Got Watery Discharge? Here’s What It Means

Vaginal discharge probably isn’t a topic that comes up often at your dinner table or even over drinks with good friends.

It’s like Fight Club.

We don’t talk about it.

So, how do you know if your watery discharge is normal? How do you know when it’s worth mentioning to a healthcare provider?

Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, answers your questions.

Is watery discharge normal?

Yes, it’s normal to have clear or watery discharge. It’s a natural part of your body going through hormonal fluctuations.

“There’s nothing wrong with clear, watery discharge,” Dr. Zanotti echoes. “As long as it’s odorless, thin and clear or white, it’s nothing to worry about.”

And the amount of discharge? Anything goes. You may notice just a bit or not notice it at all. It’s also normal to have a lot of discharge — even to feel like you peed your pants at times.

“Just like some people sweat more than others, some have more discharge than others,” she explains.

(Insert sigh of relief here.)

But ... why? What’s going on down there? Let’s look at some reasons.

Causes of watery discharge

Watery discharge is a normal part of life with a vagina.

“Discharge happens for a few reasons,” Dr. Zanotti says. “It can be caused by vaginal cells that slough off and from mucus released by your cervix.”

Here are three reasons you may notice more watery discharge.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the time during your menstrual cycle when an egg is released from your ovary. And it’s the time of the month when you may see more watery discharge in your undies than usual.

When you’re ovulating, you get a rush of the hormone estrogen, and that creates more cervical mucus. The mucus has a purpose: It creates a slick, slippery environment that lets sperm travel easily.

When that mucus leaks out, you notice it as watery discharge. It may also be sticky or stretchy.

Birth control

Certain birth control medications can cause more watery discharge.

“Some women find they have more discharge when they’re on hormonal contraceptives, particularly hormonal IUDs,” Dr. Zanotti shares.

Remember, ovulation tends to cause more watery discharge. And while some hormonal contraceptives work by suppressing ovulation, you still ovulate with an IUD.

“With an IUD, we’re not giving you systemic hormones. IUDs are working locally inside your uterus to prevent fertilization,” Dr. Zanotti explains. “They work to keep the egg and sperm from meeting and a fertilized egg from implanting.”

Specifically, IUDs can make your cervical mucus thick — so thick that sperm can’t travel well. All that mucus can mean more vaginal discharge.

If you take other forms of hormonal birth control, like pills or the patch, you won’t ovulate, but you may still notice watery discharge due to hormonal changes in your cervix and vagina.

Sexual arousal

Watery discharge is also common when you’re getting busy. That lubrication helps heighten your sexual pleasure.

If you’re feeling randy, baby, expect your vagina to respond with watery discharge.

When to worry about discharge

Not all discharge is normal. Look for these signs of potential trouble:

• Smell: Discharge that has a foul odor could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
• Color: If it’s green, yellow or gray, for example, you may be dealing with an infection.
• Consistency: Discharge that’s foamy or thick like cottage cheese could point to a yeast infection.
• Other symptoms: Issues like itching, burning or other irritation should be checked for infection and other conditions.

Bottom line: Discharge happens. And watery discharge is a good sign of your body doing what it needs to do to support your sexual, reproductive and vaginal health.

And while vaginal discharge doesn’t need to be your go-to icebreaker conversation, talking about it with a healthcare provider, like an Ob/Gyn, can matter for your health. So, don’t be afraid to speak up about any concerns you have. They’re there to help down there.