What Does Clear Vaginal Discharge Mean? Causes & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• The vagina naturally produces secretions for lubrication, cell hydration, and protection from infection.
• A clear vaginal discharge is usually normal and a sign of optimal vaginal health.
• When accompanied by other symptoms, like bleeding, burning, pain, or itching, clear discharge may sometimes be an early sign of infection.

The vagina is naturally moist. A clear discharge not associated with unpleasant symptoms is not only normal, but a good sign that vaginal tissue is properly hydrated and nourished. Hydration, your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and even menopause can change the appearance of this healthy, normal discharge.

Clear discharge may range from moist and thin to mucousy, stringy, or even bloody if you’re near your menstrual period. However, a clear discharge that you feel is different than usual could be an early sign of a potential infection.

Is it normal to have clear vaginal discharge?

Yes, it’s normal to have about a teaspoon a day of clear vaginal discharge. Even if this discharge changes in consistency and volume, it can still be normal. Leukorrhea is the general term for normal vaginal discharge. However, sometimes clear discharge can also be present with other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis.

Hormonal changes and hydration can cause discharge to go from thin and clear to filmy and hazy–and even thick and mucousy. One of the best ways to tell if vaginal discharge of any kind is normal is to consider whether it comes with unpleasant symptoms like itching, burning, pain, or a foul odor. It’s normal for the vagina and its discharge to have a natural odor, which may even be strong – but it should never be foul or fishy.

What is clear vaginal discharge?

Clear vaginal discharge is a combination of secretions and moisture naturally produced by the vagina and its glands. Some of the secretions responsible for clear discharge come from the:

• Skene’s glands. Located at the top of the vagina on either side of your urethra, these provide lubrication and have antibiotic properties to protect the bladder from infection.
• Bartholin glands. These glands are located at the bottom of your vagina and provide lubrication.
• Mucus glands in the cervix. Besides providing lubrication, the mucus of your cervix changes, depending on your cycle. Its structure changes to accommodate easy passage for sperm during the time of ovulation; at other times, it becomes an obstacle to intruders such as bacteria.
• Secretions that pass through the vagina walls. This is a passive exchange of hydration, with water being passed from deeper blood vessels.

Common causes of clear vaginal discharge

Whether discharge is normal or abnormal is based on what causes it. The most common cause of clear vaginal discharge is healthy leukorrhea or fluid secretions. However, there are a few common conditions that might also lead to this symptom.

Bacterial vaginosis

When the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina changes due to a change in pH (acidity) or presence of pathogens, a condition called bacterial vaginosis may occur.

Bacterial vaginosis commonly causes a thin, watery, grayish discharge, but it may also take on a lighter or clear appearance. A strong, fish-like odor is a telltale sign of discharge related to bacterial vaginosis. You may also experience itching, burning with urination, or pain during intercourse.

Yeast infection

A clear vaginal discharge may be a beginning yeast infection. These infections are known for causing a thick, white discharge that may resemble cottage cheese and come with itching and burning. However, it’s also possible to have a yeast infection and still experience what looks to be “normal” clear discharge.

Bacterial infections

A clear vaginal discharge that is the beginning of a bacterial infection–which is commonly the result of a sexually-transmitted infection like gonorrhea or chlamydia–can change to thick white, yellow, green, or gray. White blood cells, used to fight infection, are a part of the generalized inflammation produced. A foul odor may be present.

What clear vaginal discharge can mean based on your menstrual cycle

It’s normal for the look and feel of healthy discharge to change throughout your menstrual cycle.

During your cycle, estrogen rises, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone surge, and progesterone rises.

• Estrogen: As estrogen rises in the early cycle, the clear discharge can become whiter and thicker.
• LH, FSH: During ovulation, a white thick leukorrhea will turn clear and slippery, consistent with the change in the mucus of your cervix.
• Progesterone: The leukorrhea (clear, white, or yellowish) before your period is from the fluid and cells shed from the vagina.

What clear discharge may mean based on appearance, texture, or another symptom or condition

A normal clear vaginal discharge should be just that–normal and clear–without burning, itching, pain, or having a bad odor. However, when it comes with other symptoms, discharge may sometimes indicate an infection or another health concern.

