Watery Vaginal Discharge: Is It Normal and What Causes It?
Elizabeth Pratt is a medical journalist based in Australia. She has a Master's degree in Health Communication and a Bachelor's degree in journalism.
Learn about our editorial processPublished on January 25, 2022Medically reviewedVerywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.byAnita Sadaty, MD Medically reviewed byAnita Sadaty, MDAnita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical.Learn about our Medical Review BoardTable of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWatery vaginal discharge is normal and can be a sign of a healthy vagina. The vagina produces discharge to clean itself and also produces more discharge around the time of ovulation.
However, if the color or viscosity (thickness) of discharge changes, or clear discharge is accompanied by other symptoms like itching or soreness in the vagina, it may be an indication of a problem.
Learn more about the causes of watery discharge, and when you should see a healthcare provider.
The word “woman” is used in this article to refer to people who identify as women and have typical reproductive organs of a cisgender female. We recognize that some people who identify as women do not have the same anatomy as that depicted in this article.
Causes of Watery Vaginal Discharge
Watery vaginal discharge is typically normal and can be due to natural hormonal fluctuations that occur during reproductive processes in a woman's body like ovulation and pregnancy, or during sexual arousal or menopause.
Watery Discharge and Ovulation
Ovulation typically occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle, roughly 14 days before the first day of the next period. In the lead up to ovulation, discharge may look similar to egg whites and be:
During the lead-up to ovulation, the body makes up to 30 times more mucus than it will following ovulation.
This discharge is more elastic and watery than at other times during the menstrual cycle. Some women may choose to wear panty liners during this time.
Watery Discharge and Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, the cervix and vaginal walls soften. To protect the womb, the body increases its production of vaginal discharge to help stop infections from traveling through the vagina to the uterus.
Because of this, some women may find they have more clear to white discharge during pregnancy, and this is normal.
In the final week of pregnancy, the discharge may change from clear to white to discharge that contains thick streaks of mucus or some blood. This is normal and happens because the mucus that has been in the cervix during pregnancy leaves the body as it prepares for birth.
Watery Discharge and Sexual Arousal
During periods of sexual arousal, glands in the vagina produce a clear, watery fluid to lubricate the vagina and prepare it for potential sexual intercourse. This discharge is normal and usually goes away within an hour.
The discharge is typically:
Watery Discharge and Menopause
As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the vagina produces less discharge, and discharge is more likely to be watery. Discharge may also be:
When Does Vaginal Discharge Happen?
Vaginal discharge is normal and can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle.
Discharge Before a Period
Discharge can change throughout the menstrual cycle. It may look clear, white or slightly yellow. It may appear darker when it dries on underwear.
The amount of discharge may change depending on the time of the cycle. Discharge may get thicker or thinner throughout the cycle.
In the lead-up to your period, the discharge may change from clear to brown or pink. This is known as spotting and is normal.
Discharge After a Period
Some women may find they have slight spotting following their period. It may be brown or red in color and is typically lighter than a regular period. This is normal and is part of the period finishing.
Unexpected Bleeding
Some women experience unexpected bleeding or spotting throughout their cycle.
In a small 2012 analysis of 201 women's bleeding and spotting patterns during their menstrual cycle, researchers found that about 5% of women experienced spotting midway through the cycle. But many experts believe spotting may be even more common.
Unexpected bleeding throughout the cycle may be pink, red, or brown and is often lighter than a period. It may not require the use of sanitary protection.
Managing Watery Discharge
Watery vaginal discharge is normal and a sign of a healthy vagina. There is no need to do anything to try to stop the discharge, but some women may find the use of sanitary protection helpful.
Tips for Coping with Excessive Discharge
If you are experiencing a large amount of discharge, like around the time of ovulation, or you are experiencing spotting, you may want to wear a panty liner for added protection.
There is no need to worry about discharge that is white or clear, but there are steps you can take to prevent abnormal discharge and protect your overall vaginal health, including:
Should You Douche?
Douching is not necessary to clean the vagina, and in many cases, can actually be harmful. That's because douches contain chemicals that can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina and encourage the growth of problematic vaginal bacteria.
Douching also carries other risks. It can spread infection to the uterus and may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you notice a smell coming from your genital area, simply wash the outside of the vagina (called the vulva) with gentle soap and water to eliminate any odors.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Clear, watery vaginal discharge is rarely a cause for concern. But if you are experiencing excess discharge, or it changes color or viscosity (thickness), especially if it's accompanied by fever and/or pain in the abdomen or pelvis, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get checked out.
You should also contact your healthcare provider if you have unusual discharge and think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
There are some symptoms that may indicate an infection, and it is important to be aware of these. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:
Summary
Watery discharge is usually not a cause for concern and is a sign of a healthy vagina. It can be an indication the vagina is cleaning itself, and can also be an indication of ovulation. If accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness or a sore vagina, it may be caused by thrush or another condition. If you develop additional symptoms that are of concern, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Watery, vaginal discharge is normal and natural, but if you find having damp spots in underwear embarrassing, that's normal, too. Panty liners can be helpful in absorbing excess moisture that the body creates between periods.
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