Why Is My Underwear Always Wet? 7 Common Causes Explained

Key Takeaways:

• Ovulation, Sexual Arousal, or Hormonal Changes: Natural body rhythms, like ovulation or hormonal shifts, often increase vaginal discharge, leading to temporary dampness in underwear. Arousal fluid can also appear suddenly and feel slicker or more localized, showing how responsive the body can be to physical or emotional cues.
• Sweat or Bladder Leakages: Moisture in underwear doesn’t always stem from discharge. Sweat from heat, workouts, or snug fabrics can collect around the vulva, while light bladder leaks may occur during laughter, sneezing, or exercise. Breathable, absorbent underwear helps manage this natural wetness comfortably.
• Shifting Estrogen Levels or Signs of Perimenopause: During perimenopause, fluctuating estrogen can cause noticeable changes in moisture levels, from increased discharge to vaginal dryness. These transitions are a natural part of the body’s adjustment to hormonal change and can be managed with breathable, body-safe underwear.

Wondering, “Why is my underwear always wet?” takes courage. The question might linger quietly in your mind, but it deserves clear, stigma-free answers. Our bodies speak in signals, and unexpected wetness in underwear can spark anything from mild curiosity to genuine concern. At Saalt, our team believes in meeting those questions with honesty and care. Transparency belongs at the heart of every period and body conversation because understanding what your body is saying can ease both worry and self-doubt.

Through this guide, we’ll unpack seven common causes behind that damp feeling, from natural hormonal rhythms to light bladder leaks, and explore how sustainable period care can help you stay comfortable throughout your day. Our period underwear, made with breathable, body-safe fabrics, supports you through every stage without waste or discomfort. Our bodies carry incredible wisdom. Learning what’s behind this everyday experience transforms uncertainty into confidence, reminding us that care and awareness go hand in hand.

Ovulation: The Mid-Cycle Surge in Cervical Fluid

For those of us who menstruate, the rhythm of each cycle tells a story. Around the midpoint of that cycle, many notice a shift, like a subtle, slippery dampness in underwear that signals the body’s next phase. This change is a natural sign of ovulation and nothing to worry about.

During this stage, our bodies increase cervical fluid production. The discharge becomes clearer, stretchier, and more abundant, sometimes resembling raw egg whites. This change creates an optimal environment for sperm, should conception be possible that month. It also reflects a healthy, well-tuned reproductive system working as intended.

Throughout this window, underwear may feel wetter than usual or need changing more often. Cervical fluid helps maintain balance by cleansing and protecting sensitive tissue from bacteria. Some experience only a light increase in moisture, while others feel more noticeable dampness. Both are normal variations of the same process.

For anyone surprised by this shift, learning to recognize it transforms mild discomfort into awareness. Learning your body’s timing during ovulation brings clarity to reasons underwear feels wet and deepens your connection to your natural cycle.

Sexual Arousal Fluid vs Everyday Discharge

Let’s talk openly about what’s showing up in your underwear. Many people notice dampness and wonder, “Was that sexual arousal fluid or everyday discharge?” That question is both common and important, as it’s a part of learning how your body communicates to us.

Everyday vaginal discharge plays a vital role in maintaining comfort and balance. Discharge keeps the vagina healthy by clearing out old cells and sustaining its natural ecosystem. The consistency, color, and amount shift throughout each cycle: creamy after your period, egg-white and stretchy near ovulation, or thicker and sparser before your next bleed. This discharge may carry a faint scent and usually doesn’t cause irritation or discomfort.

On the other hand, sexual arousal fluid comes from the Bartholin’s glands when physical or emotional arousal begins. This fluid is typically clear, slippery, and appears quickly, acting as a natural lubricant that makes intimacy easier and more comfortable. Therefore, you might notice a slicker, localized wetness that can happen at any time, regardless of your cycle phase.

Both types of moisture are healthy. The difference comes down to timing and texture: arousal fluid appears suddenly and fades soon after, while everyday discharge follows hormonal patterns throughout the month. Paying attention to those rhythms helps you notice what’s normal for your body and what feels off.

At Saalt, our team believes that recognizing these patterns is empowering. Honoring your body’s natural cycles and learning what causes constant wetness in underwear or other damp underwear causes helps you care for yourself with calm, informed awareness.

Yeast or Bacterial Imbalances That Increase Wetness

Our bodies are home to a thriving ecosystem of bacteria and yeast that keeps everything in balance. When that balance shifts, unexpected changes can follow, like noticing persistent dampness in underwear. These fluctuations are common, and they’re often the body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.

