8 causes of watery vaginal discharge and how to prevent it

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August 19, 2024

Watery vaginal discharge will not be essentially a trigger for concern, particularly if it happens across the time of your anticipated interval. Listed here are some pure methods to cope with it.

Vaginal discharge may be complicated, particularly if you happen to expertise a sudden change out of the blue. Nevertheless, vaginal discharge will not be one thing try to be fearful about, at the very least not all, as a result of they’re a sign of your total well-being. It’s your physique’s manner of preserving stability and sanitation in that space, however at instances 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 if you happen to 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 a vital facet of the physique’s functioning. The discharge may be white, yellow, inexperienced, brown, or crimson, as present in a research printed within the Scientific Strategies Journal.

Watery vaginal discharge is a kind of vaginal fluid that’s often 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 vital 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 scale back friction and discomfort throughout sexual exercise.
It offers hydration which retains the vaginal tissues moist, stopping dryness and irritation.
It accommodates pure acids and micro organism that shield 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 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 might 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 instances within the menstrual cycle. Some folks might 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 forestall infections from spreading from the vagina to the uterus. In consequence, pregnant girls might expertise extra clear or white discharge, which is regular, as discovered within the Division of Well being and Aged Care. Through the closing week of being pregnant, the discharge might 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 professional.

4. Menopause

Menopause is a section in a lady’s life cycle, characterised by the tip 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 might expertise watery discharge because of vaginal atrophy, which causes the vaginal membrane to weaken, irritate, and inflame. Different signs might embrace itching, burning, urinating often, and urinary infections.

5. Bacterial vaginosis

In response to a 2023 research printed within the StatsPearl, bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal an infection induced primarily by the Gardnerella vaginalis micro organism. This micro organism is of course current within the vagina, nonetheless, it could 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 foul odour, which is typically 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 related to it, together with a watery discharge that’s yellow-green. It may possibly additionally trigger urinary ache and genital redness, discovered a research printed within the Journal of Household Drugs 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 also be an STI brought on by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae micro organism, which is transferred by unprotected intercourse with an contaminated associate, as present in a research printed within the Nursing Well being Providers. Signs embrace 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 commonly regular, it may typically point out an underlying situation if accompanied by different signs, reminiscent of:

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

Learn how to stop watery vaginal discharge?

Whereas watery vaginal discharge is commonly regular and an indication of a wholesome reproductive system, there are measures you possibly can take to handle and forestall extreme or irregular discharge. Listed here are some expert-recommended ideas you could strive:

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 forestall 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 up moisture, decreasing the danger of bacterial development. Keep away from sporting tight garments, as they’ll lure moisture and warmth, creating an surroundings the place micro organism and yeast can thrive.

3. Practise protected intercourse

Condoms may also help stop sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may trigger adjustments in vaginal discharge. Plus, decreasing the variety of sexual companions can lower the danger of infections that have an effect on vaginal discharge.

4. Eat a nutritious diet

Meals like yoghurt, kefir, and fermented greens may also 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 might irritate the vaginal space. Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents and private care merchandise.

6. Handle stress

Persistent stress can impression hormonal stability, which might in flip have an effect on vaginal discharge. Apply stress-reducing strategies like meditation, yoga, and deep respiratory workouts in your every day routine.

7. Common check-ups

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

Pure treatments to cope with watery vaginal discharge

Should you expertise extreme or uncomfortable watery vaginal discharge, you possibly can strive a number of pure treatments to assist handle and alleviate the signs. Listed here are some expert-approved house 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 response to a research printed within the Worldwide Journal of Surroundings and Public Well being, probiotic consumption might have each short- and long-term results within the remedy 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 might stop infections that trigger irregular discharge.

Learn how to use

Devour probiotic-rich meals reminiscent of yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and different fermented meals.
Take into account taking a probiotic complement, however seek the advice of with a healthcare supplier first.

2. Fenugreek seeds

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