Watery cloudy discharge

Is It Normal and When Should You Seek Help

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Is watery discharge a sign of ovulation?

You may notice more discharge when you’re ovulating. This discharge tends to be clear and stretchy, like egg whites. It may be less watery than discharge you have during other parts of your menstrual cycle.

Watery discharge and pregnancy

Many women have an increase in discharge during pregnancy. Watery discharge is usually harmless, but other types of discharge can be a sign of infection. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

pain or itchiness in your vulva or vagina
a green or yellow discharge
a foul-smelling discharge
white, cottage cheese discharge

Changes to discharge may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like chlamydia or gonorrhea, or another type of infection. Bacterial and viral vaginal infections can cause pregnancy complications, so it’s important to see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.

If there is a rush of water, it’s probable that your water broke and you need to seek immediate care. If you’re at the end of your pregnancy, this is a normal sign of labor starting. If you aren’t yet due, this can indicate premature labor and delivery. Immediate care can increase outcomes.

Watery discharge and sexual arousal

Sexual arousal can trigger an increase in watery discharge. When you’re sexually aroused, blood flushes to the vagina and triggers the release of lubricating fluids. You may notice an increase in discharge following sexual intercourse.

Watery discharge and menopause

You may continue to experience vaginal discharge during and after menopause. Vaginal atrophy can cause a watery discharge. Vaginal atrophy is a condition that causes the vaginal walls to thin and may occur in women who’ve gone through menopause.

Vaginal discharge is one of the most common reasons women see a gynecologist, amounting to about 10 million office visits per year. Clear, watery discharge, however, is rarely a sign of a problem.

There are several conditions, including infections and STIs, that can cause abnormal discharge. Discharge may be a sign of a problem if there are noticeable changes in color, odor, consistency, or amount.

If you’re concerned about your vaginal discharge, you should make an appointment with your primary care doctor, gynecologist, or OB-GYN. If you don’t already have an OB-GYN, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area. You can also seek treatment at a sexual health clinic, such as Planned Parenthood.

See your doctor if you have any of these signs of abnormal discharge:

yellow, gray, or green color
white and chunky discharge, like cottage cheese
a strong, fishy, or sour odor

Watery discharge is normal and healthy. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it, but there are ways of dealing with it.

The amount of discharge that accumulates in your underwear can fluctuate during the month. Excessive moisture in your underwear can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy. Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, so it’s important to keep the area dry.

Panty liners and pads are the best way to manage excessive moisture. Changing them throughout the day should keep you dry and comfortable. Avoid products with deodorants, because they can cause irritation. Look for products labeled unscented.

You could also try “period underwear,” which are designed to absorb moisture. They look just like regular underwear, which is a plus.

Should you douche?

Vaginas require no cleaning. Watery discharge is a side effect of their built-in cleaning system. Vulvas require very little cleaning. Regular showers with soap and water are all you need to keep the area healthy and clean.

Douching isn’t recommended because it can lead to infections. You need the healthy “good” bacteria in your vagina to fight off infections. When you douche, these good bacteria get washed away, and the vaginal walls become susceptible to infection.

Watery discharge can be uncomfortable, but it’s usually harmless. Choose breathable cotton underwear and, if your underwear is getting wet, try wearing a pad or panty liner.

Shop for cotton underwear and panty liners.

If you’re concerned about your vaginal discharge, talk to your doctor. As well, contact your doctor if you have discharge that is green, yellow, or gray or has changes in texture or smell. That could be a sign of infection.

Watery Vaginal Discharge: What Does It Mean?

Main causes of watery discharge

Watery vaginal discharge often occurs during:

Ovulation
Exercise
Sexual arousal

When you’re sexually aroused, blood rushes to the vagina and triggers the release of lubricating fluids. You may also notice an increase in discharge after sex.

Is clear watery discharge a sign of pregnancy?

Clear watery discharge does increase during pregnancy, but it’s not necessarily an indication that you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, talk to your health care provider, or take a pregnancy test to be sure.

