What does slimy clear discharge mean

According to Google, people tend to call this type of cervical fluid "ovulation discharge". Ovulation tests and basal body temperature tracking is more reliable for confirming ovulation. Luteal phase: sticky, dry. As soon as ovulation is over, vaginal discharge changes once again.

Even before you notice a visual change, cervical fluid will already have become more fibrous and difficult for sperm to pass through 1. In the day or two after ovulation the beginning of the luteal phase , the amount of fluid decreases quickly. Fluid again may become sticky or tacky, or just dry and absent 1,4. Every body is unique—these changes may show up differently for you, or you may experience or interpret them in a different way.

So why does your cervical fluid change so much? Each change serves its own function. Sperm that enters the vagina before ovulation can be suspended in this fluid, allowing it to survive longer in the otherwise acidic vaginal environment 1.

Sperm can start to swim through creamy discharge from about day 9 of a day cycle 1. When ovulation does occur, the stretchy egg-white fluid becomes the easiest fluid type for sperm to swim through 6.

Slower swimmers get left behind, as do sperm with other motility or structural abnormalities 2,8. After ovulation when the window of potential pregnancy has closed, cervical fluid becomes a barrier, preventing sperm from entering the upper reproductive tract.

The progesterone produced by your ovary in your luteal phase acts similarly to the progestin in a progesterone-only birth control.

It turns cervical fluid sparse and dense with solids, with little water, making it difficult for sperm to get past the cervix 9. Changes in your cervical fluid pattern can signal a hormonal issue.

This will usually be accompanied by changes in the length of your cycle and period. Discharge can also become abnormal if you have an infection. Signs of abnormal discharge include changes in:. Nausea: Some women feel sick as soon as they wake up or when traveling by car. Breast tenderness: Some women have tender breasts early in their pregnancy, but some also experience this during their periods. Fatigue: This is one of the symptoms that women experience during their pregnancy.

This occurs due to hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that lower their energy. For example, these changes can include disrupted sleep, heartburn, frequent urination, pelvic pain, stress, and low blood pressure. Frequent urination: Pregnant women tend to pee more as their body has an increased amount of blood.

Therefore, the kidneys have to produce more fluids which then flow to the bladder. Some women start urinating more often during their sixth or eighth week of pregnancy.

The more estrogen levels a woman has, the more vaginal discharge her body produces. Ovulation: During ovulation, you may notice that your vaginal discharge is clear and stretchy but less watery than the discharge you usually have during your menstrual cycle. Sexual arousal: When you are sexually aroused, you may have increased vaginal discharge. This is because blood flushes to the vagina and releases lubricating fluids. As a result, you may have a more watery discharge after engaging in sexual activity.

Menopause: Some women have watery discharge during and after menopause as they develop vaginal atrophy. This condition causes thinning, inflammation and drying of the vaginal walls and occurs when the body has low estrogen levels and is more common in postmenopausal women. Watery Discharge and Infections If you have a clear watery discharge and cramps accompanied by a strong odor and itchiness, or a discharge that has a different color, then you might have an infection. Are you pregnant?

Do you have any other health problems, such as diabetes? If you have any of the following symptoms, see your healthcare provider: Discharge is yellow or green, clumpy or has a bad odor. Rash or sores alone or with a vaginal discharge. Last reviewed: October Related Articles. What is Dating Violence? More Resources. Medical Library Look up helpful health information. Diseases and Conditions See our full library of diseases and conditions. Patient Information Practical info for Sutter patients.

Tools and Quizzes Online tools to help you make decisions about your health. The Sutter Health Network of Care. Expertise to fit your needs. In other cases, it might turn yellow, gray, or green. Yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis, can all cause changes in cervical discharge.

Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and common occurrence. Some types of discharge, however, could signal something more serious. Learn about…. Your discharge can say a lot about your health. Here's our swatch-guide to vaginal…. Some research has shown that regular bidet use could increase your exposure to certain pathogens. Learn more. Yeast infections are common. Here are seven of the best over-the-counter products to help manage a yeast infection.