'Egg white' discharge is a crucial warning sign from your body

It's completely normal to have varying amounts of discharge during your menstrual cycle, but there are some signs and colours you should never ignore.

While anything appearing lumpy, with a cottage cheese-type texture or a green, bad-smelling odour, is a clear indicator that something is wrong, your body can give you more subtle signs about what's going on, too.

If you've ever experienced discharge with the same consistency as an egg white, it's crucial that you don't ignore it.

It's vitally important to monitor it if you're trying to conceive (and alternatively, if you're not wanting to and you're not on a form of contraception such as the pill or using condoms, which is always recommended).

Your discharge can change consistency throughout your cycle (Getty Stock)

Discharge that resembles egg white is cervical mucus, and is a sign from your body usually telling you that you're ovulating, or about to.

When your oestrogen levels rise right before ovulation takes place, this mucus can take on the familiar appearance.

This can appear clear and stretchy, with a watery and slippery texture, and there's usually quite a lot of it too.

According to Flo Health, it can even stretch 'an inch or more between your fingers without breaking.'

When ovulation then occurs, the 'egg white' texture may stick around a while longer, as it helps to provide a suitable environment and pH for sperm to survive successfully for fertilisation.

Some colours are major red flags (Tyla)

Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovaries, and this usually takes place once per cycle.

It's important to note when the discharge changes, as your chances of becoming pregnant are most likely around this time of ovulation.

This usually happens around 10 to 16 days before the next period; however, if you have a 28-day cycle, this is around day 14.

If your discharge is heavy, you can wear a liner to help (Getty Stock)

Some women have shorter or irregular cycles though, so that date isn't set in stone and it's a very individual process.

If you have concerns about heavy egg white discharge, you can always wear a liner to absorb it and to remain comfortable.

As to why we liken it to food, there's a very good reason, according to Dr Jenna Beckham, an obstetrician, gynaecologist, and family planning specialist, who says 'in medicine, we often use food analogies, because they’re common and familiar to patients.'

You should get help from NHS 111 if:

• There’s a change to the colour, texture or smell of your vaginal discharge
• You have more discharge than is usual for you
• You feel sore or itchy in your vaginal area
• You experience bleeding in between periods or after sex
• You find it painful to pass urine
• You experience pelvic pain