Vaginal Wetness: Types, Causes, And What Is Normal

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhy is my vagina wet?

Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on April 25, 2025

Causes
When to see a doctor
Summary

The vagina is a mucous membrane, which means that the skin and tissue of a healthy vagina are always moist. Hormonal changes, arousal, and other factors can affect the wetness of the vagina.

Typically, the inside of the vagina feels slightly wet. Hormonal swings, fertility status, and arousal can change the amount, consistency, and color of a person’s vaginal fluids. The vagina may feel very wet during arousal, while menopause can cause vaginal dryness.

Vaginal fluid, or discharge, is essential for keeping the vagina healthy and for making sexual activity comfortable. However, some people feel anxiety about their vaginal fluids. Knowing what the fluids are, their function, and what is normal may help ease a person’s worries.

What causes vaginal wetness?

a hand touching water-1 — iiievgeniy/Getty Images

Most forms of vaginal wetness come from one of two places:

Bartholin glands
the cervix

Bartholin glands are two small, pea-sized glands located just inside the vagina. They help lubricate the vagina to prevent excessive dryness. They also produce moisture when a female feels aroused and during sexual activity.

The cervix produces mucus throughout a person’s menstrual cycle. As ovulation approaches, the cervix produces more fluid. This fertile cervical mucus can help sperm travel to the egg, increasing the odds of pregnancy.

The most common causes of vaginal wetness include:

Everyday vaginal fluids

A normal, healthy vagina is slightly moist. On average, premenopausal females produce up to one teaspoon of vaginal fluid in a day. This vaginal discharge can be clear or white and thick, although the consistency thins around the time of ovulation.

The amount of discharge a healthy person secretes may change from day to day, and both the Bartholin glands and the cervix produce various fluids that can change over time. As ovulation approaches, a person might notice more vaginal wetness since the cervix increases fluid production at this time.

Arousal

When a female feels sexually aroused, the Bartholin glands produce more fluid. This fluid helps lubricate the vagina during sexual activity, decreasing the risk of painful friction and injuries. Some people notice that their vagina becomes lubricated during sex even if they do not feel aroused.

The lubrication typically lingers even after a person finishes having sex or no longer feels aroused. It is normal for the vagina to feel wet for an hour or two after sex or arousal.

As females age, they may notice an increase in vaginal dryness. After menopause, the body produces less estrogen, making it more difficult to keep the vagina lubricated. The walls of the vagina also become thinner, which can make vaginal dryness painful.

Hormonal changes

Higher estrogen levels can increase vaginal wetness by causing the Bartholin glands to produce more fluid. People on hormone treatments, such as those taking hormone replacement therapy, may notice an increase in vaginal wetness.

Some people use vaginal estrogen to increase vaginal wetness. A 2018 study found that this practice is no more effective than using traditional lubricants. So for people who prefer to avoid estrogen treatments, vaginal lubricants may work just as well.

Infections

When vaginal fluid changes or a person produces significantly more vaginal fluid than normal, it may be a sign of an infection.

A yeast infection causes thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. The vagina may itch, burn, or feel very sore and dry, and sex can be painful.

A yeast infection is a fungal infection. In most cases, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal yeast infection medication can treat it. Antibiotics will not help and may even make the infection worse.

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial imbalance of the vagina. Some people have no symptoms, but others notice itching or burning. The vagina may produce a white, gray, or yellow fluid that smells fishy. The smell is sometimes worse after sex.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may cause a yellowish or greenish discharge. Sometimes the discharge looks bubbly and may smell bad, especially after a menstrual period. The vagina sometimes itches or burns.

Sometimes, the Bartholin glands become obstructed and can form painful cysts. A person who has a tender, painful swelling just inside the vagina may have a Bartholin gland cyst. Many go away on their own, but if the cyst grows large or does not heal, a doctor can drain it.

»Learn more:What to know about vaginal infections

When to see a doctor about vaginal wetness

Vaginal wetness that causes no other symptoms is not usually a problem. Vaginal fluid is a sign of a healthy vagina and a sign that the body is working well.

If a person has the following symptoms, they may wish to talk with a doctor:

vaginal discharge that changes in smell, color, or texture
producing more discharge than usual
itching, burning, or other vaginal pain
pain when urinating
bleeding between periods or after sex
unexplained pelvic pain or sensitivity

What is in vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is mostly water but also contains microorganisms, cells, oil, and sweat. The discharge clears away dead cells from the vagina, keeping it clean and healthy.

Can soap irritation cause yeast infection?

Harsh products, such as those containing soap, may disrupt the PH balance of the vagina and cause irritation. This may lead to a yeast infection. To prevent this:

avoid using perfumed soaps and bath products

do not use vaginal deodorants or scented wipes

do not wash the inside of the vagina (douching)

Harsh products, such as those containing soap, may disrupt the PH balance of the vagina and cause irritation. This may lead to a yeast infection. To prevent this:

avoid using perfumed soaps and bath products
do not use vaginal deodorants or scented wipes
do not wash the inside of the vagina (douching)

Summary

Many people worry about that their vagina is too wet or their discharge is not normal. However, having a moist vagina is healthy. It supports fertility, makes sexual activity more comfortable, and can prevent vaginal pain.

If a person experiences increased vaginal wetness, a change in how it smells or looks, or pelvic pain, they should talk with a doctor.

To maintain a healthy PH in the vagina, avoid using perfumed products and cleaning inside the vagina.

Sexual Health / STDs
Women's Health / Gynecology
Cat 1

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abraham C. (2024). Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here's what you need to know.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know
Bartholins cyst. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bartholins-cyst/
Currie H. (2023). Vaginal dryness.https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/25-WHC-FACTSHEET-VaginalDryness-OCT2023-B.pdf
Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning. (2025).https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning?IsMobileSet=false
Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush). (2022).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Mitchell CM, et al. (2018) Efficacy of vaginal estradiol or vaginal moisturizer vs placebo for treating postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2674257
Vaginal discharge. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge/
Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics). (2025).https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vaginal-discharge-in-adult-women-beyond-the-basics/print
Vulvovaginal health. (2024).https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health?IsMobileSet=false

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Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on April 25, 2025

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Vaginal Wetness: Types, Causes, And What Is Normal

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What causes vaginal wetness?

Everyday vaginal fluids

Arousal

Hormonal changes

Infections

When to see a doctor about vaginal wetness

What is in vaginal discharge?

Can soap irritation cause yeast infection?

Summary

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