Watery discharge is a clear or white fluid that comes out of the vagina and keeps it clean and moist to avoid infections. Watery discharge is usually normal and does not require treatment. However, if you are concerned about the amount or appearance of your discharge, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.
Watery discharge can be caused by various factors, including infection, hormone imbalances, and pregnancy. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, however, watery discharge is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
The discharge from your vagina is a natural part of being female. Most women experience about 1 to 4 milliliters (around two spoonfuls) daily during their reproductive years. Still, you may notice increased amounts when estrogen levels are high while pregnant or using birth control pills.
So why watery discharge feels like I peed myself?
It’s pretty normal, but the watery discharge you feel like I pee myself could result from anything from an infection to hormonal changes.
Discharge can be a symptom of a problem if it changes color or becomes thicker. Symptoms like itching and soreness near the vagina may also mean something wrong with your hygiene practices. Discuss it with your doctor to find out what is going on with your body.
What are the causes of watery discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge can be due to natural hormonal alteration that occurs during reproductive processes in a woman’s body, like ovulation and pregnancy, or when sexual stimulation causes an increase of fluids from the vagina.
Women’s vaginas produce this natural, odorous fluid to help keep them clean and free from infection! Healthy bacteria in our vaginas make up its acidic secretions that fight off bad odor-causing microorganisms.
Here are some of the common causes of Watery discharge.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most common cause of watery discharge as it changes to prepare for the arrival of another human. The cervix and vaginal walls become softer to protect what’s inside them. As this goes on in the preparation stage, one starts with an increase from normal discharge, which helps stop any infections before they travel into the uteruses or other places.
Consult your doctor if you see a yellowish, painful, itchy, and foul-smelling discharge as it may be a sign of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Infections of the vagina include;
- bacterial vaginosis
- trichomoniasis
- candida
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- genital herpes
The signs of labor can be challenging to detect, but premature delivery may likely occur if you’re at the end or middle stages and notice watery discharge. Immediate care should always rule out any complications before they become life-threatening.
Ovulation
When ovulating, the egg moves down your fallopian tube and stays there for 12-24 hours before being fertilized. So, you may also experience a watery discharge from your vagina while you are ovulating.
So before periods, your vagina discharges white or cloudy because of the progesterone hormone. When the period ends, it can take up to four days for any vaginal discharge. The smells may be present due to blood left in your body after menstruation has finished.
Hormonal Imbalance
Girls who suffer from hormonal imbalances may also experience various vaginal discharges throughout their menstrual cycle, such as during ovulation, when you observe clear and odorless fluid coming out after sex or around menstruation time since blood has been flowing into the tissue near where it goes through the vagina.
Discharge Colors and What Does It Means?
Clear Discharge—It’s normal to have a bit of clear watery discharge near the time of ovulation. It could also happen because your hormones change, and you’re sexually excited or pregnant.
Yellow discharge pregnancy—If you notice yellow vaginal discharge, it could indicate infection. Make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible and get tested for diseases like chlamydia or Gonorrhea, which are easily transmittable if not treated immediately.
Milky White Discharge—There are many possible reasons for milky white discharge during the menstrual cycle. According to research, the color of discharge before ovulation can be cloudy and sticky or feel like mucus in some cases.
Pinkish Discharge—Pink discharge can occur any time during your cycle, but it’s most commonly seen before or during menstruation. If you experience pink vaginal bleeding that isn’t from an expected occasion (such as ovulation), this could be a sign of implantation and need treatment for pregnant women only.
When To See You Doctor?
Clear, watery vaginal discharge is never caused for concern. But if you are experiencing excess or changing color/viscosity (thickness), especially accompanied by fever and pain in the abdomen or pelvis, then make sure to get checked out! Contacting your healthcare provider would also be appropriate if there was an STI involved.
Vaginal Discharge Treatment
If the discharge is due to an underlying condition like infection, then the question is how to treat it? So let’s talk about some proven treatments;
- If you think your discharge is because of bacterial vaginosis, the doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic. This could be clindamycin cream or oral metronidazole and possibly even vaginal Inserts.
- The doctor may recommend oral or topical medications to get rid of candidiasis. These can be found at your local drugstore and online, but they only last 1-3 days, so you’ll have them repeat the treatment until it’s gone.
- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with oral antibiotics. The most effective antibiotic is metronidazole.
There are many ways to prevent infections of the genitals, but practicing good hygiene is essential. Washing frequently and ensuring that you don’t irritate your skin will help reduce the chances of a recurrence in future encounters with bacteria or viruses.
Bottom Line—Watery Discharge Feels Like I Peed Myself—Why?
Vaginal discharge is common in healthy women, but when it occurs more frequently than usual, it could indicate an underlying health issue. For example, high estrogen levels or menopause can cause excessive fluid from the vaginal canal due to a lack of control over its secretions.
If the discharge is because of infections, your doctor may prescribe some antibiotics and topical creams like clindamycin, miconazole, etc.