Why do you discharge a week before your period?

Answer 1

You have discharge throughout your entire menstrual cycle because this is how the vagina stays clean, healthy, and lubricated.

Discharge flushes out bacteria, dirt, and dead cells from the vagina, it also has an acidic pH which helps kill harmful bacteria while allowing healthy bacteria to thrive. The vaginal walls are made of mucosa which is like skin but without the top protective layer, the same tissue also makes up inside of the mouth or eyes, this tissue has to be kept moist by discharge to protect from damage or infection. Extra discharge is also produced when aroused so that if you have sex the vagina is lubricated to prevent any damage or pain during intercourse.

Discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle, for example around 2-3 weeks before menstruation you produce fertile quality cervical mucus which is a clear stretchy mucus consistency like egg-whites, this is what helps sperm survive in the vagina and swim up through the cervix to go on to meet the egg during ovulation. After ovulation, around 2 weeks before menstruation, the discharge becomes a lot thicker and this can be an indication of when your period is due.