Cervical mucus or discharge is very important as it flushes out the bacteria and maintains pH balance to prevent infections. Changes in color and consistency of the discharge are normal throughout the menstrual cycle. However if the changes are abnormal then it can be an indication of a serious health issue.
So, in this article let’s talk about clear watery discharge – is it normal or something you need to worry about…
Possible Causes of Clear Watery discharge
1. Clear watery discharge due to ovulation
During ovulation, the mature egg will be released from the ovaries. This is the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle. Just before ovulation, estrogen levels get increased which leads to clear watery mucus production. This type of mucus helps the sperm to move up the fallopian tube in order to meet the egg. Clear watery discharge is usually normal without odor. However if you have noticed vaginal itching or fishy smell discharge then it is better to consult the doctor.
2. Clear Watery Discharge during Puberty
During the puberty, when the teenagers reach the age of 10 – 12 years, the cervix starts to produce mucus for the first time. The first mucus that starts during puberty will look like egg white. This can be caused due to estrogen production. As the hormones start swirl, clear watery discharge during puberty is considered pretty normal and nothing to worry about.
3. Clear Watery Discharge – A Sign of Pregnancy
Clear watery discharge can also be a sign of pregnancy. This type of cervical mucus is produced after conception. Clear watery discharge is caused by an increase in estrogen hormone levels. If you had unprotected sex around ovulation then there is high chance that you might be pregnant. Usually, this discharge should be odorless or mild odor. It doesn’t cause itching and burning sensation.
4. Clear Watery Discharge before Period
Having a clear watery discharge before period is pretty normal. Due to increase in estrogen hormone levels and decrease in progesterone levels, the cervical mucus thins down and only clear watery discharge is released from the vagina. This decline in the cervical mucus will helps the uterine lining to shed.
5. Clear Watery Discharge after Period
The days after period are considered as dry days. Just before the fertile period, mucus production starts. Initially a clear watery discharge is produced. Later the thick, creamy white discharge is produced just before the ovulation. However if the discharge smells odd or causes itching then you have to consult a gynecologist.
6. Clear Watery Discharge Instead of Periods
If you are experiencing watery discharge instead of periods then it can be an indication of something serious like…
- Fibroids
- PCOD
- Polyps
- Hormonal imbalance
- An STD
- Endometriosis
- Cervical Cancer
- Pelvic Inflammatory Discharge
There is no exact reason for this condition. You should consult a physician in order to get diagnosed and know the exact reason.
7. Clear Watery Discharge during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes. The hormones estrogen and progesterone increase to support the fetus development. Normally, the cervical mucus during pregnancy should be clear, transparent with no odor or blood. However, if the discharge is strange or has a bad odor then it is better to consult a gynecologist.
8. Clear Watery Discharge after Intercourse
If you are sexually aroused then clear watery discharge is actually pretty normal. This discharge is actually not produced by vagina. There are two glands just above the vagina which cause the discharge. This clear watery discharge helps the penetration easier. Some women may also experience water discharge for hours after having sex. This is completely normal and just states that the glands haven’t yet stopped the product. But don’t worry the production of the mucus will stop on its own.
9. Clear Watery Discharge Due to Infection
If you are experiencing clear watery discharge with symptoms like itching, swelling and bad odor then it can be caused due to yeast infection. Some infections that can lead to this discomfort are
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast vaginitis
- Trichomonas Vaginitis
- Herpes genitials
- Postpartum infection
- Parasitic Infection
So, if you are experiencing abnormal discharge then it is better to consult a gynecologist to treat the problem in early stages.
10. Clear Watery Discharge due to Birth Control Pills
If you have been taking any medication, birth control pills or steroids for a longer period of time then it can cause excessive watery secretions. These medications may contain certain chemicals which interfere with enzymes of the uterine lining which leads to fluid secretion that is clear like raw egg white. If you are experiencing it consult a doctor as soon as possible as it can lead to fatigue and deficiencies.
When should you worry about clear watery discharge?
If you are experiencing sudden changes in the color and consistency of the discharge then it is better to consult a gynecologist to pinpoint the root cause. Below are the few changes that indicate a problem…
- Watery discharge with cheesy clumps: If the discharge is accompanied by small clumps of cheese like looking substance and associated with itching or burning sensation can be sign of any internal problems.
- Sticky Discharge: If the discharge is watery initially but tends to get sticky and clump together is not a good sign. Sometimes, it can give your legs a sticky kind of feeling.
- Colored discharge: sometimes, the watery discharge can have a different color like yellow, brown, pink, green or grey. Any abnormal color is a sign of something wrong.
- Foul Smell: Usually, watery discharge doesn’t have any odor but if it is has fishy or rotten egg smell then it can be troublesome which shouldn’t be left untreated.
- Cloudy discharge: Sometimes the watery discharge can become white and clouded with bad odor accompanied by itching or burning sensation. If experiencing it then you have to seek medical help for treatment.
