Watery Discharge and Its Causes

Vaginal discharge is something every woman experiences, and it comes in all sorts of textures and colors throughout the month. Sometimes it's thick and creamy, other times it's clear and stretchy, and occasionally, watery. 

While this can be perfectly normal, there are also situations when it could indicate that something else is going on. If watery discharge is accompanied by other symptoms like itching, vaginal odor, or irritation, it may be a sign of infection or another issue.

Let’s dig into what causes watery vaginal discharge, when it’s nothing to worry about, and when it might be time to check in with your doctor.

Is watery discharge normal?

In many cases, watery vaginal discharge is normal — but not always. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and part of its job is to produce discharge. Vaginal discharge changes depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, whether you’re aroused, pregnant, or even just working out more than usual.

Watery discharge is most commonly associated with fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen. Due to these hormonal shifts, the amount and type of discharge you produce will change throughout your cycle. So, whether it's normal or not depends mostly on what else is happening in your body at the time.

Common causes of watery vaginal discharge

Watery vaginal discharge can be completely normal and often isn’t a sign of anything serious. Below are some of the most common reasons why vaginal discharge might become more watery than usual, including hormonal fluctuations and sexual arousal

Ovulation

One of the most frequent causes of watery discharge is ovulation, which typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Around this time, estrogen levels peak, prompting your body to produce more discharge. Volume aside, the consistency changes as well. Ovulation discharge is typically thin, clear, and stretchy (almost like an egg white consistency). It’s your body’s way of helping sperm move more easily to the egg. This discharge might feel like a sudden wetness or even a small leak in your underwear.

Sexual arousal

Another common reason you might feel “wetter” than usual is sexual arousal. When you're turned on, your body amps up its natural production of lubrication through the Bartholin's glands (located near the vaginal opening). This lubrication can mix with your regular discharge, making it feel more watery than usual. Sometimes, this happens even when you’re not mentally turned on, but your body is responding to sexually relevant stimuli — a phenomenon known as arousal non-concordance. 

Pregnancy

Watery discharge is also quite common in early pregnancy, sometimes even before you realize you’re expecting. Increased blood flow to the cervix and a rise in estrogen levels can lead to a noticeable uptick in vaginal discharge. This is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, and it’s completely normal.

Later in pregnancy, a sudden gush of fluid might raise questions about whether your water has broken (i.e., the amniotic sac has ruptured). If you’re pregnant and experience a rush of watery fluid, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Exercise

Physical activity, particularly exercises that put pressure on the abdominal area or stimulate pelvic blood flow, can lead to an increase in watery discharge. Although it doesn't directly make your body produce more discharge, high-impact movements like jumping and running can stimulate discharge to come out. Even sweating around the vaginal area can mix with discharge and give it a thinner, wetter consistency. The pelvic area is also packed with sweat glands, so getting sweaty can contribute to the feeling of wetness. 

Hormonal birth control

Taking birth control pills, using patches, or other hormonal contraceptives can also change the nature of your discharge. These methods alter hormone levels in your body, which in turn affects cervical mucus. Many women on birth control report a thinner discharge at various points during their cycle. This is usually a temporary side effect. 

Perimenopause and menopause

During perimenopause (the transition leading up to menopause), hormone levels, especially estrogen, begin to fluctuate. These changes can affect the vaginal lining and fluid production, sometimes leading to more watery vaginal discharge at certain times.

After menopause, when estrogen drops more significantly, many women experience vaginal dryness, but some may still have watery or thin discharge. This is often due to vaginal atrophy, a condition where the vaginal walls become thinner, drier, and more fragile. In some cases, this thinning leads to a light, watery discharge, sometimes accompanied by irritation or discomfort.

If you're noticing a change in your discharge around midlife — especially if it’s persistent or comes with symptoms like itching, burning, or odor — it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether it’s a normal part of hormonal changes or something that needs treatment.

Abnormal causes of watery discharge

While watery discharge is often harmless, sometimes it can be a sign that something isn’t quite right. If the discharge is persistent, has a foul smell, color, or is accompanied by itching, irritation, or pain, it may point to an underlying issue. 

Bacterial vaginosis 

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Normally, healthy bacteria called Lactobacilli keep the vagina slightly acidic and protect against infection. In BV, these good bacteria decrease while bad bacteria overgrow.

This imbalance leads to a thin, often gray discharge with a noticeable fishy odor, especially after sex. The discharge is watery because the overgrowth of bacteria increases vaginal secretions and alters the consistency of natural mucus. 

You should see your healthcare provider if you notice watery discharge that has a fishy odor. They can prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat BV. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. While some people have no symptoms, others may notice a change in their vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis can cause discharge that is watery, frothy, and yellow-green, often with a strong, unpleasant odor. 

Trichomoniasis may also cause: 

• Vaginal itching 
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Pain during sexual intercourse. 

Because the symptoms can overlap with other vaginal infections or STIs, accurate diagnosis is important and typically involves a pelvic exam and lab testing.

Trichomoniasis is easily treatable with prescription antibiotics, usually metronidazole or tinidazole. If you suspect you might have trichomoniasis or have been exposed to it, it's important to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another type of STI that can cause abnormal discharge. It often goes unnoticed because many people (especially women) don’t experience any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include watery or mucous-like vaginal discharge, which can be yellowish and sometimes have a foul smell. The discharge results from inflammation in the cervix caused by the infection.

