The vagina is a mucous membrane, which means that the skin and tissue of a healthy vagina are always moist. Many factors can affect how much fluid the vagina produces. Typically, the inside of the vagina feels slightly wet.
The vagina may feel very wet during arousal, while menopause can cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal fluids are essential for keeping the vagina healthy and for making sexual activity comfortable.
However some people feel anxiety about their vaginal fluids. Bartholin glands are two small, pea-sized glands located just inside the vagina. They help lubricate the vagina to prevent excessive dryness. They also produce moisture when a female feels aroused, and during sexual activity.
As ovulation approaches, the cervix produces more fluid. This fertile cervical mucus can help sperm travel to the egg, increasing the odds of pregnancy. A normal, healthy vagina is slightly moist. On average, healthy females produce 1—4 milliliters ml of vaginal fluid in a day. According to Dr. Jen Gunter , an obstetrician-gynecologist, a very large, thick streak of vaginal fluid contains about 1 ml. The amount of discharge a healthy person secretes may change from day-to-day, and both Bartholin glands and the cervix produce various fluids that can change over time.
As ovulation approaches, a person might notice more vaginal wetness since the cervix increases fluid production at this time. When a female feels sexually aroused, the Bartholin glands produce more fluid. This fluid helps lubricate the vagina during sexual activity, decreasing the risk of painful friction and injuries.
Some people notice that their vagina becomes lubricated during sex even if they do not feel aroused. The lubrication typically lingers even after a person finishes having sex or no longer feels aroused. It is normal for the vagina to feel wet for an hour or two after sex or arousal.
As females age, they may notice an increase in vaginal dryness. After menopause, the body produces less estrogen , making it more difficult to keep the vagina lubricated. The walls of the vagina also become thinner, which can make vaginal dryness painful. Higher estrogen levels can increase vaginal wetness by causing the Bartholin glands to produce more fluid. People on hormone treatments, such as those taking hormone replacement therapy , may notice an increase in vaginal wetness.
Some people use vaginal estrogen to increase vaginal wetness. A study found that this practice is no more effective than using traditional lubricants. So for people who prefer to avoid estrogen treatments, vaginal lubricants may work just as well. When vaginal fluid changes or a person produces significantly more vaginal fluid than normal, it may be a sign of an infection.
A yeast infection causes thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. The vagina may itch, burn, or feel very sore and dry, and sex can be very painful. A yeast infection is a fungal infection. In most cases, over-the-counter OTC antifungal yeast infection medicine can treat it. Antibiotics will not help and may even make the infection worse. Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial imbalance of the vagina.
Some people have no symptoms, but others notice itching or burning. The vagina may produce a white, gray, or yellow fluid that smells fishy. The smell is sometimes worse after sex. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection STI that may cause a yellowish or greenish discharge. Sometimes the discharge looks bubbly and may smell bad, especially after a menstrual period. The vagina sometimes itches or burns.
Sometimes, the Bartholin glands become obstructed and can form painful cysts. A person who has a tender, painful swelling just inside the vagina may have a Bartholin gland cyst. Many go away on their own, but if the cyst grows large or does not heal, a doctor can drain it. Vaginal fluid has many components, including :. Vaginal fluid can appear a range of colors, including creamy, pink, yellowish, and gray. These colors have different meanings. Vaginal wetness that causes no other symptoms is not usually a problem.
Vaginal fluid is a sign of a healthy vagina and a sign that the body is working well. Many people worry about their vaginal fluids for a variety of reasons. However, vaginal wetness is normal and healthy.
It supports fertility, makes sexual activity more comfortable, and can prevent vaginal pain. Vaginal wetness in the absence of other symptoms is normal. People who worry they produce too much vaginal fluid may not be aware of how much fluid the body produces. When in doubt, see a doctor midwife who can offer reassurance and assess whether there is an underlying issue in need of treatment.
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic parasite. It can affect both males and females. Symptoms include…. A high pH may indicate a bacterial infection or…. The Bartholin glands are located near the vagina and produce a fluid that reduces friction. When the duct of a gland is blocked, a fluid-filled cyst…. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection, having affected as many as 1 in 4 women in the U.
While antibiotics are usually effective…. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom for women transitioning to menopause. It is caused by a drop in levels of the hormone estrogen. Treatment options…. Why is my vagina wet? Causes What is the fluid? When to see a doctor Summary The vagina is a mucous membrane, which means that the skin and tissue of a healthy vagina are always moist. What causes vaginal wetness? Share on Pinterest Vaginal wetness may come from the Bartholin glands or the cervix.
What is the fluid? When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest If a person experiences vaginal discharge that smells bad, they should talk to their doctor. Latest news Researchers identify potential coronavirus vaccine and therapy targets. Gut microbes could be key to treating ulcerative colitis. Combining carbs and sweeteners could affect insulin sensitivity.
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