Smelly or brownish watery discharge: should you seek medical help?

Here are some other forms of discharge and their likely causes:

Brown discharge — This is normal toward the end of your period, as your vagina cleans out older blood.
Spotting/brown discharge — This can happen around ovulation or early on in pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, you may experience some spotting around the time your period would have come.
Green/yellow discharge — This may be an indication of infection, especially if it’s thick and clumpy and accompanied by a bad odor, itching, pelvic pain, or painful urination.

If your discharge is accompanied by itching, burning, pain, any form of discomfort, or a rash, make sure to consult your health care provider to rule out any of the following infections:

Bacterial vaginosis
Candida
Trichomoniasis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Genital herpes

Watery vaginal discharge: timing matters

Vaginal discharge can change in consistency, color, amount, and odor. These changes depend on your menstrual cycle, flow, sexual activity, birth control and other medications, and also any pre-existing health conditions. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause also play a key role.

Watery discharge after ovulation

Ovulation usually happens 10–16 days before your period starts. You may notice more discharge when you’re ovulating. This discharge tends to be clear and stretchy, like an egg white. Right before your period arrives, the discharge may become white and cloudy.

Watery discharge after your period

After your period, vaginal discharge tends to look a bit brownish. As mentioned before, this is because any remaining old blood in the vagina is being expelled. Once this leaves the body, you may experience a couple of days without any discharge.

Watery discharge during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body experiences a lot of hormonal changes. As a result, you may notice a change in your discharge as early as two weeks after conception. Later in pregnancy, as the baby’s head presses against your cervix, you might notice more discharge and possibly streaks of mucus with a little blood, called “show.” This is an early sign of labor, and it’s important to notify your health care provider as soon as you notice it.

Normal discharge, or leukorrhea, is thin and clear, has the consistency of an egg white, a mild smell, and should not soak through a panty liner.

Pale-yellow or clear fluid leaking from the vagina can be a sign of preterm rupture of membranes (PROM). When your water breaks, it may feel like a slow trickle of fluid from your vagina or a sudden gush of fluid. If you think you’re experiencing PROM, make sure to get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Clear watery discharge and cramps

Talk to your health care provider if you experience any of these unusual types of discharge, particularly if accompanied by cramps and especially during pregnancy:

Yellow, grey, or green in color
Strong, bad smell
Redness, soreness, itching, or swelling in the vaginal area
Lots of pale yellow or clear discharge

Cramps and abnormal discharge could be signs of infection or a medical condition, which may lead to premature labor or other complications if you’re pregnant. Make sure to contact your health care provider if you notice any of these.

Watery vaginal discharge is normal in most cases. Vaginal discharge changes naturally through different life stages: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Be aware of any unusual odors, colors, or textures in your discharge, as they can be an indication of a medical condition.

Here are a few useful tips to keep your vagina — and your discharge — healthy:

Wear breathable clothing and underwear.
Change your underwear daily.
Wipe your vagina from front to back to avoid contamination.
Consider using panty liners, pads, or period underwear to control discharge.

Always be sure to consult your health care provider if you notice anything out of the ordinary, especially if you’re pregnant.

Vaginal discharge: types, causes, deviations

The article was checked by a doctor: Sokolova Marina Olegovna

Consultation with a specialist:

Vaginal discharge is the result of the work of glands located in the mucous membrane of the vagina. By the nature of the discharge, it is possible to assess the state of the organs of the female genital area.

Normal vaginal discharge is not considered a disease, as it is necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. In the vestibule of the vagina and near the cervix, there are secretory glands that produce mucus, which is necessary to moisturize the mucous membrane and form a healthy microflora. Healthy secretions are formed in a small volume, they are transparent, odorless and are not accompanied by pain and itching. When the type of discharge changes, this indicates the presence of a pathological process in the organs of the female genital area.

Types of vaginal discharge

Depending on the amount of mucus produced, the discharge is divided into scanty, abundant and normal.

