{"id":626876,"date":"2024-02-17T17:30:46","date_gmt":"2024-02-17T22:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626876"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:08:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:08:22","slug":"what-causes-clear-discharge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-causes-clear-discharge\/","title":{"rendered":"What causes clear discharge? Related conditions and treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 <\/span>clear vaginal discharge is typically normal<\/span><\/a>, it could signal an infection that requires treatment if other symptoms accompany it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

What causes clear discharge?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. The vagina cleaning itself or preparing for the menstrual period<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

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

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

“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.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>just before the period<\/span><\/a>,” Dr. Culwell adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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, <\/span>can cause harm<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

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). <\/span><\/p>\n

2. A vaginal infection<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Specific signs of a <\/span>yeast infection<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n