Liquid discharge like water can appear due to normal hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, but it can also appear before intimate contact, or even due to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia or trichomoniasis, for example.
Depending on its cause, water-like discharge may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, irritation or vaginal redness, and may also have a bad smell or a yellow, green or gray color.
It is important to consult a gynecologist when vaginal discharge is frequent or abundant, has a green, yellow or gray color, a strong smell or other symptoms, so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Main causes
The main causes of liquid discharge like water are:
1. Normal menstrual cycle
During the menstrual cycle, normal hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone can lead to water-like, clear or whitish, odorless discharge, especially after menstruation and before ovulation.
This discharge changes its characteristics when the fertile period arrives, becoming thicker, similar to egg white. Learn how to calculate the fertile period.
What to do: As this is a normal situation, it is not necessary to undergo treatment or consult a gynecologist. However, if this discharge is persistent, increases in quantity or has a bad smell, it is important that you consult a gynecologist. See what each color of vaginal discharge means.
2. Physical exercise
Liquid discharge like water can appear during physical exercise, such as running or cycling, for example, as the vagina and vulva produce sweat, making this type of discharge normal.
However, if the discharge presents other symptoms, such as intense itching, irritation or redness, it may be indicative of infections, such as candidiasis, for example, due to excess moisture in the intimate region, which favors the growth of fungi, such as Candida albicans.
What to do: Cotton panties should be worn during physical exercise and breathable clothing should be worn. It is important to take a shower and change clothes after physical activity to prevent the growth of fungi and the development of candidiasis. If you experience symptoms of candidiasis, you should consult your gynecologist for the most appropriate treatment. Know how to identify the symptoms of candidiasis.
3. Sexual arousal
During sexual arousal, it is normal to have liquid discharge like water, which is part of the natural lubrication of the intimate area, to humidify the intimate area and protect against friction during intimate contact.
This discharge is made up of mucus produced by the cervix, secretion produced by the Bartholin glands and Skene glands, as well as secretion from the vaginal wall.
What to do: lubrication of the intimate region is normal and does not require medical care. However, if a woman has difficulties with lubrication or vaginal dryness, water-based lubricants can be used. Furthermore, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to evaluate hormones and, if necessary, undergo appropriate treatment.
4. Pregnancy
Water-like discharge is common during pregnancy, due to normal hormonal changes and increased estrogen levels, which promotes increased blood flow to the pelvic region and increased vaginal mucus production.
This discharge, called leucorrhoea, is normal and its function is to eliminate dead cells from the vagina, maintain healthy bacteria in the birth canal and protect the baby and the woman against infections.
What to do: As it is a normal condition during pregnancy, it is recommended that women have prenatal consultations with the obstetrician to assess the health of the woman and the baby. However, if a woman presents other symptoms, such as yellow, greenish or gray discharge, odorous or itchy discharge, redness or irritation, it is recommended to consult an obstetrician, as this may be indicative of infections.
5. Menopause
Menopause is the phase of a woman’s life marked by the end of a woman’s fertile age in which the ovaries stop producing estrogen and, therefore, the end of menstrual cycles.
During menopause, water-like discharge may appear due to vaginal atrophy, which can make the vaginal wall thinner, irritated and inflamed, and can also cause other symptoms, such as itching, burning, frequent need to urinate or urinary infections.
What to do: The treatment of vaginal atrophy during menopause should be guided by a gynecologist, who in some cases may recommend hormone replacement therapy with estrogens. See how hormone replacement therapy is performed during menopause.
6. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused mainly by Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacteria that develops when there is a decrease in the amount of good bacteria in the vagina, leading to the appearance of liquid vaginal discharge like yellow or gray water, with a bad smell, similar to fish. rotten.
Furthermore, other symptoms that may appear are intense itching in the intimate area or a burning sensation when urinating.
What to do: you should consult a gynecologist who may recommend treatment with antibiotics, such as metronidazole, clindamycin or secnidazole, in the form of vaginal ovules, ointment or tablets, for example. Check out the main treatments for bacterial vaginosis.
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7. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, which leads to the appearance of liquid discharge like greenish-yellow water, with a strong smell, pain and discomfort when urinating and redness in the genital region. Know how to recognize other symptoms of trichomoniasis.
What to do: The treatment for trichomoniasis must be carried out by the couple, even if there are no apparent signs and symptoms, and the gynecologist recommends the use of Metronidazole in the form of a tablet or ointment for local application.
8. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatisleading to the appearance of liquid discharge like yellowish water, similar to pus, pain and burning when urinating, pain and bleeding during intimate contact or pelvic pain.
What to do: It is important to follow the treatment recommended by the gynecologist, which is normally done with the use of antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. See more details on chlamydia treatment.
9. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is also a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeaewhich can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner, leading to the appearance of liquid and thin, green or yellowish discharge, pain or a burning sensation when urinating, urinary incontinence, itching in the intimate area or bleeding, for example.
What to do: It is recommended that the gynecologist be consulted as soon as possible so that treatment can be started, which involves the use of antibiotics, such as penicillin, ofloxacin or ciprofloxacin, for example. See how gonorrhea is treated.
10. Herpes genital
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be transmitted through contact with a partner’s blisters through unprotected sexual intercourse.
Infection with this virus can lead to the appearance of clear, white or cloudy liquid discharge, as well as blisters in the vagina or vulva, which can rupture and form wounds, which are itchy and painful.
Furthermore, herpes sores, in addition to appearing in the vagina, can also appear in the perianal region or anus. Know how to identify all the symptoms of genital herpes.
What to do: you should consult a gynecologist to diagnose genital herpes, and begin the most appropriate treatment, which is normally done with the use of antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, for about 7 days, as they prevent the multiplication of the virus. virus, allowing the skin to heal, in addition to avoiding controlling the appearance of other blisters and wounds. Find out more about how genital herpes is treated.