Meager is called discharge, which is not enough for the normal functioning of the vagina and external genital organs. The mucous membranes begin to dry out and crack. During sexual intercourse, friction and pain are felt. Scanty discharge is the result of hormonal changes due to age, endocrine disease, or taking hormonal drugs.

Abundant discharge is called, which leads to a constant feeling of moisture in the vagina. They are visible on underwear. Abundant discharge can be diagnosed in young women during ovulation in the middle of the menstrual cycle, they are transparent and do not have an unpleasant odor. During pregnancy, especially before childbirth, the discharge also becomes more abundant. These are healthy secretions, they should not be feared. If the consistency, volume, color or smell of the discharge changes, this indicates the beginning of the pathological process.

Discharge is considered natural if it sufficiently moisturizes the vagina and does not cause anxiety. In the presence of normal discharge, additional moistening of the vagina before intercourse is not required.

According to the consistency, the discharges differ in watery, mucous, cheesy and foamy.

Fluid discharge - watery and mucus - odorless and color appear normal. Watery discharge is noted in the middle of the cycle during the period of ovulation, mucous membranes appear during intercourse and serve as a lubricant.
Thick curdled discharge indicates the presence of a fungal infection. Doctors usually diagnose candidiasis. The secretions resemble liquid cottage cheese, they are not uniform in consistency.
Foamy discharge indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. This is especially dangerous if they have an unpleasant odor or a pronounced color. Foamy discharge is a hallmark of trichomoniasis.

The color of the discharge distinguishes between transparent (normal), white, bloody, yellow, green and brown.

Clear discharge is normal. Usually they are invisible on underwear and on the body.
Thick white discharge indicates the presence of candidiasis (thrush). In a healthy state, white discharge may appear before childbirth.
Bloody and brown discharge is the most dangerous, as it indicates the presence of blood in the vagina. Normally, they occur only during menstruation. When taking hormonal contraception, especially in the first months, the appearance of intermenstrual spotting is acceptable, this is considered normal and reports the adaptation of the body to artificial hormones. In other cases, bleeding indicates the presence of a serious pathology or the onset of bleeding.
Yellow and green discharge indicates the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process.

Odorless secretions, with a sweetish odor, with a sour odor, with an unpleasant odor are differentiated by smell.

The phrase “odorless discharge” is arbitrary, since all human discharge is characterized by some odor. In a healthy state, this smell is pleasant and barely perceptible. It is individual for each person. Since a person constantly feels it, he eventually ceases to feel it. If a woman does not smell the discharge, it can be said that the discharge is odorless.
Discharge with a sweetish or sour smell most often speaks of thrush. Candida fungi use sugar for food, love it and settle in a sugar-rich environment.
Foul-smelling discharge is caused by a bacterial infection. They often smell like stale fish. Anaerobic bacteria give the characteristic smell of fish. The stronger the smell, the stronger the infection.

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Causes of vaginal discharge

Intimate secretions serve as a kind of indicator of the health of the female sphere.

With natural secretions that do not cause discomfort, we can conclude that the organs of the female reproductive system are healthy. However, regular examinations by a gynecologist at the beginning of the cycle are still necessary. Many pathological processes pass without symptoms; only a gynecological examination and laboratory tests can show their presence.

Several factors can affect the type of discharge in a healthy woman. These are stress, climate change, taking hormonal drugs, taking potent drugs, and allergic reactions. Also, the nature of the discharge can be affected by personal hygiene.

A woman should be concerned when the discharge changes in consistency, acquires a strange color or smell, or changes in intensity. Often, such discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, itching, pain in the perineum, irritation of the external genital organs, and discomfort during urination.

There are some symptoms by which you can preliminarily determine the disease. Of course, an accurate diagnosis is possible only with a doctor after an examination and laboratory diagnosis, but the appearance of some can give a more or less accurate picture of the disease.

Curdled discharge white with a sweetish or sour smell indicates candidiasis. Other symptoms of candidiasis are:

burning, itching in the vagina and vulva;
swelling of the vagina after intercourse;
pain during urination and during intercourse.

