Experience Watery Secretions? Here's the Interpretation
Watery vaginal discharge is a common occurrence for many women, especially during certain stages of their menstrual cycle or while using certain forms of hormonal contraception. This article aims to shed light on the common causes of watery discharge, as well as when it may indicate a potential health issue.
Normal Causes
Watery vaginal discharge is often a natural part of a woman's body going through hormonal fluctuations. During ovulation, the hormone estrogen increases the production of cervical mucus, creating a slick, slippery environment for sperm to travel [1]. Hormonal birth control, particularly hormonal IUDs, can also increase watery discharge [1].
Infections
Two common infections that can cause watery discharge are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and decreased lactobacilli. This imbalance can cause a watery discharge and is linked to factors such as sexual activity, use of IUDs, hormonal changes, and antibiotic use [2].
Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. This overgrowth can cause discharge that may be watery but often appears lumpy or cottage-cheese-like. Accompanying symptoms include itching, redness, and irritation [5].
Other Causes
Watery discharge can also be caused by sexual arousal and pregnancy, physical activity, and the use of perfumed products, douching, tight clothing, and smoking [5].
When to Seek Medical Attention
While watery discharge is usually normal, signs that it may be abnormal include a change in colour (yellow, green), odour, itching, burning, or associated pain. These symptoms may warrant medical evaluation [1][4]. Discharge that is foamy or thick like cottage cheese may point to a yeast infection [5].
In summary, watery vaginal discharge is often normal, especially around ovulation or with hormonal contraceptives. However, infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are common pathological causes [1][2][5]. It's important to remember that any amount of discharge, from a little to a lot, is normal. Odourless, thin, and clear or white discharge is nothing to worry about [1].
A final point to note is that IUDs work locally inside the uterus to prevent fertilization, not by suppressing ovulation [3].
[1] NHS. (2021). Vaginal discharge: When to worry about it. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/vaginal-discharge-when-to-worry-about-it/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Bacterial vaginosis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354758
[3] Planned Parenthood. (2021). IUDs. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iuds
[4] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Vaginal Discharge. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginal-discharge
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17230-vaginal-discharge-causes-symptoms-and-treatment
- A woman's body might produce watery vaginal discharge during hormonal fluctuations, especially during ovulation when higher levels of estrogen increase cervical mucus production, thereby creating a conducive environment for sperm to travel.
- Plagued with an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, bacterial vaginosis (BV) can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, decreased lactobacilli, and the development of watery discharge, a symptom that can be linked to factors like sexual activity, use of IUDs, hormonal changes, and antibiotic use.
- The health and wellness of a woman can be impacted by various factors, with watery discharge also being noticed as a result of sexual arousal, pregnancy, physical activity, the use of perfumed products, douching, tight clothing, and smoking.