• Thick, clear vaginal discharge: Without symptoms, may just be the result of normal cervical mucus build-up.
• Clear, watery vaginal discharge: Could possibly be urine from incontinence.
• Excessive clear vaginal discharge: Without symptoms, likely normal discharge. If you notice a sudden change in the amount of discharge you produce, check in with your doctor.
• Clear, stretchy vaginal discharge: Without other symptoms, this is likely mid-cycle mucus from the cervical glands.
• Clear, bloody vaginal discharge: This requires medical evaluation to determine whether it’s a normal premenstrual presentation or the result of bleeding due to inflammation or infection.
• Clear vaginal discharge with a foul odor: Usually infection. It can also be an inflammatory reaction to a foreign body, e.g., a “lost” tampon.
• Clear vaginal discharge with vaginal itching: Possible beginning of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
• Clear vaginal discharge during pregnancy: Possibly hormonal or due to urine collecting in the vagina over time, then released upon standing.
• Clear vaginal discharge after menopause: May be a normal result of cell debris due to thinning of the vaginal tissues; may be normal if you’re on hormone replacement therapy, but could be an early warning sign of cancer.

Read our guides on vaginal discharge colors and types of vaginal discharge for more.

When you should see a doctor about clear vaginal discharge

If you experience clear vaginal discharge without any other symptoms, it’s likely not cause for concern. However, anytime you notice changes in discharge or experience unpleasant symptoms like itching or burning, it’s probably best to consult a healthcare professional.

You should see a doctor if:

A professional medical evaluation becomes necessary if any discharge is associated with:

• Burning, itching, or pain
• Burning with urination
• Painful intercourse
• Blood-tinged color
• A foul odor
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Menopause

You should go to the emergency room if:

• Your vaginal discharge is accompanied by a fever, back pain (especially the mid-back), or pelvic pain.
• You experience changes in discharge alongside nausea and vomiting.

Questions to ask your doctor about clear vaginal discharge

• Is this a normal vaginal discharge or is there an infection?
• How will you make the right diagnosis?
• How will you treat it, if needed; and how will you ensure it’s been treated adequately?
• Should treatment involve my partner?
• If I’m pregnant, can this be normal?

How to get rid of or treat clear vaginal discharge

While you can’t necessarily get rid of normal clear discharge, you can keep it from disrupting your routine. Likewise, if clear vaginal discharge is a sign of infection or another health concern, you can manage it by treating its underlying cause.

Antifungal medications

If a yeast infection is causing your unusual discharge, your doctor will likely recommend taking antifungal medications to clear your symptoms. Antifungal medications come as suppositories, vaginal creams, and even pills.

Antibiotics

In cases where clear discharge is the result of a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear out any harmful bacteria. The type of antibiotics you take will depend on the pathogen in question as well as the kind of infection you’re dealing with.

Evaluation during pregnancy

Because a clear vaginal discharge during pregnancy may be due to leakage of amniotic fluid, ruling this out is absolutely necessary due to the risk of pregnancy loss or preterm labor and delivery.

Good hygiene habits

Normal clear discharge may not be avoidable, but if it bothers you, try using a panty liner to absorb moisture as needed. Wearing cotton underwear and gently rinsing the vulva with warm water and, if necessary, a gentle unscented cleanser can also help you reduce the amount of discharge you manage on a regular basis.

Frequently asked questions: clear vaginal discharge

Still not sure if your clear vaginal discharge is normal? These commonly asked questions can shed a bit more light on what might be causing your symptoms.

Does clear vaginal discharge indicate a pregnancy?

Possibly, but only because a vaginal discharge can occur or change due to hormones. Besides pregnancy, the entire menstrual cycle will change the consistency of a normal leukorrhea.

Can clear, watery discharge indicate that menstruation is coming?

A clear, watery vaginal discharge could possibly indicate that your period is coming. As cells are shed, they can collect into a clear or filmy discharge.

Is it normal to have clear vaginal discharge every day?

It can be–if there’s no odor or discomfort. However, change over the cycle is the normal way things go. You just may not notice if there are no unpleasant changes that alerts you.

Final thoughts on clear vaginal discharge

The vagina is moist with a normal discharge that can change during the menstrual cycle or due to infection. Usually, clear vaginal discharge is normal and not cause for concern. However, when accompanied by symptoms like pain, itching, burning, or a foul odor, it might be an early sign that something is wrong. When in doubt, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare professional.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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