Ways to Ease the Discomfort Caused by Clear Watery Discharge
If you want to ease the discomfort caused by excessive clear watery discharge then below are few tips that can help you…
1. Panty Liners
If the watery discharge is making your panty fully wet then it can cause some discomfort and lead to rashes. So, we recommend wearing panty liners or thin pads. They absorb the watery discharge and prevent wetness. This is a great way to avoid the feeling of self-consciousness. We avoid using tampons for absorbing the watery discharge.
2. Air Circulation
If you can, we recommend you sleep naked overnight without underwear. You can place a towel on the bedsheet so that it doesn’t get wet. Air circulation helps to decrease the chances of infection and irritation. Airing out also helps to solve the issue of bacteria imbalance.
3. Underwear
Change the underwear as soon as it gets completely wet. Make sure to carry an extra panty with you as it helps to change and avoid discomfort. This helps to prevent bacteria build up as they breed in moist environments which can lead to infection.
4. Use Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are very effective in keeping the vagina clean and bacteria-free. Make sure to avoid inserting wipes into the vagina. Just clean the out of the vagina to remove wetness and odor that is causing discomfort. If possible, we recommend using unscented baby wipes.
5. Boost Immune System
Watery discharge is usually not a serious health condition but excess production of it can lead to moisture buildup and bacterial growth. By boosting your immune system, you can avoid the bacteria buildup and infections.
Below are few herbs that help to boost immune system and fight off the infection…
- Saraca Ashoka
- D-mannose
- Vitamin C
- Cimicifuga Racemosa
You can brew some tea from these herbs and drink regularly to boost your immune system. Apart from that eat foods that help you boost your immune system. Sometimes, the discharge can be caused due to urinary tract infections. So, you can take cranberry juice to treat it before it worsens.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing watery discharge can be annoying and frustrating but usually in most of the cases it is normal. However, if there is anything abnormal then consult your gynecologist to treat the cause in early stages.
If you have any other questions regarding clear watery discharge then write to us in the comments section below. We love to clarify your doubts.
Plsn I do have watery discharge before and after my period which is always huge.
Clear watery discharge before and after period is actually common. However, If the discharge is heavy then consult a gynecologist to get diagnosed.
I do have an abnormal watery discharge after sex and few days to my ovulation period. is it normal or dangerous
As per your description, the discharge is abnormal, so we recommend consulting a gynecologist. A physical examination can be effective in determining the exact problem.
Im already 11 days delayed. My PT is negative for the third time. I still have clear to white discharge. What does this mean?
It felt like my water broke but I’m not pregnant,clear fluid ran through my legs and it wasn’t urine cause it came out from where my periods comes from…around 4:30 am…what could be the cause?
We aren’t sure the problem as a physical examination can be helpful in determination. If it happens again consult a medical professional.
I am 13 years old, it’s been a month and I have been getting watery discharge. There’s no itching or swelling, I’ve been taking true Navan skin detoxifier pills, does it come from the pills? I haven’t gotten my period yet even though it’s been a month and I should be getting my period. I’m worried what do I do??
We are not sure whether the detoxification pills are the main reason for clear watery discharge. It is better to get an abdominal scan to know the proper reason.
I started having clear watery discharge 7 days ago. I am postmenopausal ( 58 years old) and completely healthy besides having a sinus infection inNovember and currently I have a head cold. This has never happened before. Discharge has no odour.
It is pretty normal and nothing worry about. However, if the discharge increases drastically or causing any discomfort then consult a gynecologist.
i am 57 and for the last week i havw a watery discharge liken to my waters breaking ….. this cannot be normal . its worst of a morning . i have to jump out of bed i finding it awful can you help please
We recommend getting diagnosed by a medical professional to know the right reason.
Period was already days late, then day after sex had heavy amount of clear watery discharge at once, period still late week later. Is this sign of pregnancy?
Without knowing much about your menstrual cycle and other factors, it is difficult to determine whether you are pregnant or not. We recommend consulting a gynecologist to know for accurate reason.
I had intercourse a few days back and just 20 minutes ago, I was literally leaking and it dripped down my leg. I’ve had this feeling before and it had a foul odor, but there is no itching or swelling?
I already have the paper to bring in to get tested for anything, but just to ask now, should I be concerned?
We recommend getting diagnosed by a gynecologist to know the proper reason for heavy clear white discharge.
Is Having Watery Discharge Normal After Having Unprotected Sex 2 days ago ?
It can be normal until it doesn’t cause any pain or has any unusual odor. However, if it happens again, consult a doctor to know the appropriate reason.
I have not had sex in over 24 years. I meant a guy and I really liked him. I had unprotected sex…..This was a week ago. I woke up this morning and noticed my panties were wet.It was maybe 1/3 cup of fluid. I was frightened and just assumed I had an accident., but tonight I went to urinate before going to bed and the same thing has occurred. I will be 62 in April. Had a complete Hysterectomy in 1994, my friend who is also 61 claim he had VD’s. Going to see my gyn on the 19th
I am 13 years . I had period once and then second time I. Missed them and few days later I started getting little watery discharge without itching along with sticky white discharge
It is common during the first few months of getting first period. Don’t worry. Your period is likely return in few months.