In addition to discharge, chlamydia can cause: 

• A burning sensation when you pee
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during sex. 

Because symptoms are often mild or absent, chlamydia can go undiagnosed for long periods, increasing the risk of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased vulnerability to other infections.

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, but both partners must be treated to prevent reinfection. Routine screening is recommended for sexually active women under 25 and others at higher risk. If you’re experiencing unusual watery discharge or other symptoms, a medical checkup is the best next step. 

Gonorrhea

While many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms, one of the earliest signs can be an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge from gonorrhea is often watery, creamy, or slightly yellow and may have a mild odor. Some women may also experience: 

• Burning or discomfort while peeing
• Pain or tenderness in the lower belly
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pain during sex.

Because the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other infections, gonorrhea is often undetected unless tested for directly. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. The most common treatment is a single shot of ceftriaxone, given in the muscle. Both you and any recent sexual partners should get treated, even if you don’t have symptoms, to prevent passing it back and forth. 

Pelvic inflammatory disease

PID can cause watery vaginal discharge, though it’s usually not the only symptom. PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

The discharge from PID may be watery, mucopurulent (mucus and pus), or have an unusual odor. It results from inflammation and infection in the cervix and uterus, which increases vaginal secretions. However, PID typically causes other symptoms too, such as: 

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Fever
• Unusual bleeding (like spotting between periods or after sex).

Because PID can lead to serious complications — like infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy — it’s important to seek medical care if you experience abnormal vaginal discharge along with any pelvic discomfort, especially if you've had unprotected sex or a history of STIs. Early treatment with antibiotics is key to preventing long-term damage.

Cervical cancer

Watery vaginal discharge can sometimes be a sign of cervical cancer, especially in later stages. The discharge might look clear or a little blood-tinged and usually doesn’t come with itching or a strong or unpleasant smell. This happens because the cancer cells on the cervix can cause extra fluid to build up.

That said, cervical cancer is actually very rare, and watery discharge usually has many other, much less serious causes. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal or related to common infections or hormonal fluctuations.

Cervical cancer often doesn’t show symptoms early on, which is why early detection through regular screening is so important. But if you do notice changes, it might include changes to your vaginal discharge along with things like unusual bleeding (maybe after sex or between periods), pelvic pain, or painful sex.

Still, if your discharge feels different from usual, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms like bleeding or pain, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. In rare cases, other types of gynecologic cancer, like fallopian tube cancer and uterine cancer, can also cause persistent watery discharge.

Foreign body in the vagina

Having a foreign body — like a forgotten tampon or condom — stuck in the vagina can cause watery discharge. When something is left inside the vaginal canal, it can irritate the vaginal lining and create an environment where bacteria multiply, leading to infection. This often results in increased vaginal secretions that may be watery, sometimes mixed with mucus or even have a foul odor. Along with the discharge, you might notice discomfort and itching.

If you think something might be stuck or if you have abnormal discharge that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They can safely remove the foreign object and treat any infection if needed. It’s a pretty common issue, and getting it checked early helps avoid complications.

How to manage watery discharge

For most women, no treatment is necessary for normal, watery vaginal discharge. However, there are ways to keep things healthy down there:

• Wear breathable underwear: Cotton is best, as it allows moisture to evaporate.
• Avoid douching: It can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
• Maintain good hygiene: Wash your vulva daily with warm water and avoid scented soaps.
• Track your cycle: Understanding when to expect changes can ease concerns.
• Don’t ignore symptoms: If you’re experiencing discomfort or other symptoms, like an unusual odor or unexpected bleeding, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

FAQ

Why is my discharge just watery?

Watery vaginal discharge often happens naturally throughout your menstrual cycle, especially around ovulation when your body produces stretchy, clear discharge to help with fertility. 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 your discharge is persistent, unusual in color or smell, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider to make sure everything is okay. But often, watery discharge alone is just a normal part of how your body works.

Is watery discharge an STD?

Watery discharge by itself isn’t always a sign of an STD, but it can be caused by some STIs. For example, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis often cause watery or unusual vaginal discharge. However, watery discharge can also be completely normal or caused by other non-STD reasons like hormonal changes, ovulation, or mild irritation. If your watery discharge comes with other symptoms like itching, burning, a strong smell, or pain, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare provider. They can do the right tests to figure out whether an infection is the cause and recommend the right treatment if needed.

Why is my discharge so watery but no period?

Vaginal discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Around ovulation, your body produces more clear, stretchy mucus that helps with fertility, so your discharge might be extra watery then. Hormonal fluctuations from stress, pregnancy, or birth control can also make your discharge more watery. Sometimes, watery discharge without a period can be a sign of an infection or other health issue, especially if it’s accompanied by itching, odor, or discomfort. Conditions like bacterial vaginosis or certain sexually transmitted infections can cause watery discharge even when you’re not bleeding. If your period is late and you’re noticing discharge that is thinner than usual, it could also be an early sign of pregnancy. If you’re unsure or concerned, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test or talk to your healthcare provider to find out what’s going on.