Getting Wet: Let’s Talk About Vaginal Discharge and What It Is

Vaginal discharge is also known as cervical fluid and it is absolutely normal and necessary for the proper function of any vagina, because it keeps it lubricated. Even more than that, it maintains a normal pH balance, that is normally slightly acidic. However, even if it is difficult to say if your vaginal discharge is healthy or not, sometimes your body gives you some hints, to let you know that something’s wrong. The easiest way you can tell whether you should see a doctor or no is by knowing what normal discharge looks like and by recognizing symptoms of abnormal discharge. If you are aware of what normal discharge looks and feels like, then you’ll know what to do next and how to take preventative action.

Then it is also difficult to distinguish vaginal discharge, arousal fluid, and squirting fluid. So this passage comes to you for a easy understanding of these things.

What Is a Vagina Fluid, aka Vaginal Discharge?

Most of the vagina fluids are produced by either the Bartholin glands or the cervix. No matter which one of the two produces your discharge, it is important to know what types of discharge you might have and that they are perfectly normal, because, this way, it will be way easier for you to acknowledge any change there occurs in the color, smell, thickness and consistency of your vaginal fluid.

What Purpose Does Vaginal Discharge Have?

Even if you clean yourself well, your vagina takes the matter in its own “hands” and expels discharge to keep itself clean. Any healthy discharge contains discarded skin cells, bacteria, mucus and fluid produced by the vagina and cervix, because just as you exfoliate your skin, your body needs to “exfoliate” itself on the inside. Even though these excretions might be bit annoying, keep in mind that it’s a sign that your vagina is cleaning itself.

Vaginal Discharge

Any healthy woman has vaginal discharge and even if the color, the thickness and the odor varies from one woman to another, so does the amount discharged each day. This is why we need to mention that this article is not an exact answer for your exact case and if there is something wrong with your vaginal discharge, you should definitely go see a doctor. A healthy woman produces anywhere between 1 and 4 milliliters of vagina fluid per day. Here’s a list of what different types of vaginal discharge might look like, to help you understand your body better:

1. Clear, sticky discharge is common and absolutely normal, as it indicates that you’re currently in the ovulation stage of your menstrual cycle, signalizing that you have very big chances of getting pregnant in this moment.
2. Creamy, white discharge. Usually appears just before and after your period, and it is also completely normal. Don’t worry if it goes yellow-ish when drying on your panties, as that is very normal, too.
3. Clear, watery discharge. Monthly hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can trigger the production of clear and watery discharge and this one might also happen after exercising. Nothing to worry about.
4. Brown discharge near the end of your period. Your uterus shedding old blood and tissue after having your period is the cause of the color and even if it might look worrying, it should return to a normal color in a few days.

Arousal Fluid

Arousal fluid is a clear slimy fluid that is produced by a woman’s vagina when she is sexually aroused. The sensation associated with this fluid is what people usually describe as ''being wet'' or ''being moist''. The main purpose of this fluid is to act as a natural lubricant, in order to allow easy penetration during sexual acts. However, arousal fluid is not the same as and should not be mistaken as cervical mucus.

There are two main glands that produce the arousal fluid, when turned on. The Bartholin’s glands and Skene’s glands. Bartholin’s glands are located on either side of your vaginal opening and that is how, by stimulating your vagina, you stimulate the production of the fluid, as well. Skene’s glands are located in the near proximity of the urethra. This gland is very often connected to the squirting. ''Getting wet'' during sexual acts is a normal physiological reaction of your body that is trying to prepare for sex. However, it is important to know that sexual arousal is both a physiological and psychological response and, as long as you’re not mentally ready for the act, your vagina might get drier than the desert.

Squirting Fluid

When it comes to the quirting fluid, this is a topic that not all scientists and experts agree on. Some studies claim that a small amount of milky fluid can be expelled during orgasm from the vagina, while others argue that squirting fluid is either mostly diluted urine expelled from the bladder during the orgasm. However, it’s important to note that squirting doesn’t always equate to an orgasm.

Signs of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

If you experience vaginal discomforts, such as itching or pain and there is a foul odor to your vagina fluid, it mostly means there is an issue that needs attention, most often an infections. Even if most of the changes that appear to your vaginal fluid during the menstrual cycle are perfectly normal, there are some changes you should see as red flags.

1.Yellow discharge

Yellow discharge usually means an unbalanced diet or simply a reaction of your body to a new diet or diet supplement. There is, in most of the cases, nothing to worry about. However, if it persists over a longer period of time, you should go to see a doctor, just to be sure.

2.Yellow-green discharge

Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. You should absolutely see a doctor as soon as possible if your vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or if it has a foul odor.