Profuse yellow or bloody discharge with an unpleasant odor may indicate bacterial vaginitis. This is an inflammation of the vagina caused by a violation of the microflora. This means that local immunity cannot restrain the growth of pathogenic bacteria, they attack the cells of the vagina, and the inflammatory process begins. Typical symptoms of bacterial vaginitis:

redness, itching and swelling of the genitals;
drawing pains in the lower abdomen;
painful intercourse;
slight increase in body temperature;
weakness and fatigue;
frequent urination.

Abundant frothy leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor may indicate trichomoniasis. The causative agent of the disease are Trichomonas. The following symptoms are also observed:

irritation of the genitals and inner thighs;
erosion of the mucous membranes of the intimate area;
pain when urinating;
pain in the lower abdomen;
pain during sexual contact.

Homogeneous yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor may be a sign of gonorrhea. This is an acute infectious disease caused by gonococcus and sexually transmitted. The symptoms of gonorrhea are:

itching and pain in the urethra and vagina;
fever;
discharge of pus from the vagina;
frequent painful urination;
swollen and sore lymph nodes;
weakness;
nausea;
appetite disturbance.

Serous-purulent discharge with blood often indicates the presence of a cyst in the uterus or its appendages. Symptoms of a cyst, in addition to spotting, are:

vaginal discomfort;
pain in lower abdomen;
pain during intercourse;
increase in menstrual flow;
menstrual disorder;
painful menstruation.

Bright yellow and green discharge in copious amounts with a very unpleasant odor indicate endometritis. This is an inflammation of the uterus caused by bacteria or trauma. Symptoms of endometritis:

acute pain in the abdomen, in its lower part;
fever with chills;
increased heart rate;
painful urination;
weakness;
enlargement of the uterus due to tissue inflammation;
profuse and painful periods;
infertility.

Brown discharge during delayed menstruation may indicate a pathological course of pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy. You can judge the likelihood of this pathology by the following symptoms:

absence of menstruation;
sharp or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, usually on the side;
toxicosis and other signs of pregnancy.

This is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Even if the pregnancy is uterine, but spotting is present, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this is a sign of a threatened abortion.

Which doctor should I contact for unhealthy vaginal discharge?

If the discharge is unnatural in color, smell or consistency, you should visit a gynecologist. The doctor will ask about the symptoms, conduct a visual examination, take a swab from the vagina and make a diagnosis based on the results of the studies. Analysis of vaginal discharge will show if there is a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, what is the degree of infection. After that, an ultrasound examination of the organs of the reproductive system is prescribed. Ultrasound will show the size of the organs of the female system, their position, the presence of neoplasms, such as cysts or tumors, and will help to specify the diagnosis. In addition, the doctor prescribes a complete blood count, cytological examination and / or colposcopy.

With a cyst or tumor, an additional consultation with an oncologist will be required. If there is a heavy discharge due to stress, it is useful to consult a psychologist. If sexually transmitted diseases are detected, an immunologist's consultation will be required. With a long course of diseases, it is useful to contact an immunologist and assess the immune status. In case of abundant discharge against the background of allergies, it is recommended to consult an allergist. In children, unhealthy discharge is evaluated by a pediatric gynecologist and pediatrician.

Treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge

Treatment of problematic discharge should always be carried out with the participation of a doctor after a thorough diagnosis.

In case of a bacterial infection and inflammation against its background, antimicrobial drugs are prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed orally and topically in the form of suppositories, creams, ointments.

For fungal infections, antifungal drugs are prescribed. It is worth remembering that thrush is a local manifestation of extensive damage to the body by a fungus, and its treatment is not limited to suppositories and creams. The bulk of the fungus is in the intestines, so the whole body as a whole, and not just the vagina, should be treated.

With a viral infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Viruses are dangerous organisms, and doctors have not yet learned how to treat them effectively. This is where immunity plays an important role.