Both yeast and certain bacteria naturally live in the vaginal microbiome. Sometimes, though, stress, diet, hormonal changes, antibiotics, tight clothing, or new hygiene products can tip that balance. When yeast begins to overgrow, a yeast infection (candidiasis) can develop, leading to thick, white discharge often compared to cottage cheese. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), on the other hand, typically produces thin, watery, gray discharge with a distinct odor.

Recognizing these patterns helps you respond with care rather than worry. Do note that increased wetness can stem from many causes, like hormonal shifts, sexual arousal, exercise, or mild imbalance, and doesn’t always signal infection. However, a new or persistent change, especially when paired with itching, burning, or odor, deserves attention from a healthcare provider.

At Saalt, our team believes in breaking the silence around vaginal health. Open conversations about vaginal discharge in underwear help remove shame and replace it with body literacy and understanding. When we pay attention to our body’s cues, we give ourselves the knowledge to act.

Stress and Hormone Shifts That Boost Moisture

Our bodies are finely tuned ecosystems, constantly responding to even the subtlest shifts in our environment and internal balance. If you’ve ever noticed your underwear feeling unexpectedly damp, stress and hormonal fluctuations could be key players in the mix.

During stressful times, like tight deadlines, big life transitions, or even the quiet buildup of daily tension, the body increases cortisol and other hormones that ripple through multiple systems, including the reproductive tract. One result can be an increase in cervical mucus or vaginal discharge. This natural moisture helps maintain comfort, balance bacteria, and protect sensitive tissue. When the day feels heavy and your underwear feels a little wetter than usual, your body may simply be finding its equilibrium.

As we know, hormones shape every cycle in their own rhythm. As estrogen rises before ovulation, discharge often becomes clearer, stretchier, and more noticeable. Similar changes can happen during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or perimenopause. Surgery, including hysterectomy, or adjustments to hormone-based birth control can also influence these patterns.

For many, these shifts can make underwear feel persistently damp. Breathable, period underwear made with body-safe fabrics can help maintain comfort while absorbing moisture naturally. For workouts or long, active days, our seamless period underwear is designed to wick away sweat and adapt to movement without irritation. These small adjustments create space for both comfort and awareness, helping you stay connected to what your body needs.

Sweat and Heat: When the Wetness Isn’t Vaginal at All

Sometimes dampness in underwear has nothing to do with discharge or cycles. Our bodies are designed to regulate temperature, and during intense movement or hot weather, that cooling system works overtime. After a workout or a humid afternoon, that sticky, damp feeling often comes down to one simple cause: sweat.

The skin around the vulva and upper thighs contains countless sweat glands that activate during heat, stress, or activity. When you wear snug or less-breathable fabrics, moisture can build up, leaving underwear damp or even visibly wet. This reaction is completely normal, though it can be surprising for those who don’t realize how active these glands are.

Prolonged dampness, however, can lead to irritation or chafing. That’s why choosing breathable, moisture-wicking layers, like our workout underwear, can help you stay dry and comfortable without trapping heat. After exercise or warm days, changing into a fresh pair also helps maintain comfort and balance.

Light Bladder Leakage and Pelvic Floor Changes

Many people are surprised the first time they notice unexpected dampness in their underwear after a sneeze, laugh, or workout. These signs can sometimes point to light bladder leakage, a condition far more common than most realize.

Our pelvic floor is a network of muscles that supports the bladder, uterus, and bowels. Over time, experiences like pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal shifts, surgeries, even age and gravity, or strenuous exercise can affect how these muscles function. When that support weakens, a small leak may occur before the body can respond.

Hormonal fluctuations, including those that occur around menopause or after certain surgeries, can also alter moisture levels and muscle tone. Lower estrogen can thin the urethral lining, making leaks more likely. Millions experience this at some point, even though few talk about it openly.

For day-to-day comfort, choosing breathable, absorbent layers such as our cotton period underwear or bladder leak underwear can help absorb light leaks discreetly. For heavier days or dual protection during cycles, our period underwear offers a sustainable, body-safe option that feels as comfortable as regular underwear. These designs are made to move with you, giving subtle support while managing constant wetness in underwear that can occur through hormone or pelvic floor changes.

Strengthening the pelvic floor through simple exercises, such as Kegels, can also help maintain control and tone. Paying attention to bladder triggers, like caffeine, carbonated drinks, or certain medications, can make a meaningful difference as well.

Perimenopause and Shifting Estrogen Levels

Perimenopause is one of the most underestimated transitions our bodies experience. During this phase, often beginning years before menopause, hormone levels fluctuate dramatically. Estrogen rises and falls unpredictably, and one of the more surprising effects can be an increase in vaginal discharge. This shift isn’t a malfunction; it’s a sign that the body is recalibrating to a new rhythm.

