What causes clear discharge? Related conditions and treatments

Vaginal discharge is common and normal for people assigned female at birth. Some people produce more than others. It may feel sticky or stretchy, appear thin or thick, or vary in color. When it is clear, a typical cause is the vagina cleaning itself or preparing for menstruation. Although clear vaginal discharge is typically normal, it could signal an infection that requires treatment if other symptoms accompany it.

What causes clear discharge?

The causes of typical vaginal discharge are pretty simple. Clear discharge can happen as a result of the body cleaning itself or preparing for the menstrual cycle, but it can also be a sign of infection, which requires treatment.

1. The vagina cleaning itself or preparing for the menstrual period

Vaginal secretions are a part of the vagina’s job. Discharge is basically a sign of the vagina’s self-cleaning system at work to ensure it stays healthy, clean, and protected from irritation and infection. 

“Vaginal discharge is a combination of vaginal and cervical fluids and vaginal cells, which helps to keep the vagina healthy,” says Kelly Culwell, MD, an OB-GYN in San Diego, California.

“Normal discharge may be white or clear, thick or thin,” says Kara McElligott Park, MD, an OB-GYN, NAMS-certified menopause practitioner in Durham, North Carolina, and medical advisor at Mira. Clear, stretchy discharge typically means ovulation is happening, while clear, watery discharge can happen at various times during the menstrual cycle—especially after exercise.

“At different times of the menstrual cycle, depending on the level of estrogen in the body, the texture and color of vaginal discharge will change,” Dr. McElligott continues. “The most significant change seen is usually around ovulation, when discharge becomes thick, stretchy, and clear, like an egg white.”

As far as the timing, “most people will find more discharge earlier in the cycles and less discharge in the late part of the cycle just before the period,” Dr. Culwell adds.

So, treatment isn’t necessary here, and there are no risks to simply leaving the vagina alone (in fact, that may be best, given some vaginal health products, like vitamins and odor treatments, can cause harm).

While the color and odor of discharge may change and be considered normal, be on the lookout for other symptoms. Both Dr. McElligott and Dr. Culwell agree that pain, itching, burning, and irritation are not associated with normal discharge, and they may be signs of infection (more on that below). 

2. A vaginal infection

Vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are also common causes of discharge, according to Dr. Culwell. But while normal clear discharge doesn’t have any other symptoms, abnormal discharge from a vaginal infection will be accompanied by symptoms like vaginal itching, foul odor, or pelvic pain. When those symptoms are present, Dr. McElligott urges patients to make an appointment with their primary healthcare provider for proper treatment.

Specific signs of a yeast infection include:

• Thick, white discharge that has the consistency of cottage cheese
• Itching and irritation in the vagina or vulva (the outer part of the female genitalia)
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• No strong odor
• Pain or burning during sex
• Pain or burning when urinating

Specific signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV) include: 

• Thin and white, yellow, or gray discharge
• Discharge that has a fishy, strong smell
• Discharge increases after sexual intercourse
• Burning during urination
• Vaginal pain during sexual activity
• Itching in and around the vagina

The treatment depends on the infection. If it’s a yeast infection, Dr. Culwell says healthcare providers will give vaginal or oral antifungal medications. If it’s bacterial vaginosis, expect oral or vaginal antibiotics.

More specifically, a couple of examples of antifungals include oral fluconazole and vaginal terconazole, while an example of an antibiotic for BV is clindamycin vaginal cream. 

It is important to see a healthcare provider for prompt treatment of a vaginal infection, as complications can be serious. “If left untreated, the symptoms could worsen and lead to significant irritation of the vagina and external vulvar area,” Dr. Culwell says. What’s more, having BV can increase the likelihood of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.

Further, it’s important to note that if the discharge is accompanied by severe symptoms of pain, a trip to the ER may be necessary. “When in doubt, call the hospital and ask to speak to the physician on call,” Dr. Culwell adds. 

Clear discharge during pregnancy

Noticing clear vaginal discharge while pregnant can indicate different causes, some of which are more serious than others. 

On the more innocuous side of things, Dr. McElligott says clear discharge is often noted in pregnancy due to high levels of estrogen. She warns about seeing too much vaginal discharge, though. “If you are pregnant and see large amounts of clear discharge, seek care right away, as this could be amniotic fluid.” 

How long does clear discharge last?

If the clear discharge is related to the menstrual cycle, it may last about two weeks. But generally, how long the discharge lasts and the amount of vaginal discharge depends on the timing of the menstrual cycle.

Clear discharge is more common during the first two weeks of the cycle (the first couple weeks after a period ends). With vaginal infections, the answer isn’t set in stone. “Both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can resolve on their own, or they can persist until treated,” Dr. Culwell says.

Typically, after treatment starts, a yeast infection will last around three to seven days, and bacterial vaginosis will last around seven days—although up to 15% of people with BV will need a second course of treatment to clear the infection.

Although it may be difficult to wait for symptoms to subside, it’s important to avoid douching in hopes of making the discharge go away faster. Douches can actually worsen the situation, however, since it kills good bacteria and can lead to infection. 

Most importantly, see a doctor if clear discharge is accompanied by pain, burning, itching, or irritation

Clear discharge causes include normal bodily functions or infections, like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. The causes of clear discharge may resolve on their own if they are “normal” causes. However, if clear discharge lasts longer than two weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by burning, itching, pain, or irritation, it could be a sign of an infection that requires treatment. Only your healthcare provider can prescribe treatment for clear discharge and rule out infections or other serious medical conditions.