What does it mean if my discharge is watery

Watery discharge. Sure, probably not the first topic of conversation at your Thursday evening pizza-with-the-crew-session – but something that it pays to be clued up on, nonetheless.

Why? Well, discharge, widely speaking, is a hell of a keyhole into your health. It changes with your menstrual cycle, and dramatic alterations to your normal can indicate that it's time to get checked out at the doc's.

Did you know that the average woman produces anything from one to four ml per day, depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle?

So, what is discharge actually for? According to Dr Vanessa Mackay, Consultant Gynaecologist and Spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, discharge is produced by the body (glands at the cervix, to be precise) to protect your vaginal and urinary tracts from infections.

‘It's normal and healthy for a woman to produce a clear or white discharge from her vagina,’ says Dr Mackay. ‘It can be thick or sticky, slippery and wet and it can change throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Healthy discharge is clear or white, with no strong smell or colour.’

Pregnancy and Watery Discharge

You may be pregnant and wondering, “what does watery discharge mean”? Should I be concerned? Usually, there is no need to worry. When a woman enters pregnancy, her vaginal walls and cervix soften. To keep the womb protected, the woman’s body will boost vaginal discharge production to prevent uterine infections. Due to this, some pregnant women may experience clear or white discharge. 

Before giving birth, pregnant women may notice a change in the color and texture of the vaginal discharge. In some cases, the discharge can contain some blood and thick streaks of mucus. Although this can be frightening, it is normal. These changes are expected when the mucus leaves the body.

Sexual Arousal and Watery Discharge

What does watery discharge mean before or during sexual intercourse? When a woman is sexually aroused, the glands in her vagina will create a clear and watery fluid. The purpose of this fluid is to provide lubrication to the vagina and prepare for sexual intercourse. This liquid discharge is normal, and it usually goes away within one hour. Discharge before or during sexual intercourse is usually:

• Slippery
• Moist
• Clear
• Wet

Menopause and Watery Discharge

As a woman’s estrogen levels begin to decline, her vagina will produce less vaginal discharge. Alternatively, some women experience liquid discharge. Menopausal women may also notice a discharge that is:

• Odorless
• White
• Thin
• Clear

When Does Liquid Discharge Happen?

As mentioned, discharge from the vagina is entirely normal, and it is usually harmless. A woman can experience vaginal discharge any time before or after her period.

Watery Discharge Before Period

A woman’s discharge can be different through her menstrual cycle. Sometimes, it may be slightly yellow, white, or clear. In some cases, watery discharge before a period can be thinner or thicker. Before getting her period, a woman’s discharge may look pink or brown. This is expected, and it is called “spotting.”

Watery Discharge After Period

What does watery discharge mean after a woman’s period? Some women may experience slight brownish or pinkish discharge following their menstruation. In some cases, the discharge can be red or brown in color. This is also normal, and it indicates that the period is ending.

How Can I Manage Liquid Discharge?

Discharge from the vagina is normal, and every woman experiences it. In most cases, it is a sign of a healthy vagina. However, many women struggle with watery discharge before a period, following a period, or any other time.

Overall, you do not need to take steps to stop your discharge. That said, some women may want to use added sanitary protection.

If you notice a lot of discharge from your vagina (whether it is around ovulation, during pregnancy, or menopause), you may want to consider wearing panty liners. 

Some women may also notice an unusual discharge that is not clear or white. In these cases, we recommend reaching out to medical experts for advice and guidance. Besides consulting a medical professional, you can also prevent unusual discharge and boost your vaginal health by:

• Avoiding bike shorts, pantyhose, and tight pants
• Not wearing underwear at night
• Wiping front to back when using the bathroom
• Not sitting in hot tubs
• Avoiding feminine hygiene sprays
• Avoiding colored or perfumed toilet paper
• Wearing light cotton underwear to allow your genitals to breathe

Moreover, it is best to avoid douching. In most cases, douching can be very harmful to vaginal health, as the chemicals can disrupt normal pH balance. These harsh chemicals can also increase the growth of harmful vaginal bacteria.

When Should I Consult a Doctor?

In summary, clear or watery discharge from the vagina is normal and expected. However, if the discharge is excessive and unusual in color and thickness, it may be an indication of something more serious. We recommend consulting a healthcare expert if you also notice accompanying symptoms such as pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

Moreover, if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse or if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease, reach out to your doctor for further guidance. 

Some women may experience unusual vaginal discharge due to an infection. These are the most common symptoms linked to vaginal infection:

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Experiencing other urinary symptoms
• Symptoms that do not go away and get worse with time
• Itching and pain in the genital area
• Redness in the genitals
• Sores on the vulva or the vagina
• Swelling in the genital area
• Blisters on the vulva or vagina
• Unexplained change in discharge odor
• Unexplained change in discharge consistency

Here are some of the most common reasons why you may have abnormal discharge:

• Bacterial vaginosis: A common bacterial infection; this condition is usually characterized by grey or white discharge and a fishy smell.
• Thrush: A fungal infection commonly affecting the vagina; women usually experience intense soreness and itchiness The discharge can be thick, white, and resemble cottage cheese.
• Gonorrhea or chlamydia: Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria; women typically experience abnormal discharge with bleeding or pain. If left untreated, chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause a severe infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the womb.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite; the discharge is typically yellow, green, or frothy. Some common symptoms that accompany this condition include itching and swelling around the vagina.
• Genital herpes: A herpes simplex caused sexually transmitted disease.

However, since the vagina is self-cleaning, discharge can indicate that you are healthy. Also, discharge can be a sign that you are ovulating. On the downside, some women may experience unusual discharge (along with other symptoms such as vaginal soreness) due to infection or other conditions. 

If you notice any unusual symptoms that alarm you, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Staying consistent with your doctor’s appointment is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. If you or a family member are looking for the best professionals, reach out to OB-GYN Specialists of South Miami and book your first appointment today.

What does a watery discharge mean?

Does watery discharge mean pregnancy?