As estrogen fluctuates, it directly influences the vaginal ecosystem. These changes can cause the vaginal walls to alternate between feeling dry and producing more moisture. The result is often noticeable dampness in underwear, even outside of your period. While this can feel unexpected or inconvenient, the body is working to protect delicate tissue and maintain balance.

For many, this stage also comes with other shifts: hot flashes, mood swings, or changes in sleep. These adjustments are part of the body’s natural response to changing estrogen levels. During this time, breathable, seamless period underwear can help manage extra moisture comfortably, providing subtle absorbency without bulk or irritation.

After menopause, lower estrogen levels may lead to dryness as the bladder and urethral tissues lose some elasticity and moisture. Paying attention to these changes and talking openly with a healthcare provider can make this stage easier to navigate.

Make the Switch

Many of us have paused mid-day and wondered, “Why is my underwear always wet?” That question can stem from curiosity, concern, or simple awareness, and every reason is valid. Whether the cause is natural discharge, light leaks, hormonal changes, or a busy day that leaves you sweating, your body is communicating through these small signals. Each shift tells a story worth listening to.

At Saalt, our team believes that knowledge and comfort belong together. We created leakproof period underwear, cups, and discs to help you feel secure and supported throughout every phase of life. Each design is subtle, sustainable, and made from body-safe materials that honor both you and the planet. Our mission goes beyond creating products to promote education, transparency, and empowering people who menstruate to make choices that truly reflect care for themselves and the world around them.

Read More

• How to Get Rid of Inner Thigh Odor: Causes, Remedies & Prevention
• Vaginal Discharge Colors Decoded: What They Mean for Your Health
• How Often Should You Change Period Underwear? Hygiene Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Why Your Underwear Is Always Wet

Is urinary leakage a reason for wet underwear?

Absolutely! Urinary leakage can show up at any life stage. Whether it’s a few drops during a sneeze or a little more after physical activity, you’re not alone. High-performance, leakproof options like period underwear can help you stay dry and comfortable, no matter your body’s rhythms. If leakage is regular or impacts your confidence, reaching out to a healthcare provider can help you get to the root cause and explore solutions.

Why does my underwear smell musty or sour?

A musty or sour smell is usually linked to vaginal discharge mixing with sweat or bacteria. It doesn’t mean you’re “dirty”—discharge is a regular part of the vaginal ecosystem. Sometimes, increased sweat, tight fabrics, or an imbalance in your pH can shift the scent. If you notice a big change or symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual color, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider.

Can drinking more water make me wetter down there?

Staying hydrated has wide-ranging benefits, including supporting healthy discharge, but it won’t suddenly flood your underwear. Adequate hydration helps the body flush waste and keeps all mucus membranes—yes, including your vulva—performing optimally. If you’re noticing more wetness than usual, hydration alone probably isn't the main cause.

Is wet underwear a sign of poor hygiene?

Not at all. Discharge, sweat, and even occasional leaks are completely normal and a sign that your body is doing its thing. Consistent, gentle hygiene, like washing with warm water and wearing fresh, breathable underwear, supports comfort, but doesn’t eliminate natural moisture.

Can wearing tight clothes make me wetter?

Yes, snug or non-breathable fabrics can trap moisture, making your underwear feel wetter than usual. Tight leggings, underwear without breathability, or synthetic materials can increase sweat and disrupt airflow, leading to more pronounced dampness. We recommend choosing responsibly sourced, moisture-wicking, and breathable period underwear for maximum comfort because your body deserves to breathe.

What hygiene practices help reduce wet underwear?

Gentle, regular washing (using just water or a simple, unscented cleanser) and changing into clean, breathable underwear daily are impactful. Avoid harsh soaps, douching, or scented products, as they can throw your delicate balance out of sync. Switching to sustainable, leakproof underwear can also help keep you comfortably dry throughout the day.

How do I know if it's urine or discharge?

Urine usually feels warm and can have a distinct, ammonia-like odor. Vaginal discharge tends to be milky or clear and can range in texture throughout your cycle. If you suspect urinary leakage, don’t feel embarrassed. Millions of people, both men and women, experience it! If you’re unsure or new symptoms appear, a medical check-in can help clarify what’s going on.

Does pregnancy cause underwear to be wet?

Yes, many people experience increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This is a healthy, natural way for your body to protect the birth canal from infection. Discharge can ramp up due to hormonal shifts, but there’s no need to be alarmed unless you notice a strong odor, color changes, or discomfort. Talk openly with your provider about any concerns so you can feel as confident as possible.

Sources

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352814
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326504