The consistency of cervical fluid changes throughout the female menstrual cycle. It usually feels watery and has a slippery texture when pressed between the fingers. It is designed to sustain and migrate sperm for implantation (1).
Clear, sticky discharge may indicate that a person is entering a fertile phase of the menstrual cycle (2). However, many situations can cause this type of discharge, including arousal, exercise, and certain health conditions.
What is Arousal Fluid?
Arousal fluid is a clear, milky-white liquid produced by glands in and around the vagina during sexual arousal. This liquid lubricates the vagina and reduces friction and skin tears. It also contains antibodies that can protect against STIs. Arousal fluid can vary in amount from person to person and may be impacted by factors such as hormonal changes, age, medications, stress, and hydration levels.
For many women, arousal fluid production declines with age, which can impact the quality of sexual experience. However, there are several ways to stimulate arousal fluid production, including engaging in erotic activities, such as foreplay and masturbation. In addition, regular exercise and maintaining good hydration can help support sexual health and function.
When sexual arousal begins, the genital muscles in the vulva begin to contract, which leads to the production of arousal fluid. This lubrication is essential for sexual penetration to be comfortable and successful. During orgasm, the genital muscles contract even more, which can cause arousal fluid to be “squirted” out of the vagina. This is known as female ejaculation, and it can be quite pleasurable.
Arousal fluid should not be confused with cervical mucus, which is a type of discharge that appears throughout the menstrual cycle. Also, arousal fluid should not be confused with seminal fluid, which is a watery discharge that contains sperm and appears in the vagina immediately after sexual intercourse.
What is Cervical Fluid?
Cervical fluid, sometimes called cervical mucus, is a healthy secretion produced by your body’s cervix. It can vary in thickness and consistency depending on your menstrual cycle, as well as what type of sexual activity you engage in.
During sexual arousal, the cervix releases more cervical fluid to lubricate the vagina for penetration and to prepare for orgasm. This fluid is clear, wet, slippery, and can stretch for up to an inch between your thumb and finger. It dissolves in water, which makes it easy to evaluate if you’re experiencing arousal or regular discharge.
One to two days before ovulation, the cervical fluid begins to change in texture and looks more like raw egg white. This wet, sticky, and creamy fluid can be stretched for an inch or more, and may create wet circles in your underwear. It’s designed to support sperm and help them migrate to the egg for implantation.
If your cervical fluid is creamy, it’s a good sign that ovulation is close. However, if your fluid is sticky or clumps together like cottage cheese, you’re not quite there yet and may not be ready for penis-in-vagina intercourse.
What is Discharge?
Discharge varies from woman to woman. Some discharge is clear or milky and may have a mild, pleasant smell. It can also vary in thickness and consistency from day to day and during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Changes in this discharge are normal and related to hormone levels.
Sexual arousal causes the vagina to produce lubrication to make penetration easier and more pleasurable. This lubrication can be a separate substance, or it can mix with cervical mucus. This is why it is important to use a good quality lubricant during sex to ensure that both partners feel as much pleasure as possible.
A small amount of arousal fluid is also released during orgasm, sometimes referred to as female ejaculation. This clear, liquid substance is expelled from glands near the urethra, called Skene’s glands.
It’s not unusual for some women to confuse the type of discharge they’re experiencing. This can be because the color, consistency or smell of the discharge has changed from what they’re used to. If this is the case, it’s recommended to see a doctor and ask for advice. They can take a sample of the discharge and do a pelvic exam, which will give them more information about what’s happening with your body. They may also recommend an antibiotic treatment if the doctor suspects a bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
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