Egg White Discharge: What Does it Mean

What is ‘Egg White Discharge’? 

Egg white discharge resembles raw egg whites in consistency, texture and colour. It is usually a sign of a healthy vagina. Vaginal discharges mainly occur when you are aroused or between your menstrual cycles. Egg white discharges are seen mainly during the time of your ovulation. They are also known as Egg white cervical mucus (EWCM). They are a mixture of cervical and vaginal fluids. They are ideal for the facilitation of the transport of sperm through the vaginal canal.

Egg White Discharge and Ovulation

Your discharge changes throughout the month according to your cycle. You may notice it is thin, clear, and stretchy at times, but at other times, it is thick. This happens due to changing estrogen and progesterone hormone levels in your body.

Egg white discharge occurs during high estrogen periods, generally during ovulation. This creates a favourable environment for sperm transport as your cervical mucus is less viscous, facilitating easier transport.

How Does It Indicate Fertility?

Along with healthy sperm and ovum, your cervical mucus also plays a vital role in indicating fertility. Your vagina is naturally acidic, and if sperms enter this acidic environment, they are killed instantly. Apart from this, if your cervical mucus is too thick, it can be challenging for sperms to enter, causing issues, especially if you are trying to conceive.

The egg white discharge period is considered the most fertile as estrogen peaks during this time, the ovum is released, sperm can easily travel, and as there is enough discharge, the acidic environment can be balanced.

Timing and Monitoring

If you are trying to conceive, monitoring your cervical mucus throughout the month is a great way to know when you will have the highest chance of achieving pregnancy.

If you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, your cervical mucus will be as follows :

• Days 1-4  after your menstrual period ends): Dry or sticky. It can be white or off-white.
• Days 4-6: Sticky. Slightly wet and white.
• Days 7-9: Creamy, yoghurt-like consistency. Wet and hazy.
• Days 10-14: Stretchy and resembles raw egg whites. Slippery and very wet.
• Days 14-28: Dry and thick until menstruation occurs.

This is just a general idea. It can be different for every woman. Monitoring and observing your patterns can help you understand them better.

To monitor your mucus patterns, you can do the following measures:

1. Check your cervical mucus daily with your fingers and notice the colour, texture and consistency.

2. Maintain a diary and record your observations according to each day.

This method can be very effective in keeping track of your fertility.

Other Causes of Egg White Discharge

Egg white discharge is not limited to ovulation and fertility; it can also happen at other times. As we know, each body has different hormone regulations, and this discharge can be seen in different situations and conditions:

1. Hormonal Changes and Health Conditions 

• Hormonal Birth Control: Hormonal birth control pills or medications modify your body’s hormonal balance. Some hormonal birth control pills can also alter your cervical mucus, similar to egg white discharge, even though there is no ovulation.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, there can be egg white discharge. Due to hormonal changes, your cervical mucus can become thin and stretchy.  For example, Egg white discharge at 5 and 7 weeks of pregnancy is normal.
• Post-ovulation: Due to increased progesterone hormones, egg white discharge can also occur post-ovulation.
• Before a period: Many clients at Nirva also report egg white discharge before periods. It is entirely normal. But bear in mind that this is not a sign of fertility. It is just due to hormonal imbalance.
• After a period: You may also notice this discharge after your period ends, but it is rare.
• PCOS: If you suffer from PCOS, you may likely have this discharge throughout the month without any link to fertility. Women with PCOS may rarely have thick discharge. Even after treatments, it is challenging to achieve a thick discharge.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Egg white discharge is normal for every woman and is normally harmless. It is clear, thin, stretchy and odourless. It can fluctuate in quantity according to your menstrual cycle phase each month. However, if you notice any changes or abnormalities, you must consult a medical expert immediately. Below are some changes and signs you should look out for :

Unusual Signs to Watch Out For:

1. Odour: Vaginal discharge has no odour. It is abnormal if it has a strong, fishy or foul smell.

2. Color: Clear or white discharge is normal. Yellow, green or grey, indicate signs of underlying infection.

3. Consistency: Your discharge is abnormal if it is excessively thick or curd-like ( this can be a sign of yeast infection).

4. Symptoms: Fever, Itching, burning during urination, and pain in your lower abdomen can be seen in cases of infection.

Possible infections and diagnosis:

1. Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis results from an imbalance in beneficial and harmful bacteria in your vagina. It has the following symptoms:

• Off-white, grey or greenish-coloured discharge
• Fishy-smelling vagina discharge, especially after sex
• Vaginal, itching or irritation

2. Yeast infection: A vaginal yeast infection is caused due to an overgrowth of the fungus candida. Its symptoms are:

• Itching, soreness and irritation in the vagina
• Burning feeling, mainly during intercourse or urination
• Thick white vaginal discharge which looks like cottage cheese with little or no odour

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. Its symptoms are:

• Pain in lower abdomen and pelvis
• Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odour
• Pain during sex

4. Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among women of reproductive age caused by protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.

1. Cervical cancer and vaginal cancer: A malignant tumour in your cervix or vagina. It has the following symptoms:

• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may have a foul odour
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Wrapping Up

Egg white discharge is a normal occurrence, similar to vaginal discharge. It is a sign of fertility and healthy reproductive health. Knowing about it helps you to understand your body better, monitor and track your fertility and identify crucial signs. If you notice any abnormal signs, it is important to take immediate action. 

If you want to know more about vaginal discharges, you can refer to this blog. For more information and personalised consultations, you can contact a Nirva health expert.