Vaginal Discharge After Sex

Vaginal Lubrication

When the body is sexually stimulated, a clear and thin fluid is secreted to aid in the act of sexual intercourse. It makes the act comfortable as well as pleasurable for you and your partner. It is slippery and has a watery texture. It is normal for the body to continue producing this vaginal discharge after sex.

Female Ejaculate

When a woman is sexually aroused, a small gland in the vagina produces a fluid called as female ejaculate fluid. It is very watery, either secreted or sprayed, like urination. However, not all women ejaculate when aroused and ejaculation can happen without experiencing an orgasm.

Male Ejaculate

When a couple has sex without using a condom, the male ejaculate can also discharge from the vagina after sex. It would be the semen which was ejaculated inside the vagina. Semen is similar to the vaginal discharge.

Cervical Mucus

The cervix is responsible for producing mucus of different type throughout the menstrual cycle. This mucus is responsible for assisting the sperms to travel towards the egg and achieve fertilization. The vagina discharges this mucus which is usually cloudy and stretchy. As ovulation approaches, the mucus becomes more clear and stretchy. At the end of periods, it dries and the mucus is thicker and dry, which will look like white discharge after sex.

Till now we have discussed the conditions when the vaginal discharge after sex is normal. However, due to infection or damage to the vagina, there can be change in color, texture and amount of discharge. If you experienced the following signs and symptoms, abnormal vaginal discharge may be related with vaginal infection:

• Increased and continuous discharge

• Burning sensation during urination

• Itching, soreness or developing rash after discharge

• Clumpy texture of discharge and white in color

• Foul smelling discharge with grey/white/yellow/green color

Vaginal Infections

It is very common for a woman to experience vaginal infection at least once during their lifetime. One of the primary symptoms of infection is an increase or decrease in vaginal discharge after sex. Below we will look at the different types of vaginal infections and the symptoms associated with it.

• Yeast Infection. When the pH balance of the vagina changes, it can cause increase in the number of yeast in the vagina. Usually, this is not a sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms include white and clumpy discharge, redness, itching and burning in the vaginal area.

• Bacterial Vaginosis. When there is a disturbance in the balance of bacteria in the vaginal area, like bacterial overgrowth, it often leads to bacterial vaginosis. It can recur frequently along with other types of infections. The risk of getting this infection is more in women who have multiple partners or get oral sex. Symptoms include grey or whitish colored discharge immediately after sex with fish odor or increased odor.

• Trichomoniasis. A single celled protozoan organism called Trichomoniasis causes this sexually transmitted infection. The organism can survive on moist surfaces like wet towels, bathing suits for up to 24 hours, so the transmission of infection through them is also possible. Symptoms include yellow or green colored, frothy discharge with foul smell. It causes itching and inflammation of the vulva as well.

Other Causes

Vagina is a self-cleaning part of the body and various conditions can cause the vagina to excrete anything that is harmful as discharges.

• Allergy. Allergic reaction to medicine, food item or anything affecting health can cause death of good bacterial flora of the vagina. These then get excreted from the vagina as discharge.

• PH changes in vagina. When the pH balance of the vagina is affected, the vaginal discharge also changes. The balance can be affected by soap, chemicals getting in touch with vagina, menstrual blood, douching, hormonal changes and sex.

• Age related changes. Vaginal discharge changes can happen during puberty or during the onset of menopause in older women. Doctor should be consulted to examine the discharge and confirm whether it is caused by cancer

• It is important to consult a doctor if the unusual vaginal discharge is accompanied with fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, increased urination, etc. For any other reasons or concerns associated with changes in vaginal discharge, see a doctor immediately.

Good hygiene practices should be followed if you have experienced infection related changes in vaginal discharge after sex.

• It is important to wear cotton under-garments which is a breathable fabric.

• Douching should not be practiced as it leads to elimination of good bacteria present in the vaginal area, which worsens the discharge.

• Protection like condom should be used during sex to protect from sexually transmitted infections and other diseases.

• Yogurt that contains live and active cultures should be eaten when taking antibiotics for the likelihood of yeast infections.

• Yeast infection can be cured by using yeast infection creams or suppositories available over the counter.