When neoplasms appear, their conservative treatment or removal is possible. Here the decisive role is played by the nature of the neoplasm - benign or malignant - and the rate of its development.

In case of uterine pregnancy with a threat of miscarriage, the patient is sent to a hospital, the condition of the uterus, placenta, and fetus is examined. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, the immediate removal of the fetal egg from the woman's body is required.

In any case, when an unhealthy discharge appears, very careful hygiene is required, since many pathological discharges corrode the skin of the genitals. Sometimes the doctor prescribes baths with therapeutic solutions and douching.

There are many folk methods for treating discharge. They sometimes help, but sometimes they can blur the clinical picture and make it difficult to diagnose and treat the disease. Of the folk methods, washing with decoctions of herbs is considered safe and useful. Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort relieve inflammation, increase local immunity and soothe irritated skin. In no case should foreign objects be introduced into the vagina, as some folk recipes advise. This can harm the microflora and injure the already irritated vaginal mucosa.

How to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge?

The first rule of preventing painful discharge is regular hygiene. It is necessary to wash yourself every time after visiting the toilet and in the evening before going to bed. Washing is carried out with clean warm water with special means for intimate hygiene. Ordinary soap can destroy the natural microflora and promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Hot water kills beneficial lactobacilli, while cold water can exacerbate a viral infection.

Underwear should be changed daily. Linen should allow air to pass through and absorb moisture, therefore, linen made from natural fabrics - cotton, linen is recommended. Synthetic underwear should not be worn all the time. Tight underwear and thongs irritate the skin of the genitals and reduce local immunity. Gynecologists do not recommend using panty liners, as they interfere with air exchange. It's better to change your underwear more often.

The nature of the discharge is also affected by nutrition. The consumption of sugary foods in large quantities increases blood sugar and promotes the rapid reproduction of Candida fungi.

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Vaginal discharge - causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Foreign object (often toilet paper, forgotten tampon) in the vagina
Signs: The discharge is usually foul-smelling, often containing a small amount of blood. Often redness in the genital area and pain during urination, and sometimes pain during intercourse.

Infections (yeast, pinworm, streptococcus, staphylococcus)
Signs: Itching, redness and swelling in the genital area. Often pain during urination. With pinworms - itching, which increases at night. With streptococcal and staphylococcal infections - redness and swelling in the genital area.

Personal hygiene
Signs: Itching, redness and unpleasant odor from the genital area. Sometimes pain during urination.

Sexual abuse
Signs: Soreness in the genital area. Sometimes discharge that smells bad or contains blood. Often vague symptoms (fatigue or abdominal pain) or behavioral changes (tantrums or withdrawal).

Bacterial vaginosis
Signs: Liquid, white or gray cloudy discharge with a fishy smell. Itching and irritation.

Yeast infections
Signs: Irritation, itching, redness and swelling in the genital area. Thick, white, lumpy cheesy discharge. Sometimes worsening of symptoms after intercourse and before menstruation. Sometimes taking antibiotics in the recent past or having a history of diabetes.

Trichomoniasis (protozoal infection)
Signs: Usually copious yellow-green frothy discharge with a fishy odor. Itching, redness, swelling and soreness in the genital area. Sometimes pain during intercourse and urination.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
Signs: Aching growing pain in the pelvic area, which can be felt on one or both sides. A discharge that is sometimes foul-smelling and may become pus-like and yellow-green in color as the infection progresses. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Sometimes pain during intercourse and urination, fever or chills, nausea or vomiting.

Thinning of the vaginal mucosa (atrophic vaginitis)
Signs: Scanty discharge. Pain during intercourse.

P irritation (urine-induced)
Signs: General redness in the genital area and anus. Conditions that increase the risk of this type of irritation (urinary incontinence or when women are bedridden with illness).

Cancer of the vagina, cervix, body of the uterus
Signs: Watery or bloody discharge. Pathological vaginal bleeding. Often there are no other symptoms until the cancer has spread.