A watery discharge is a type of vaginal discharge that is thin and clear or cloudy in appearance. It is typically normal and healthy for women to have some discharge, as it is a way for the body to cleanse and lubricate the vagina.
Female health is crucial, and if you observe a watery discharge, it could be a sign of an illness or the start of your period. Infections of many different kinds might also result in watery discharge.
Watery discharge is a normal bodily function that helps to cleanse and maintain the health of the vaginal area. The amount of discharge can differ depending on a person’s menstrual cycle and can increase or decrease in response to hormonal changes. Therefore, it’s normal for some people to have more discharge than others.
The discharge can be clear or milky in color and is usually odorless. The discharge might range in consistency from thin and watery to thick and sticky, which is also normal. The discharge helps to keep the vaginal area clean and healthy by removing dead cells and bacteria.
It’s important to note that while a watery discharge is normal, if you experience a sudden change in the amount or color of your discharge or if it becomes foul-smelling or itchy, you should see a healthcare provider. These symptoms can be signs of infection or other underlying conditions that require medical attention.
There is not always a disease behind it when our discharge changes. Sexual arousal also leads to increased secretion, which could be confused with a watery discharge. When we are aroused, the vagina gets better blood flow. The increased blood flow puts more pressure on the vagina, causing blood vessels to swell and fluid to be secreted. However, this is not the same secretion that usually comes out of our vagina. This fluid comes from the so-called Bartholin gland and consists of water and proteins, among other things.
However, if the discharge occurs independently of sexual arousal, has a watery consistency, is yellowish or green in color, has an unpleasant odor, and has other symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain when urinating, it is, in all probability a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. Sexually transmitted diseases that cause a watery or foamy discharge include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea (clap), or trichomoniasis, among others. Consult your gynecologist if you have the symptoms mentioned above.
A bacterial vaginal infection, also known as bacterial vaginosis, occurs when the sensitive vaginal flora is disturbed, and the number of “bad” bacteria has gotten out of hand. Typically, the infection is accompanied by a thin, grey-white discharge that smells unpleasant. Symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain can also occur. In addition to a new or frequently changing sexual partner, bacterial vaginosis is also promoted by incorrect intimate hygiene, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, stress, or antibiotics.
A watery discharge that persists for several days should be checked out by a doctor. The symptoms are considered unusual and should be investigated. If there are other symptoms, such as pain, a change in libido, or discomfort during sexual activities, a doctor should be consulted. If bleeding or an unusual feeling of tension in the abdomen occurs, a doctor’s visit is necessary.
If the discharge increases in volume or is sporadic, a doctor should evaluate the symptoms. In some cases, the discharge may be an allergic reaction of the body to contraceptives. The body can become hypersensitive, especially to condoms that contain latex. It is sufficient if latex-free condoms are used in the future. If itching, reddening of the skin or swelling in the intimate area occurs, a doctor should be consulted.
A watery discharge can occur in phases of hormonal changes. The symptoms should be discussed with a doctor to clarify whether the reaction is to be expected. There is usually an infection if the watery discharge smells unusual or pungent. If the consistency or color of the discharge changes, the complaints should also be presented to a doctor.
There is no way to completely prevent watery discharge, as it is a normal bodily function that helps to cleanse and maintain the health of the vaginal area. However, there are steps you can follow to reduce the amount of discharge and keep the vaginal area clean and healthy:
It’s important to remember that some discharge is normal and healthy. Still, if you experience a sudden change in the amount or color of your discharge or if it becomes foul-smelling or itchy, you should see a healthcare provider.