Overview

Clear discharge, or cervical mucus, is a natural secretion of the cervix in females. It serves various purposes, including lubrication of the vaginal canal, cleaning, and maintaining a healthy environment for sperm transport. The consistency and amount of clear discharge can change throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming thinner and stretchy during ovulation, a fertile period for conception. Normal clear discharge is typically odourless and clear or slightly white, but a healthcare provider should evaluate any significant change in colour, odour, or texture.

Any point throughout the menstrual cycle might result in a clear discharge from the vagina. The discharge might be completely transparent or somewhat milky, thick or thin, odourless or musky, and its colour can change according to the hormone levels in the body. During ovulation, most women have a clear discharge that resembles jelly. Additionally, it may occur during other activities, such as while working out or experiencing sexual excitement. Moreover, it can also indicate pregnancy.

One way to characterise a clear vaginal discharge is as follows:

Fluid leaking out of the vagina.
Smell connected to the discharge.
Itchiness around and within the vagina.

Skin cells and typical secretions are included in the discharge. This discharge is usually white or transparent and occurs often, especially in fertile women. Variations in the quantity of typical clear vaginal discharge can be caused by age, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive use, and pregnancy. On the other hand, drug use, cuddling, and sexual activity may have an adverse effect on discharge. More significant changes in the vagina's colour, smell, and condition may indicate more serious problems than just an increase in discharge volume.

Causes of Clear Discharge

Glands. The glands in the cervix and vagina create vaginal discharge. It serves as a barrier against infection and keeps your vagina moist and clean. It usually indicates that your vagina is functioning at its best when you have a clean discharge.
Ovulation. The body releases a transparent, sticky, or slick fluid during ovulation. It is a sign of fertility when the discharge resembles egg whites. A larger discharge volume will probably occur at this time as well. The average discharge is around ½ teaspoon per day up to 30 times as vaginal glands produce much cervical mucus before ovulation as compared to the post-ovulation period. Recognising when a woman is most fertile during her cycle can be achieved by keeping an eye on her cervical mucus.

When examining cervical mucus, one must consider things such as:

Appearance: Colour and consistency are included in this. The discharge is usually transparent and pliable during ovulation.
Sensation: The vulva's possible mucous sensation. It's usually damp and slick during ovulation.
Fertile window: Monitoring the menstrual cycle can provide information on the timing of ovulation and the variations in vaginal discharge throughout the cycle.

Pregnancy. To create space for the developing foetus, the walls of the cervix and vagina soften throughout pregnancy. The body will produce more vaginal discharge to prevent pathogens from ascending the vagina to the womb. Vaginal discharge also increases in response to progesterone hormone increases. Because of the volume of fluid, some women may even mistake their increased discharge for pee during their pregnancy. For most of the pregnancy, a healthy discharge should be White or transparent and odourless.

Menopause. During menopause, the body experiences several changes, and because progesterone and oestrogen levels are dropping, the vagina frequently gets less moisturised. Though in reduced quantities, women still generate discharge. Unobtrusive and transparent discharge is desired.

Sexual Arousal. Arousal fluid is produced by glands in and around the vagina when the body is eager for sexual activity. The purpose of arousal fluid is to lubricate the vagina and get it ready for possible sex. Unlike other kinds of discharge, arousal fluid frequently goes away in an hour. Arousal fluid is:

Clear
Slick
Wet
Slippery

Exercise. When exercising, some women see an increase in clear, watery discharge. There's no need to panic; this is typical.

Medication

Several drugs might affect vaginal discharge, such as hormonal contraceptives (birth control tablets). Thick cervical fluid while using combined oral contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. The appearance of discharge may vary, but this helps keep sperm from entering the uterus and prevent conception.

Certain women who use the pill can notice that their discharge becomes white every month.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gynecology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

It is not necessary to be concerned if you experience clear, sticky discharge at any point during the menstrual cycle. In addition to occurring after menopause, at times of sexual pleasure, and even during exercise, clear discharge can also be a sign of ovulation and pregnancy.

Reference

https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/clear-vaginal-discharge
https://www.verywellhealth.com/clear-sticky-discharge-causes-and-when-to-get-treatment-5207001