Should I be worried about my vaginal moisture overnight?

Dear Pussy cat, 

Let’s clear the air! Having some vaginal moisture is purrrfectly fine—the vagina is designed to be lubricated. If you feel like your level of moisture goes beyond what’s considered “normal,” you might consider speaking with a health care provider to figure out what’s going on. Whether you wear underwear at night or actively air out your vagina is ultimately up to you. Going commando can help prevent certain infections, like yeast infections, but wearing cotton underwear shouldn’t put you at too much risk unless you’re super sweaty or wet. If you’re interested in learning more about your dampness down under as well as tips on moisture prevention, feel free to read on! 

Is the vagina supposed to be moist?  

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that’s naturally moist and lubricated because of mucus that the cervix produces. This means that it’s normal for you to regularly experience some moisture and discharge. Paying attention to the amount of moisture and discharge can help to determine what’s normal for your body. To do this you might take stock of the following: 

• Notice when you feel damp or notice that your underwear is wet. This might coincide with times when you feel aroused or specific points of your menstrual cycle, like ovulation. 
• Does your discharge have a certain color or texture? Healthy vaginal discharge is often clear or milky white. 
• Are you on birth control, or experiencing menopause, or chronic diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? If you experience any changes in your levels of vaginal moisture, it could potentially be connected to some of these factors. 

If you feel like your level of vaginal moisture is excessive, or that the color, texture, or smell of your discharge has become unusual, it's possible you might have a medical condition, like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Getting tested for these conditions and finding appropriate treatment can be best accomplished through speaking with a health care provider. 

How does wearing or not wearing underwear impact your vaginal health?  

Wearing underwear helps to prevent secretions—like sweat and discharge—from staining or damaging clothes. But wearing underwear doesn’t necessarily mean that your vagina is in danger of harboring unhealthy levels of moisture. That said, wearing underwear made from synthetic, non-breathable fabric, or keeping wet clothes on after swimming, working out, or sweating have been known to increase the risk of infection. Whereas cotton underwear allows airflow and lets moisture evaporate, wearing tight underwear made from material that isn’t breathable traps vaginal moisture. This may lead to yeast infections. Excessive moisture due to swimming or sweating can be more than the vagina or even breathable underwear can handle. Sitting around in gym clothes can allow bacteria and fungi to fester. 

If underwear just isn’t your thing, airing out your vagina can be a great way to feel less damp and prevent the accumulation of bacterial growth. You might find it especially helpful if you’re prone to yeast infections. But if you don’t feel comfortable going to bed without underwear, try wearing ones made from breathable fabric.  

How can you feel more comfortable with your vaginal moisture? 

If you continue to have concerns about your vaginal moisture, speaking with a health care provider might be helpful. They can help determine whether your vaginal moisture is something to be worried about or help you identify ways to stay dry even if your levels of vaginal moisture are “normal.” In the meantime, if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, here are some tips to prevent excessive moisture: 

• Wipe from front to back.  
• Change clothes after exercising or swimming.  
• Avoid douching.  
• Clean outside of vulva with water only.  
• Wear loose, breathable pants.  
• Wear breathable cotton underwear.  
• Avoid scented period products.  
• Use a barrier device during sex. 
• Change your underwear frequently (at least once a day) and especially if you're feeling moist. 

You might be inclined to wear panty liners to feel less damp. However, while creating a barrier between your vagina and underwear via panty liners might make you feel less moist, it’s possible they can also cause chafing and irritation. 

Whether you let the cat out of the bag at night or not is a purrr-sonal choice, do what works best for your lifestyle!