I finish my periods 5day ago and I had unprotected sex ryt after my periods. HIV negative but today my water just broke like a pregnant while m not. What might be the cause? Thanks
It can be urinary incontinence or bladder infection. Consult a doctor for accurate reason and treatment.
I notice that I have watery discharge after my periods now my period delayed I’m on pills…does is mean I’m pregnant?
Watery discharge after periods is actually common. So, you don’t have to worry about it. As you haven’t mentioned anything about your menstrual cycle and sexual life, we cannot tell about the pregnancy. However, we recommend taking a pregnancy test for accurate information.
i had just completed my periods and had sex with my boyfriend two days back and now am having an increased watery brownish fluid, does it mean am pregnant?
As you haven’t provided much information on your menstrual cycle, we cannot conclude whether you are pregnant or not. Just wait until the period misses and take a pregnancy test.
Having a clear and watery discharge two days after my period..not smelly.. please is it normal? Had my last period start date on 7th of March and the present on started 1st of April..ended 3rd.
We recommend consulting a gynecologist for accurate reason. Because it is difficult to confirm the reason without physical examination and diagnosis.
pls help me out, is it normal to have watery and tiny cm 5 days before my period?
Yes, it is completely normal. So, don’t worry much about it.
I had my period 9 days ago. But there is still slightly heavy clear discharge. Is it normal?
If it is too heavy that you have wear a panty liner/pad then it is better to consult a doctor to know the proper reason.
I’m two weeks into taking prenatal vitamins and fish oil, also according to my period tracker I’m supposed to start my period in 5 days. i have experienced discharge before periods But I’m currently experiencing a lot of clear watery discharge which has never happened to me before. I’ve read many articles so I’m unsure if this is a sign of early pregnancy or a sign that I’m starting my period soon?
It is difficult to determine right reason based up on the symptoms. We recommend waiting for another 3 – 4 days and see if period starts. If not then consult a gynecologist.
i am 44 turning 45 in October 2018 , my periods is always normal a span of 26-28 days and my periods last 6 to 7 days with 2 days heavy flow, have been trying to have a baby for the last 12 years, had my periods on 2nd of April (first day) then had stretchy muscus on 10th april and very watery discharge on 12th and 13th and then had unprotected sex on 14th and 15th of April, three days later started feeling nauseated esp in the morning for a whole week, is this a sign of pregnancy?
It may or may not be a sign of pregnancy. It is difficult to identify pregnancy based on symptoms as they are pretty much similar to PMS. We recommend taking a pregnancy test after a missed period or consult a gynecologist.
Thank you for your post! I had a missed miscarriage at 7 weeks and took misoprostal to help things along about 2.5 weeks ago. I have had consistent, very light spotting since then and thought it was gone so did not wear a pad one afternoon a couple days ago. After a few hours of walking around I went to the restroom to find my underwear wet, enough so that it also soaked through my pants. Just minimal sign of spotting but what soaked through seemed to be clear and water-like. Any ideas what this may be? I have noticed my pads have been absorbing similar fluid since then in addition to the spotting.
We recommend consulting the doctor as proper diagnosis is required to know the proper reason.
was diagnosed of viganal infection and twas treated it was mild and i felt fine but after a while started having watery discharge and itchy at times but it comes and goes, do i have to worry about it?
Been having a ton of clear watery discharge since unprotected sex yesterday. Is this normal since it was my first time or what does it mean? Could I be pregnant even though I know he pulled out?
It is difficult to tell that as you haven’t mentioned anything about your menstrual cycle and other stuff. We recommend waiting till you miss periods and take the test.
53 year old, 1st period in 6 months after a very active day. Very heavy period for 4 days, just filled a tampon with a watery fluid. I have never experienced this before.
Consult a medical professional to know the appropriate reason.
Hai,
I have sex last 2 night and now i have pinkish watery discharge and no smell. Am i pregnant or something wrong going on.
As per your description, pregnancy seems unlikely. Pink discharge can be due to rough insertion or wounded mucus membrane. There is nothing to worry about, it will reduce in few days. However, if you observe severe abdominal pain or if bleeding increases, consult a gynecologist.
I have lots of watery discharge from few days which I never having before. My period is coming up to today. Is it sign of pregnancy?
There are many causes of getting clear watery discharge. It is difficult to tell based on just symptoms. So, we recommend getting examined by a gynecologist to know the proper reason.
Hello,
I’ve been trying to get pregnant for about 5 months now but to no avail. It’s the 5th day of a new cycle and after a 3 days of nomal menstrual flow, I’ve been having very little brown spotting and a clear watery discharge. Is it normal? My cycle is sometimes 26 days, 25 days or 28 days. But that of April/May was 25 days. How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant because I seem not to notice the egg white discharge during ovulation. I’ve seen a gynaecologist and I was told to keep trying for at least a year but I’m worried. It didn’t take this long to conceive for my first child.
Stress can cause havoc on your hormones which can further mess up the menstrual cycle. So, we recommend to calm down and try without taking any stress.