Egg White Discharge: Top 3 Causes & When to See a Doctor

Egg white discharge commonly describe cervical mucus and is most typically noted during the fertile period. It is a completely normal and common finding in women who menstruate. It is common for more egg white discharge to be eliminated during ovulation day. 

Some women may also notice other symptoms with egg white discharge, such as mild pain in the lower abdomen. This is usually a sign of a mature egg being released by the ovaries and traveling to the fallopian tubes. 

Cervical mucus is an important indicator of vaginal and reproductive health in women, therefore it is important to be aware to any changes to its color, smell or thickness and to report changes to your doctor or gynecologist.

Main causes

The main causes of clear, egg white-like discharge are:

1. Fertile period

Egg white discharge is normal and is normally a sign of the fertile period. This discharge occurs a few days before menstruation, and may have a slightly stickier consistency. It can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as an increased libido and hunger.

Cervical mucus will typically have the following characteristics:

• The discharge is semi-transparent with an elastic and slightly sticky consistency, very similar to egg whites
• The vaginal area is slightly slippery when wiping with toilet paper

In the days following this observation, the cervical mucus from the fertile period may become more transparent and have a more viscous consistency, like gelatin. Due to the increase in libido, it is also possible to notice an increase in vaginal lubrication.

Read more about ovulation symptoms that can occur during the fertile period.

2. Pregnancy

An increase in clear discharge is very common during pregnancy and this is a normal situation. This occurs due to greater blood flow in the area, caused by an increase in female hormones.

The discharge tends to be transparent, odorless and less sticky and is not a sign of ovulation. It is important to monitor for odors or color changes, and to notify the OBGYN, as these may be a sign of a vaginal infection.

3. Fertilization and implantation

Some women may experience egg white discharge when fertilization occurs. This period is characterized by when the sperm penetrates the egg, and implants in the uterus. Some women may have this slightly pinkish discharge, and it is important that a pregnancy test is carried out to confirm the pregnancy. 

If you suspect you may be pregnant, enter your symptoms in our quiz below: 

Find out if you are pregnant

Start the test

Previous Next

When to see a doctor

Normally, egg white discharge does not require any treatment, as it is a normal sign associated with a period. However, if pregnancy is suspected, it is recommended that a pregnancy test be carried out and a gynecologist be consulted.

However, if the clear discharge changes in consistency over time, becomes greenish, yellowish or gray, or has a fishy smell, it may be a sign of a vaginal infection that requires targeted treatment.