8 causes of watery vaginal discharge and how to prevent it

November 22, 2024

Watery vaginal discharge is just not essentially a trigger for concern, particularly if it happens across the time of your anticipated interval. Listed below are some pure methods to take care of it.

Vaginal discharge might be complicated, particularly in the event you expertise a sudden change out of the blue. Nonetheless, vaginal discharge is just not one thing try to be frightened about, at the least not all, as a result of they’re a sign of your total well-being. It’s your physique’s means of preserving stability and sanitation in that space, however at occasions vaginal discharge could make you query issues. Talking of, girls usually complain about watery vaginal discharge, which is quite common however worries some girls. Know extra about watery vaginal discharge and in the event you ought to fear about it.

What’s watery vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by glands within the cervix and vagina, as per a 2020 research printed within the Singapore Medical Journal. It varies in consistency, color, and quantity all through the menstrual cycle and is an important side of the physique’s functioning. The discharge might be white, yellow, inexperienced, brown, or pink, as present in a research printed within the Medical Strategies Journal.

Watery vaginal discharge is a kind of vaginal fluid that’s normally clear or barely milky and has a skinny, watery consistency. “It’s a regular secretion produced by the glands contained in the vagina and cervix, which helps to maintain the vagina clear and free from infections. This discharge performs an necessary function within the feminine reproductive system,” says gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Chetna Jain. Right here’s the way it works:

Cleansing helps to flush out useless cells and micro organism, sustaining the well being and cleanliness of the vagina.
Lubrication can cut back friction and discomfort throughout sexual exercise.
It gives hydration which retains the vaginal tissues moist, stopping dryness and irritation.
It incorporates pure acids and micro organism that defend towards infections by sustaining vaginal pH ranges.

ingrown pubic hair — Vaginal discharge helps clear the genital areas. Picture courtesy: Adobe Inventory

Causes of watery vaginal discharge

Watery vaginal discharge can happen for a number of causes, together with hormonal fluctuations throughout ovulation and being pregnant, or when you’re sexually aroused.

1. Ovulation

Ovulation usually occurs halfway by means of the menstrual cycle, about 14 days earlier than the beginning of the subsequent interval, as present in a research printed in StatPearls. Within the lead-up to ovulation, discharge could look clear, slippery, and watery. The physique produces extra mucus earlier than ovulation than it does post-ovulation. This discharge is extra elastic and watery than different occasions within the menstrual cycle. Some folks could resolve to put on panty liners throughout this timeframe.

2. Being pregnant

Throughout being pregnant, the cervix and vaginal partitions soften. To guard the womb, the physique produces extra vaginal discharge to stop infections from spreading from the vagina to the uterus. Because of this, pregnant girls could expertise extra clear or white discharge, which is regular, as discovered within the Division of Well being and Aged Care. Throughout the remaining week of being pregnant, the discharge could shift from clear to white, with thick streaks of mucus or blood.

3. Sexual arousal

“Throughout sexual exercise, glands within the vagina create a clear, watery fluid that lubricates the vagina and prepares it for potential sexual contact. This discharge is typical and usually resolves inside an hour,” says the skilled.

4. Menopause

Menopause is a section in a lady’s life cycle, characterised by the top of her reproductive years. Throughout this time, the ovaries cease producing oestrogen, and the menstrual cycle ends, as present in a research printed by StatsPearl. Throughout menopause, girls could expertise watery discharge on account of vaginal atrophy, which causes the vaginal membrane to weaken, irritate, and inflame. Different signs could embody itching, burning, urinating ceaselessly, and urinary infections.

5. Bacterial vaginosis

In line with a 2023 research printed within the StatsPearl, bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal an infection prompted primarily by the Gardnerella vaginalis micro organism. This micro organism is of course current within the vagina, nonetheless, it might overproduce when there are few different wholesome micro organism within the vagina. This would possibly lead to watery discharge with a yellow or gray color and a nasty odour, which is usually known as rotten fish.

6. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted an infection (STI) brought on by Trichomonas vaginalis. There’s a robust, disagreeable odour linked to it, together with a watery discharge that’s yellow-green. It may additionally trigger urinary ache and genital redness, discovered a research printed within the Journal of Household Medication and Prevention Care.

7. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one other STI that may end up in watery discharge. It’s brought on by the Chlamydia trachomatis micro organism and is accompanied by ache and burning when urinating, bleeding throughout intercourse, and pelvic ache, as per a research printed within the Nursing and Well being Providers.

8. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhoea can be an STI brought on by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae micro organism, which is transferred by means of unprotected intercourse with an contaminated companion, as present in a research printed within the Nursing Well being Providers. Signs embody a skinny, watery, inexperienced/yellow discharge, ache or burning when urinating, urinary incontinence, genital itching, or bleeding.

Signs of watery vaginal discharge

Whereas watery vaginal discharge is usually regular, it may generally point out an underlying situation if accompanied by different signs, corresponding to:

Itching or irritation
Foul odour
Discolouration (yellow, inexperienced, or gray)
Ache throughout urination or intercourse
Redness or swelling within the vaginal space

The way to forestall watery vaginal discharge?

Whereas watery vaginal discharge is usually regular and an indication of a wholesome reproductive system, there are measures you’ll be able to take to handle and forestall extreme or irregular discharge. Listed below are some expert-recommended suggestions you could attempt:

1. Preserve good hygiene

Wash the genital space with heat water and delicate, unscented cleaning soap. Keep away from utilizing harsh soaps, douches, or female sprays. All the time wipe from entrance to again after utilizing the bathroom to stop the unfold of micro organism from the anal space to the vagina.

2. Put on breathable clothes

Select cotton underwear, as cotton permits the world to breathe and helps take in moisture, lowering the chance of bacterial development. Keep away from carrying tight garments, as they will entice moisture and warmth, creating an atmosphere the place micro organism and yeast can thrive.

3. Practise protected intercourse

Condoms may help forestall sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which may trigger adjustments in vaginal discharge. Plus, lowering the variety of sexual companions can lower the chance of infections that have an effect on vaginal discharge.

4. Eat a nutritious diet

Meals like yoghurt, kefir, and fermented greens may help preserve a wholesome stability of micro organism within the vagina. Additionally, drink loads of water to maintain your physique, together with your vaginal tissues, well-hydrated.

An avocado egg salad — Eat a nutritious diet to handle your vaginal well being. Picture courtesy: Freepik

5. Keep away from irritants

Keep away from scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays which may irritate the vaginal space. Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents and private care merchandise.

6. Handle stress

Persistent stress can impression hormonal stability, which may in flip have an effect on vaginal discharge. Apply stress-reducing methods like meditation, yoga, and deep respiration workouts in your day by day routine.

7. Common check-ups

Common visits to a gynaecologist may help catch any potential points early and hold your reproductive well being in verify.

Pure treatments to take care of watery vaginal discharge

Should you expertise extreme or uncomfortable watery vaginal discharge, you’ll be able to attempt a number of pure treatments to assist handle and alleviate the signs. Listed below are some expert-approved dwelling treatments which will assist:

1. Probiotics

Probiotics assist the physique to develop wholesome micro organism able to combating the micro organism that trigger BV. In line with a research printed within the Worldwide Journal of Atmosphere and Public Well being, probiotic consumption could have each short- and long-term results within the therapy of bacterial vaginosis which causes irregular vaginal discharge. Thus, probiotics assist to take care of a wholesome stability of micro organism within the vagina, which may forestall infections that trigger irregular discharge.

The way to use

Devour probiotic-rich meals corresponding to yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and different fermented meals.
Contemplate taking a probiotic complement, however seek the advice of with a healthcare supplier first.

2. Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds assist regulate hormonal stability, which may stabilise the manufacturing of vaginal discharge. Additionally, a research printed within the Meals and Science Vitamin Journal has proven their potential to alleviate signs of menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).