Discharge During the Luteal Phase: What Does It Look Like?

Phases of the menstrual cycle include the Luteal phase. This is when the hormone progesterone peaks and becomes the dominant one. When progesterone is dominant, you'll notice watery discharge during the luteal phase. When estrogen is dominant, you may observe snot like discharge during the luteal phase. In contrast, you'll commonly find white discharge in luteal phase. Sometimes you could also observe it as a creamy discharge.

To understand more about the luteal phase and how it impacts vaginal discharge and cervical mucus, carry on reading.

Discharge During Early Luteal Phase

Before egg fertilization and pregnancy, you can tell a lot by monitoring the luteal phase.

The luteal phase happens just after ovulation and before an ovum is released. During the early luteal phase, the discharge before your period is transparent and stretchy. You'll also notice your vagina is wetter and there is lots of discharge during the luteal phase.

After ovulation, or on the first day of your period cycle, the discharge may become dry or opaque when progesterone is dominant.

Discharge During Late Luteal Phase

A dry, sticky discharge during the luteal phase indicates that you're no longer fertile and sperm won't be able to survive or swim up the cervix. Sometimes you'll also notice it's more of a thick discharge during luteal phase.

What Your Discharge Shouldn't Look Like During The Luteal Phase

Sometimes abnormal discharge can prevent the luteal phase from occurring. This is called a luteal phase defect. Other factors that may cause abnormal discharge include chunky discharge during the luteal phase, gray, green or off-color discharge, and a strong fish-like odor. Having these abnormal vaginal discharges means there might be an infection, and it's best to see your OB-GYN as soon as possible.

What Cervical Mucus Looks Like When You Are Pregnant

Many women may notice a sticky or pale yellow discharge in the early stages of their pregnancy. This discharge occurs due to increased blood flow in the vagina and hormones. Discharge during early pregnancy is crucial as it helps to prevent infections and it softens the vaginal walls.