mucus produced by your body is hidden by menstrual blood. Then, once your period stops, your body will continue producing this type of cervical mucus immediately after your period.

This type of mucus signifies your body’s least fertile time — the lack of mucus and moisture means sperm may not as easily travel through your vaginal tract.

Cervical mucus after your period

During the first three to four days after your period, you still won’t see any mucus, but you’ll begin to feel a slightly damp sensation around your vaginal opening. This is more moist because of your body’s rising estrogen levels at this stage of your cycle. Still, your fertility is considered low at this stage.

Cervical mucus before ovulation

Cervical mucus between your period and ovulation

After your period and before ovulation, the dominant ovarian follicle (thanks to follicle-stimulating hormone, also known as FSH) matures a fully developed egg. If you have a 28-day cycle, this happens around day 10.

Around this same time, you may feel a wet, slippery substance around your vaginal opening. It might even feel like you just got your period. This substance looks thick and white or yellowish in color, and still feels sticky when you touch it. When you see this mucus, whether you’re tracking it via finger insertion or by what’s left on your underwear, it’s a sign that you’re entering your fertile window and have “intermediate fertility,” according to the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Your underwear might also have a wet spot or a mark where that wet spot was absorbed into fabric.

Your most fertile cervical mucus

Cervical mucus at peak fertility

Just a few days before you ovulate, you may start to feel more wetness around your vaginal opening; you may even feel like water is flowing out of your vagina. Some — not all — people ovulate on day 14 of their cycle, and this kind of mucus shows up shortly before that day.

The substance feels damp when you touch it with your fingers and, notably, it won’t evaporate when you move your hands. It can also stretch for at least an inch between your fingers without breaking. This is the most fertile type of cervical mucus. It can look creamy, but its watery appearance is more frequently compared to raw egg whites and it may leave wet patches on your underwear that never fully dry.

This is the largest amount of cervical mucus that your body will ever produce during your cycle, and it signifies peak fertility. Studies have found that you’re most likely to conceive with this type of cervical mucus on a day before actual ovulation, and that you are two to three times more likely to conceive when stretchy “egg white” mucus is present, compared to the previous types of cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus after ovulation

After ovulation, your body starts producing less and less cervical mucus. The mucus that you do see after ovulation, whether on your underwear or on your fingers, may look cloudy and feel sticky. If you’re not pregnant at this stage of your cycle, then you will soon notice the return of drier cervical mucus — meaning you may see no mucus at all. But if you had sex with a partner who has sperm or underwent a fertility treatment, sperm fertilized your egg, and the egg implanted in your uterus, then you will start to see increased amounts of vaginal discharge because of rising estrogen and progesterone levels that accompany early pregnancy.

Is cervical mucus different for each person?

These are the most common stages of cervical mucus, but someone with a cervix won’t necessarily follow this exact timeline during their cycle. Some people may notice that their bodies produce more than one type of cervical mucus on a single day. Other people may notice their bodies never produce a certain type of mucus.

If you have a hormonal imbalance that can result in anovulation (lack of ovulation) — including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and thyroid disorders — then you may produce lesser amounts of cervical mucus.

Outside factors that can also contribute to changes in cervical mucus include breastfeeding, douching (our team of medical advisors say don’t *ever* douche), recent use of hormonal birth control or Plan B, early menopause, cervix surgery, and STIs.

Tracking cervical mucus is a great, no-tech-required way to understand your body’s ovulation patterns. If you’re looking for deeper insight (and maybe a little less room for interpretation), the Modern Fertility Ovulation Test identifies your luteinizing hormone (LH) at low, high, and peak levels as you move toward your fertile window — helping you predict ovulation using your *actual* hormone levels. Plus, you can scan and log your Ovulation Test results with the Modern Fertility App (using your camera!) for easy tracking and instant access to your LH levels throughout your cycle.

This article was reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Conti, MD, MS, MSc. Dr. Conti is an OB-GYN and serves as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at Stanford University School of Medicine.

White discharge. Types, differences and atypical discharge

Vaginal discharge is any discharge from the vagina that is not associated with menstruation. They are absolutely normal and all women have them. The discharge in women consists mainly of cervical secretions, they can be transparent, whitish and white. The volume, type, color, and texture of vaginal discharge depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle and fluctuations in sex hormone levels. It is thanks to them that the vagina and cervix are cleansed of dead cells and bacteria, maintain a healthy acid-base environment, which means they help us avoid infections, inflammation and other troubles.

Vaginal discharge varies in volume, color, texture and smell in the same cycle, and of course it can vary from woman to woman.

Let's take a closer look at what kind of discharge women have in different phases of the cycle:

At the beginning of the cycle, progesterone and estrogen levels are very low, and the discharge is usually dry and sticky, some women have almost none at all. In any case, it is difficult to notice them, because menstruation occurs these days.
Gradually after the end of menstruation, the level of estrogen rises, this period of the cycle is characterized by white thick discharge, they are thick and sticky to the touch.

On average, such a white creamy discharge in women appears on the 9-10th day of the cycle, but this depends on the length of the cycle and the duration of menstruation.

During ovulation, estrogen levels peak and the discharge is most abundant, stringy, clearer and egg white in texture. On average, the vagina produces about 1 teaspoon of discharge per day, but during the period of ovulation, the volume can be 10-20 times more than usual, this is absolutely normal. It decreases 1-2 days after ovulation. This volume can cause discomfort, and it is especially convenient to use panty liners.
Shortly after ovulation, the discharge becomes white and sticky again. In this phase of the cycle, the hormone progesterone dominates.

