Are you in a ‘watery discharge feels like I peed myself’ situation? Do not worry.
Watery discharge is a normal component of a woman’s body—the vagina cleans itself by excreting dead cells and bacteria. Yet, the quantity, consistency, and type of vaginal discharge can vary during the menstrual cycle and stages of life.
This is usually harmless and normal, but it’s understandable to be curious about why it occurs. This blog walks you through the causes of watery vaginal discharge, how you can differentiate it from urine and when you should consult a doctor.
Watery Like Discharge
Watery vaginal discharge is a light, watery fluid that will sometimes feel more like a splash of water. It’s usually odourless or only slightly fragrant. People often notice it at various stages of the menstrual cycle, and the quantity differs for everybody.
Most women have around 1 to 4 millilitres (half a teaspoon) of discharge daily when they are of reproductive age. The consistency and quantity of discharge depend on the hormonal state, so it’s normal to vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Watery discharge may appear like water, egg white, or thin milk and is usually an indication of a healthy vagina.
Causes of Watery Discharge that Feels Like Urine
Common causes of watery discharge that make you feel like you peed yourself include:
1. You’re Ovulating
During ovulation—the egg-release phase of your menstrual cycle—vaginal discharge is increased due to a rise in oestrogen levels. This discharge is often clear, stretchy, and watery, similar to raw egg whites. It helps sperm swim easily to the egg, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
2. You’re Pregnant
Hormonal changes and increased flow of blood to the vaginal area may cause watery discharge during pregnancy. Carrying the baby in your womb, you may wonder, ‘Am I leaking urine or discharge?’ Accompanying symptoms like itching, pain, or odour might be evidence of infection.
3. You’re Sexually Aroused
Blood flow to the vagina increases when you’re sexually aroused; it increases the secretion of lubricating fluids. This may lead to watery discharge during and after sex. It is a natural body response that decreases friction and pain during coitus.
4. You’re At or Post Menopause
At and after menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can make the vaginal walls thinner and drier, a condition called vaginal atrophy. In some instances, this may result in watery discharge. If the discharge is painful, itchy, or smells unusual, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.
What might Cause Change in Vaginal Discharge?
Though vaginal discharge is healthy, sudden changes in colour, odour, or texture can be a warning that something is not right.
These are some of the most common reasons for alteration in vaginal discharge:
1. There’s an Infection
Should watery discharge be accompanied by itching, soreness, or a bad odour, it might be caused by an infection. Some of the most common infections are:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
The imbalance in the bacteria typically presents in the vagina; BV usually results in a greyish, watery discharge with a fishy smell. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics as the first-line treatment.
Yeast Infection
This is due to an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that is naturally found in the vagina. It may produce a white, cottage cheese-like discharge, but sometimes watery. Symptoms include itchiness, irritation, and pain while urinating or having sex.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, can cause discharge to change colour (yellow, green, or grey) and odour. They can also cause painful sex, itching, and irritation.
2. There’s Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones contribute significantly towards the consistency and quantity of vaginal discharge. Hormonal imbalance resulting from stress, thyroid problems, or other illnesses can result in discharge changes.
3. You’re on Hormonal Birth Control
With hormonal contraception, like the pill or hormonal IUDs, vaginal discharge may increase, particularly when you first begin using them. This usually is temporary and will settle down after a few months.
Leaking Watery Discharge or Urine? Let’s Differentiate
If you wonder, ‘How do I know if I’m leaking fluid or peeing?’ The following may help you differentiate:
- Odour: Urine typically has a characteristic odour, whereas watery vaginal discharge is odourless or has a mild odour.
- Colour: Urine is typically yellow or light yellow, depending on how much water you’ve been drinking. Watery discharge, on the other hand, is usually clear or slightly milky white.
- Feeling: If you suddenly have a rush or trickle of fluid you can’t control. It could be urine if it occurs when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. Watery discharge is less in quantity, and it does not feel like you are losing control of your bladder.
- Frequency: If wetness occurs regularly during the day, it’s probably a watery discharge. Urine leakage typically occurs only when there is pressure on the bladder.
The Tissue Test may Help.
If you still have doubts, you can do an easy test at home:
- Insert a clean white tissue or a panty liner into your underpants.
- Look at the tissue or liner after one or two hours.
- If the fluid is watery or milky and has no strong odour, it’s probably a watery discharge.
- If the tissue is yellow or has a strong odour, it’s probably urine.
Consulting for urinary incontinence treatment is advised if you suspect involuntary urine leakage.
When to Seek Help
Watery discharge is generally expected, but you should visit a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- A change in colour (yellow, green, grey, or bloody).
- A foul, fishy, or pungent odour.
- Vaginal itching, Irritation or pain.
- A thick, chunky discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
- Pain and discomfort during intercourse.
- Involuntary urine leakage.
These might be symptoms of an infection or other health conditions requiring physician attention.
All This Will Help Understand If It’s Watery Discharge or Urine
Experiencing watery discharge that feels like you peed yourself is common. Vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina. It may occur as a result of hormonal changes, ovulation, pregnancy, sexual arousal, or menopause. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider if you experience sudden changes in colour, odour, consistency, or involuntary urine leakage, as it may indicate an infection or other health problems.
Selecting cotton, breathable underwear, good hygiene, and avoiding scented products will help you handle watery discharge easily. Stay connected with your body and its changes for overall well-being.
FAQs
1. What can I drink to stop watery discharge?
Home remedies like tea tree oil or guava tea may help relieve vaginal discharge or related symptoms. However, consult your doctor if you notice changes in the discharge’s colour, odour, or consistency.
2. What causes watery discharge like urine after?
Hormonal changes (ovulation, pregnancy, or menopause), birth control, and sexual arousal may cause watery discharge.
3. Is it normal to discharge and wet your pants?
It’s not always typical for discharge to wet your pants. The normal discharge tends to be mucous and will not soak. Consult your doctor if the discharge always wets your garments.
4. How many days does watery discharge last?
The watery discharge typically stays for 6-14 days. However, it depends on your hormonal changes.
