Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesFrequencyTips for CopingWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Frequency
Tips for Coping
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Watery 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.
YakobchukOlena/iStock/ Getty Images Plus
Wateryvaginal dischargeis typically normal and can be due to natural hormonal fluctuations that occur during reproductive processes like ovulation and pregnancy, or during sexual arousal ormenopause.
Watery Discharge and Ovulation
Ovulationtypically 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 more mucus than it will following ovulation.This discharge is more elastic and watery than at other times during the menstrual cycle. Some people may choose to wear panty liners during this time.
Watery Discharge and Pregnancy
When a person 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, there may be more clear or 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 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.Discharge may be watery as well as:
Some treatments for menopause, like Osphena (ospemifene), also may increase vaginal discharge.
Watery Discharge and Infection
Watery discharge is usually a sign of a healthy vagina. But if you have watery or thin discharge with itching or soreness in the vagina, you may have thrush, a vaginalyeast infection. This is a common infection that isn’t sexually transmitted and can be treated with anti-fungal medication.
If vaginal discharge suddenly changes and has an unusual or foul smell or changes color or texture, this may signal an infection.Infections may include:
If you think you have any of these conditions, talk with a healthcare provider right away.
Vaginal Discharge and Your Period
Vaginal discharge is normal and can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle, including:
Tips for Coping with Excessive Discharge
The average amount of vaginal discharge is about a teaspoon of fluid each day.Watery vaginal discharge is normal and a sign of a healthy vagina.
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 needed to clean the vagina and may actually be harmful. Douches contain chemicals that can disrupt vaginal pH balance and encourage the growth of unhealthy bacteria. They can spread infection to the uterus and increase the risk ofpelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you notice genital odors, wash the outside of the vagina (called the vulva) with gentle soap and water.
Should You Douche?
Douching is not needed to clean the vagina and may actually be harmful. Douches contain chemicals that can disrupt vaginal pH balance and encourage the growth of unhealthy bacteria. They can spread infection to the uterus and increase the risk ofpelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you notice genital odors, wash the outside of the vagina (called the vulva) with gentle soap and water.
You should also contact your healthcare provider if you have unusual discharge and think you may have been exposed to asexually transmitted infection(STI).
There are some symptoms that may indicate an infection, and it is important to be aware of these. If you experience symptoms, or if they get worse or don’t resolve within a week, contact your healthcare provider.
These symptoms may include:
What Causes Bloody Discharge?
Summary
If you develop additional symptoms that concern you, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Planned Parenthood.What’s the cervical mucus method of FAMs?
UNC School of Medicine.Cervical mucus monitoring.
Osphena.Menopause symptoms rubbing you the wrong way: Ask your healthcare provider for Osphena.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.
Planned Parenthood.Is it normal to have a lot of discharge before my period?
World Health Organization.Family planning.
Sutter Health.Vaginal discharge.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Vaginal discharge.
MedlinePlus.Vaginal itching and discharge - adult and adolescent.
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