Vaginal Wetness: Causes, Symptoms & How to Manage It

Feeling a little extra wet down there? You might start questioning - Did I pee my pants or am I aroused? Well, slight vaginal wetness is quite normal. However, facing excessive vaginal wetness all the time might signal something more.

To determine what counts as normal vaginal wetness and what does not, understanding the causes of vaginal wetness is important. Keep reading to learn more!

• What Is This Fluid?
• What Causes Vaginal Wetness?
• Other Causes of Vaginal Wetness

Have you ever noticed unexpected wetness in your underwear and wondered what’s causing it? Maybe you’ve asked yourself—Did I accidentally pee? Am I ovulating? Or is something else going on? Vaginal wetness is a completely natural and common occurrence, but the amount and frequency can vary from person to person. In most cases, it’s just your body’s way of keeping things healthy and balanced.

However, if you’re experiencing persistent or excessive vaginal wetness, it might leave you feeling uncomfortable or even concerned. Could it be due to arousal, ovulation, an infection, or something else entirely? Understanding the causes of vaginal wetness is key to knowing what’s normal and when you might need to pay closer attention. Keep reading as we break it all down!

As a part of its natural self-cleansing process - the vagina produces a fluid to lubricate its walls. This action safeguards the vagina from genital injury. At the same time, keeps it clean, moist and away from infection. However, the vaginal wetness you feel isn’t necessarily the same fluid every time. It could be vaginal sweat, cervical fluid or arousal fluid.

The vagina itself doesn’t sweat. However, there is a high concentration of apocrine sweat glands around the vagina on the labia majora.

It keeps changing in texture, consistency and colour throughout the menstrual cycle and has the ability to restrict or help the sperm from going further into the cervix.

This type of fluid is considered as the body’s sexual response.

At some point in life, every woman experiences vaginal wetness. Here are some of the common causes of vaginal wetness, some of which may require medical attention.

Many of us notice a little vaginal wetness every single day. There’s no need to shy away from it. It’s a regular cleansing routine wherein your vagina keeps secreting fluid. This mechanism enables it to keep bacteria and infections at bay. The amount of fluid secreted can vary from person to person, depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle. To combat such wetness, using pantyliners is the best option. Try the ALWAYS Comfort Protect Pantyliners which offer a comfortable and flexible fit. They are equipped with odour-neutralising properties which make you feel fresh and confident. Additionally, these liners are dermatologically tested and are gentle on the skin.

Imagine you are having a good time with your partner and things start to take a steamy turn. Your body gets excited sexually and you feel a little wet down there. It’s the Bartholin glands, present on each side of the vaginal opening, which are responsible for making your vulva wet. These glands secrete fluid that aids in lubricating the vagina. This minimises the risk of painful friction, and injuries and makes intercourse pleasurable.

If you are on hormonal treatment, you would notice vaginal wetness. The reason behind this is the spike in oestrogen levels. This hormone triggers the Bartholin glands to produce more fluid, causing increased vaginal wetness. On the other hand, as a woman ages her body reduces the production of oestrogen causing vaginal dryness.

An increased vaginal wetness can dampen not only your panties but also your vaginal health. It’s because sometimes excessive vaginal wetness can be a by-product of a vaginal infection. It could be a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or Trichomoniasis. To deal with such a type of vaginal wetness, it’s important to speak to a doctor. He will help diagnose the infection and provide the required treatment. While the medications work, you can use a pantyliner like the ALWAYS Extra Protect Pantyliners to keep your panties clean. These liners have odour-neutralising technology and are made available in extra-long sizes for added protection.

If you experience sudden wetness, it may not always be vaginal discharge—it could be stress incontinence. This happens when physical movements like sneezing, coughing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, causing small amounts of urine leakage.

Not all vaginal wetness is due to discharge—sometimes, it’s just sweat! The groin area has sweat glands, and factors like tight clothing, hot weather, or intense physical activity can cause excess moisture. This is completely normal but can sometimes lead to irritation or odor if not managed properly.

If you’re unsure about what’s causing your vaginal wetness or if it’s accompanied by unusual symptoms, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare provider for guidance.

Typically, vaginal wetness isn’t a cause for concern. However, if you notice too much vaginal wetness, it’s best to consult a doctor. Additionally, here are some other scenarios under which medical advice must be taken:

• Vaginal discharge accompanied by a strong odour

• Vaginal discharge that has a different colour - yellow, grey or green discharge

• Vaginal pain, irritation or burning sensation

• Swollen vagina

Takeaway
Vaginal wetness in itself is rather healthy. It helps fertility, provides pleasurable intercourse, and prevents vaginal pain. What you might feel is too much vaginal wetness might be normal for your body. However, if you have any more doubts about what's normal vaginal wetness and what’s not, speaking to a doctor is the best option. Likewise, if you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge be it odour or colour, you must consult a doctor immediately.

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