Watery discharge is usually normal, signaling hormonal shifts during ovulation, arousal, pregnancy, or menopause, helping keep the vagina clean and lubricated. However, if it changes color (yellow, green, gray), has a foul odor, causes itching/burning, or comes with pain, it could indicate infection (like BV, thrush, or STIs like Trichomoniasis) or vaginal atrophy (menopause), warranting a doctor's visit.
An increase in watery vaginal discharge is a healthy, natural process, and may indicate ovulation, arousal, and pregnancy. Changes to discharge color, texture, and smell can indicate infections and other issues. Vaginal discharge keeps the vagina clean, moist, and clear of infection.
In addition, as the pregnancy progresses, women may notice that they may have excessive vaginal discharge, and they may confuse it for urine. However, having a watery discharge doesn't mean that you're pregnant. Other factors can lead to watery or clear discharge.
The type or texture of your cervical mucus will depend on what stage of your menstrual cycle you're in. Your mucus generally starts as dry or pasty before moving to a creamier texture. As ovulation nears, your discharge will become wet, stretchy and slippery.
Changes in hormones—whether from stress, diet, or using birth control—can affect your discharge. Hormonal contraceptives, such as pills or injections, can increase or thin out vaginal discharge as they alter natural hormone levels. A watery discharge is a common side effect and is usually not a cause for concern.
Scratches or wounds in the vagina due to infection can also cause vaginal discharge without any clear or particular odor. Another cause of odorless vaginal discharge is hormonal changes during pregnancy. In this case, there will be increased vaginal discharge, and it may be clear in appearance and odorless.
AZO will turn your urine highlighter orange so if you leak, you'll see bright orange, whereas if it is discharge, it will be clear or milky white. Make sure you don't wear dark underwear! Wearing white, or very light underwear will sometimes help you see the color of the fluid that you are leaking.
Possible Causes of Excessive Watery Discharge. Sometimes there is discharge, and sometimes it feels like you have a dripping wet vagina! There are a few reasons for this, from pregnancy to infections to good old-fashioned hormones (progesterone and estrogen!).
It can also happen when you're sexually aroused or even due to hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy. Sometimes, it could be a sign of an infection or irritation, especially if it comes with other symptoms like itching, odor, or discomfort. Conditions like bacterial vaginosis or STIs can cause watery discharge as well.
If you have excessive watery discharge that is accompanied by itching, pain, and an unpleasant smell, you may have an infection. Some common infections that cause watery discharge include the following.
Vaginal discharge — Almost immediately after conception, the walls of your vagina start to thicken. This produces a white, milky discharge that may continue throughout your pregnancy. (This discharge is normal and harmless, but if it starts to have a foul smell, burns, or itches, contact your doctor immediately.)
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Hormonal changes
Higher estrogen levels can increase vaginal wetness by causing the Bartholin glands to produce more fluid. People on hormone treatments, such as those taking hormone replacement therapy, may notice an increase in vaginal wetness. Some people use vaginal estrogen to increase vaginal wetness.
But in the few days before, during, and immediately after ovulation, you'll notice an increase in cervical mucus and a change in its texture: It will turn clear, slippery, and stretchy (like raw egg whites). This is the time, just before ovulation, when sex is most likely to lead to conception.
Is watery discharge a sign of pregnancy? No, it's not considered a sign of pregnancy. But because your body will be producing more estrogen from the get-go, leukorrhea does usually start early in pregnancy – and increase as your pregnancy progresses. Vaginal discharge is common when you're not pregnant, too.
Why does my vaginal discharge feel like I peed myself? This may be because your body is producing more fluid than usual. It can happen if you have an infection like a yeast infection or you're going through a typical phase of your menstrual cycle.
While some people naturally produce more vaginal lubrication than others, this wetness is normal in most scenarios. Especially when it's not accompanied by any other signs or symptoms that seem out of the ordinary. Vaginal wetness is common when you're feeling aroused and it's also present when you're not aroused.
Watery discharge is normal and can happen around ovulation or during pregnancy. If discharge changes color or has an unusual smell, see a healthcare provider as it could be an infection. Avoid douching because it can disrupt vaginal health and increase infection risk.
Considering the normal anatomy and functions of the female genital tract, it is normal and healthy to be wet. Vaginal discharge starts at the onset of puberty. It has the following functions: Protects the vaginal tissues.
Schedule a visit with your health care provider if you have: Greenish, yellowish, thick or cheesy vaginal discharge. Strong vaginal odor. Itching, burning or irritation of your vagina or of the area of skin that surrounds the vagina and urethra, also called the vulva.
Leukorrhea is especially common in pregnancy for several reasons, including: The high estrogen levels women experience during pregnancy. The cervix creating more mucus to protect the pregnancy. An increased blood flow to the vaginal walls.
If any of these symptoms are present, it may be worth making an appointment to see a doctor: Blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination or back pain. Your doctor may investigate the more common causes of the symptoms first, or may refer you to a specialist, like a urologist or an oncologist.
Urge incontinence.
You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurological disorder or diabetes.