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5 Hygiene Tips to Address Thick Clear Discharge

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Written by Elizabeth Buescher, Gynecologist













One of the most embarrassing issues women have is excessive thick clear vaginal discharge. Whether you are pregnant or just ovulating, the amount of vaginal mucus that you experience is likely much larger than normally, soaking through your underpants and making your vulva feel tacky, slippery and wet. Even worse, an excessive amount of discharge can cause a strong (although musky) odor, which may be noticeable to those around you.

How can you possibly address thick clear vaginal discharge? Outlined below are some hygiene tips that will help you stay clean and fresh without worsening your condition.

Thick Clear Vaginal Discharge and Its Cleansing Role

Before you proceed to using countless hygiene products in order to completely eradicate the discharge, you should take the time to understand its role in the female reproductive system first. Vaginal discharge refers to the fluids produced by glands inside the vagina and cervix, which both expel up to one teaspoon of discharge every day. This helps flush out dead cells and bacteria, keeping both the vaginal opening and vaginal tube clean and healthy. The discharge is essentially a barrier created by your body against bacteria and other germs that might travel to your uterus and cause infections. It also maintains its acidic pH value to ensure that bacteria cannot fester. This is crucial for pregnant women, as they are more vulnerable to infections that can have serious consequences for both themselves and their baby.

As a result, you shouldn’t attempt to remove the discharge, no matter how gooey. If there is too much of it, you can exert some measures of preventions to avoid wetting your clothes and bad odors – and here’s how:

1. Use Plain Tap Water to Wash Down Below

Many women consider douching and using scented soaps or deodorants essential to eradicating the stretchy discharge and its odor. What they don’t know is that, while douching removes good bacteria from the vagina’s bacterial flora, hygiene products are harsh on the skin, causing irritation, swelling and redness of the vulva. Many of them leave residues behind, causing burning during urination. Needless to mention, most hygiene products result in bacterial vaginosis (BV), with a myriad of symptoms that can make you truly uncomfortable.

To avoid this, you should use specifically plain tap water to wash down below. It doesn’t impact the vagina’s environment, and it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that might irritate the skin. Use mild, unscented soap occasionally, and stay away from deodorants and perfumes.

Read also:

Clear Discharge During Pregnancy: Facts Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

Clear Vaginal Discharge: 5 Questions Our Readers Have Asked

Quick Introduction to Clear Mucus Discharge: Is It Normal?

Clear Discharge Before, During and Instead of Period: When Should You Be Concerned?

2. Avoid Tampons and Panty Liners

When slimy discharge soaks through your underpants, the best solution seems to be wearing tampons or panty liners. But as with hygiene products, they can both alter the vagina’s pH by removing good bacteria from the bacterial flora, thus causing bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. Avoid them at all costs, and use only sanitary pads instead. They are unscented, have a neutral pH, and don’t interfere with the vagina’s environment.

3. Choose Loose Cotton Underwear

As sexy as they may be, thongs are usually the worst choice when it comes to underwear. They are tight, made from unbreathable fabrics, and they consistently protrude your vulva, removing the sticky discharge and creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Choose loose cotton underpants instead, as they keep your intimate area ventilated and won’t interfere with the vulva. As a plus, they are a lot more comfortable, and can make you feel as if you aren’t wearing any undies at all!

4. Avoid Putting Foreign Objects Inside of the Vagina

During the last day of your period, it’s easy to forget a tampon inside of your vagina. The tampon will start to fester after about two weeks, causing infection and abnormal discharge as well. The same goes for other foreign objects, such as condoms, which should be removed as soon as possible to avoid serious bacterial infections. Since prevention is better than cure, you should avoid putting anything (anything at all!) inside of your vagina to prevent complications.

5. Have Your “Naked” Days

Did you know that wearing no panties can help prevent bacteria by allowing your skin to breathe? While you can’t go out without underpants, you can try staying with no underwear in the house. The sensation will be very pleasant, and you’ll notice that there will no longer be any bad odor. What’s more, this can also prevent sweating down there, so you can feel more comfortable too.