Are there times when you feel a sudden rush of moisture in your underpants? Or times when you feel you’re aroused because of the wetness down there but you are actually not and just on your way to work? Or do you sometimes feel that you are always wet down there? What are the causes of having a wet vagina? Why is your vagina always wet? Is there a difference between discharge and being wet? – If these are the questions that cross your mind too many times, well then, you are at the right place. If you find out everything about vaginal wetness, keep reading!
Difference Between Discharge and Being Wet
You will be surprised to know that there are a variety of causes of having a wet vagina. Find listed here some of the basic definitions to get you acquainted with the science behind vaginal wetness. Vaginal fluids contain a very high content of water and according to research, it counts for a total of ninety percent content of the vaginal fluid. Other than water, vaginal fluid also contains salts, amino acids, organic compounds, old and dead cells, as well as some antibiotics.
Discharge: Discharge is an umbrella term used to describe all kinds of discharge from the vagina. You will find out in this article how discharges vary as per their secretion site, your menstrual cycle, and hormonal regulations of your body.
Arousal fluid: Arousal fluid is the wetness you feel down there that occurs as a result of the sexual response from your body. Arousal fluid is secreted by Bartholin glands that are located on the left and right side of the vagina. The secretion of this fluid provides natural lubrication to your vagina that helps in preventing dryness, tearing, injury, and also decreases the risk of painful friction. It is normal for your vagina to stay wet even after you are done having sex. The body has its unique ways of keeping your vagina safe. Similarly, it is also normal for your vagina to get wet due to arousal fluid even when you don’t feel like having sex. A wet vagina is not equivalent to giving consent. If a woman is being forced to have sex, she may become wet, but that doesn’t mean that she has consented for the act. Other than an enthusiastic and explicit YES – nothing else counts as consent.
Cervical fluid: Cervical fluid is another fluid that is released in your vagina to maintain its balance and to keep it safe from infections and staying healthy. The cervical fluid is released from the cervix. The consistency and amount of the cervical fluid vary as per your menstrual cycle. When your cervical fluid is thickest in consistency, that’s when you are most likely to have a baby. That is, the thick cervical fluid is an indicator of your most fertile and highest probability of conceiving in your menstrual cycle. The cervical fluid allows the easy facilitation of the sperm into the vagina, thereby increases the chances for pregnancy.
Causes of Having A Wet Vagina
As you have understood that there are various types of discharge, it becomes pretty evident that there are various causes of having a wet vagina.
1. Arousal
Yes, one of the most common and widely known reasons for vaginal wetness is arousal. Once you are aroused sexually, your Bartholin glands and Skene glands release fluid to moisten and provide natural lubrication that helps in a smooth and satisfying sexual experience. Again, remember that physical arousal is not consent. Older women when progressing towards menopause may feel vaginal dryness.
2. Hormonal Changes
The hormonal changes in your body that regulate your menstrual cycle also dictate your rate of vaginal wetness. The estrogen levels in your body lead to more vaginal wetness by stimulating the Bartholin glands to produce more fluid. Likewise, hormonal replacement therapy can also induce vaginal wetness as the amount of estrogen in your body increases. Similarly, in your menstrual cycle, the hormone estrogen plays a big role in the thickening and shedding of the endometrial lining. Hence, when the amount of estrogen peaks in your body, your cervical fluid becomes thick and increases in production leading to more vaginal wetness and indicating your most fertile days.
Wet Vagina3. Infections
If you notice any abnormality in your vaginal discharge know that there are chances of vaginal infections. You may be suffering a yeast infection if your vagina feels itchy, and has a burning sensation. This would be marked by your vaginal discharge that’s thick, white, cottage cheese-like consistency. Sex during yeast infection may become very painful. Another type of function is bacterial vaginosis that results due to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is marked by a yellowish or grayish discharge that smells fishy. After sex, this smell may even get worse. Sexually transmitted infections may also cause an abnormal discharge. For example, STIs like trichomoniasis cause a yellowish or greenish discharge. The vagina in this condition may burn and itch.
4. Everyday Normal and Healthy Vaginal Fluid
Vaginal wetness is an indicator of your healthy body. It means that your vagina is working well to keep itself safe, and healthy. Experts suggest that every person having a vagina produces around 1-4 milliliters of vaginal fluid in a day. This vaginal fluid is the result of the mucus glands, the Bartholin glands, and the cervical glands that keep the vagina moist and healthy. The amount and thickness of the fluid vary everyday contingent on a variety of factors.
Special note
Apart from the factors mentioned above, vaginal discharge can also be a result of sweat, medication, age, stress, type of clothing you use, mental health, relationship factors, etc. However, it is important to remember that if you notice any abnormality in the smell, color, volume, and consistency of your vaginal fluid then you must see your doctor at the earliest. If you notice your vaginal discharge being inconsistent or irregular or different than normal after having sex, or after having intercourse with a new partner then you must see your healthcare provider immediately. Likewise, any new type of birth control may also have an impact on increasing vaginal discharge. If you sweat excessively, it is best for you to wear comfortable clothing, maintain proper hygiene, and stay trimmed. That may decrease your vaginal wetness. If you do some strenuous activities like exercising, cycling, horse riding, or any other heavy workout regimens there are chances that your vagina may produce more fluid. Know that this is normal but if you notice any sort of abnormality you must seek medical consultation.
Also Read: Know About Vaginal Discharge