In the vast majority of cases, thick white discharge in women without itching and odor is absolutely normal, but you should be aware of the signs that you should see a doctor:

Pain or burning during urination or penetrative sex
Itching
Discomfort
Rash or inflammation
Strong persistent vaginal odor (metallic, pungent or just unusual)
If the discharge suddenly changes color, smell or texture
If there are noticeably more of them than usual
Discharge not white or transparent but grey, green, brown

What types of secretions should I pay attention to?

White mushy, cheesy discharge

White discharge of this type is characteristic of thrush (candidiasis). Candidiasis is a type of fungal infection caused by fungi of the genus Candida. This fungus is found in the normal flora of the mouth, vagina, and colon, but it can overgrow and destroy the balance. This condition has other symptoms: burning and itching in the vulva and vagina, burning during urination, pain during penetrative sex.

Cloudy white discharge

Such discharge is characteristic of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea in women is often asymptomatic and can be easily overlooked or mistaken for something else. But sometimes there are other symptoms: bleeding between periods, pain during penetrative sex, burning, more abundant white discharge than usual.

White discharge with odor

This type of discharge is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria found in the vaginal ecosystem. Other symptoms: dryness, itching, burning during urination.

Foamy, yellow, greenish discharge with an unpleasant odor

This type of discharge is characteristic of trichomoniasis, another sexually transmitted disease. Any person leading an active sex life can get sick with it. 70% of people do not experience any symptoms in the first weeks after contact with an infected person. Other symptoms: burning, itching, redness and soreness of the vagina, pain after urination and sex, increased urge to urinate, bleeding after sex.

What else can cause abnormal discharge?

The bacterial and acid-base balance in the vagina is very sensitive, and failures and unusual discharges can also be caused by other causes:

Stress
Too tight, synthetic underwear
Medications (e.g. antibiotics and steroids)
Taking oral contraceptives
Menopause, pregnancy and other hormonal changes
Diabetes
Cervical cancer

How to take care of yourself?

To prevent infections, you need to maintain hygiene and wash yourself once a day. Remember that the best underwear for your health is cotton and not too tight. Of course, sometimes you can wear other types of underwear, but not on a permanent basis.

Only have safe sex if you don't plan on having a baby. Ask your partner for an up-to-date STD report before having unprotected sex, and get yourself checked regularly, even if you only have sex with one person. Unfortunately, we can only be responsible for our own actions, and many diseases can be contracted not only through sex. Remember, it is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later.

If you're on antibiotics, it's best to support your gut and vaginal microbiome by supplementing with fermented milk products that are rich in live, beneficial lactobacilli. You can also ask the doctor to advise dietary supplements and medicines containing lactocultures.

Try to use panty liners made from natural materials, 100% cotton is best.

Synthetic materials can cause allergies and create an unfavorable environment for bacteria to grow. Perfect for daily panty liners. Kotex Natural and Kotex Natural Plus. The top layer of these pads is made from 100% cotton, produced without the use of chlorine and harsh chemicals. They are hypoallergenic and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Remember that the vagina is a self-cleansing organ with a sensitive microbiotic environment, so you need to remember the rules of self-care:

Do not douche or wash the inside of the vagina. Together with pathogenic bacteria, you will wash out the beneficial ones. This procedure does more harm than good.
Do not use soap to wash the inside of the vagina, even specialized. It is ONLY for the outside and must not get inside.
Never use deodorant or scented washcloths.
Do not touch the inside of the vagina with unwashed hands.
Wash and wipe in the direction from the vagina to the anus, avoid contact of the vagina with objects that touched the anus.
It is best to wear 100% cotton underwear at all times, avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially in hot weather.

Vaginal discharge

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For women, vaginal discharge is normal.

They moisturize the walls of the vagina and protect the genitals from infection. As for 10-12 year old girls, they should not have vaginal discharge, because. their hormonal background is too low, and the glands are not yet functioning.

Before the onset of menstruation in girls (about a year in advance), the discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina begins, which indicates hormonal changes in their body. The discharge should be creamy and homogeneous, without an unpleasant odor (or slightly sour smell).

It is clear that the discharge in women should not be painful, itching, swelling of the skin or other unpleasant sensations. This can only indicate pathology:

Trichomoniasis . Abundant white, greenish or purulent, yellowish-brown discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and / or burning, painful urination.
Thrush (candidiasis) . Itching and discharge thick, profuse, like lumps of yellowish cottage cheese. Exhausting intense itching of the genitals and irritation (redness, swelling) of the external genitalia.
Bacterial vaginosis . The amount of discharge increases significantly, the color of the discharge is grayish-white or yellowish, and an unpleasant fishy odor appears. Symptoms worse after intercourse.
Chlamydia . Characterized by yellow discharge, often accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, painful urination.
Gonorrhea . Moderate frothy yellowish-white discharge, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, pain during urination and, often, intermenstrual bleeding.
Colpitis. The discharge is varied: liquid, watery, sometimes thick, purulent, often fetid, often mixed with blood.
Acute inflammation is accompanied by itching, burning or heat in the genital area.
Oncological diseases of the internal genital organs are often accompanied by liquid, like water, copious secretions.