2/16/12
Dear Dr. Vanessa: Why Am I Always Wet?

photo via flickr

Every few weeks, Dr. Vanessa Cullins, a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, will be answering your questions on EMandLO.com. To ask her your own question, click here.

Dear Dr. Vanessa,

I have a very embarrassing problem: my vagina is always wet all the time and it affects my sex life to the point where I don’t want to have sex any more. Even my partner has commented on the problem. I had an episiotomy when I gave birth and I’m worried that my vagina muscles have weakened. Am I normal?

— Watership Down

Dear WD,

It is not unusual for the vagina to feel different for a while after giving birth, and some change in vaginal secretions is not unusual either. From what you describe, however, you may be experiencing something a bit uncommon, but it is not possible to diagnose your condition through an online conversation.

It is unlikely that this wetness is related to the episiotomy or childbirth, unless you have suffered a fistula or abnormal connection between your bladder or rectum and your vagina. Excessive wetness is usually the result of a genital infection or some other minor condition. For the correct diagnosis and treatment, it is very important that you talk with and be examined by your gynecologist.

It can be embarrassing to talk with your provider about vaginal issues, particularly if it relates to your sexual function, but don’t let that get in the way of your health or pleasure. Make an appointment for a gynecological visit right away, and be very frank about your experience when you talk with your doctor. Remember, there is usually a simple solution.

Meanwhile, here are best wishes for your good sexual health,

Vanessa
Planned Parenthood

Vanessa Cullins, MD, MPH, MBA, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood® Federation of America. She generously shares her medical wisdom with EM & LO readers every few weeks.



One Comment

  1. I have a problem. My vagina is always wet, it is very embarassing too sometimes especially in my sexual life. It is smelly too..if my urine is now. It smells like something out of an ocean. Dat salty annoying kinda smell u get from an ocean. Its not even clear, its brownish-greyish kinda like. Am I normal? Should I see a gynae?

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