Noticing white vaginal discharge throughout intercourse might fear you. Learn on to know the causes of white vaginal discharge throughout or after intercourse, and the right way to stop it.
Vaginal discharge is a standard incidence, and is a big indicator of a lady’s well being. After having intercourse together with your companion, you might have seen white discharge. Don’t fear, as you will not be the one one. White discharge throughout or after sexual contact is a standard concern that many ladies face. It may be attributable to quite a lot of components, together with common physique actions and underlying medical issues. It’s just like the mucus-like fluid that you could be see in your underwear. It could be thicker and extra translucent, or thinner and wetter, or one thing in between. Right here’s every part you should know concerning the causes of white vaginal discharge throughout or after intercourse.
What’s vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a fluid that’s produced by glands contained in the vagina and cervix. It serves a number of vital capabilities, together with cleansing and moisturising the vagina and serving to to forestall and struggle infections. The character of vaginal discharge can fluctuate when it comes to color, consistency, and quantity, and these variations may be influenced by components such because the menstrual cycle, hormonal adjustments, sexual exercise, and well being situations, in line with a 2020 research printed within the Singapore Medical Journal.
Regular vaginal discharge traits embody:
- Color: Usually clear or milky white.
- Consistency: Can vary from skinny and watery to thick and sticky.
- Quantity: Varies all through the menstrual cycle, typically growing throughout ovulation, being pregnant, or sexual arousal.
- Odour: Typically gentle and never disagreeable.
What are the causes of white discharge throughout intercourse?
White vaginal discharge throughout sexual activity may be attributable to a number of components, most of that are regular and associated to the physique’s pure processes. Listed below are the frequent causes:
1. Lubrication
“Sexual arousal triggers the discharge of clear or white discharge from the vaginal glands to offer lubrication, facilitating snug intercourse,” says gynaecologist Dr Sriprada Vinekar.
2. Cervical mucus
The cervical glands produce cervical mucus that adjustments in consistency and quantity all through the menstrual cycle. Round ovulation, it may be extra copious and white, in line with a 2018 research printed within the Encyclopedia of Replica.
3. Hormonal fluctuations
“Hormonal adjustments through the menstrual cycle can have an effect on the quantity and consistency of discharge. Plus, hormonal adjustments in being pregnant typically enhance vaginal discharge, which may be white and extra noticeable throughout intercourse,” explains the professional.
4. Sexual exercise
Sexual arousal will increase blood move to the genital space, stimulating the glands to supply extra discharge. Additionally, throughout intercourse, blended secretions of vaginal discharge and semen can seem white.
What causes white vaginal discharge after intercourse?
Throughout sexual arousal, the vaginal glands produce clear or white discharge to lubricate the vagina, making intercourse extra snug. This discharge might proceed to be launched for a while after intercourse. The combination of semen and vaginal fluids can lead to a white or cloudy discharge. It is a frequent and regular incidence, particularly if no barrier strategies (like condoms) had been used. Across the time of ovulation, cervical mucus may be extra copious, clear, or white and stretchy. “Such a discharge can combine with sexual fluids and be extra noticeable after intercourse, explains the professional. Nonetheless, if you’re secreting new and extra white vaginal discharge, this might be indicators of infections reminiscent of –
1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when typical vaginal micro organism overgrow, as per analysis printed in StatsPearls in Could 2024. It happens when the pH of your vagina is altered by sexual activity, douching, or frequent cleansing. Whereas BV ceaselessly impacts sexually energetic individuals, it’s potential to develop BV with out participating in sexual exercise. BV discharge may be off-white or gray. Different potential signs are:
- Fishy odour
- Elevated discharge
- Itching
- Burning whereas urinating
Generally BV doesn’t produce any signs as properly.
2. Yeast an infection
A yeast an infection arises when Candida, a pure vaginal fungus, expands excessively. It’s additionally known as vaginal candidiasis. Yeast infections can unfold throughout vaginal intercourse, in line with a 2021 research printed within the Journal of Midwifery and Girls’s Well being. Nonetheless, just like BV, a yeast an infection can develop with out sexual contact. Usually, yeast an infection discharge is thick, white, and resembles cottage cheese. It usually doesn’t scent terrible. Further signs are:
- Burning
- Redness within the vagina and vulva
- Painful urine
- Painful sexual penetration
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Particular STIs reminiscent of trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia are examples of STIs that may trigger uncommon vaginal discharge, together with white or yellowish discharge, following intercourse. These infections may trigger itching, ache, or a peculiar odour.
What’s the regular vaginal discharge in intercourse?
The quantity of vaginal discharge throughout intercourse is exclusive to every individual and influenced by hormones, menstrual cycles, and particular person our bodies. Arousal naturally will increase lubrication with clear or white discharge, various in quantity however sufficient for consolation. Round ovulation, count on extra, clearer, stretchier discharge. After ovulation, discharge might thicken and turn into creamier.
- Consistency: Regular discharge can vary from clear and watery to milky white and barely thick. It must be easy and never accompanied by sturdy odours or discomfort.
- Amount: Whereas the precise quantity can fluctuate, it’s typically regular for the discharge to be sufficient to offer lubrication. Whether it is excessively heavy or notably totally different out of your standard sample, it may be price discussing with a healthcare supplier.
Tips on how to stop vaginal discharge throughout and after intercourse?
Stopping vaginal discharge throughout and after sexual activity is mostly not advisable since it’s a pure and wholesome bodily perform that serves vital roles in lubrication, cleansing, and defending towards infections. Nonetheless, if the discharge is extreme or uncomfortable, there are methods to handle and cut back it. Listed below are some methods as defined by the professional:
1. Light cleaning
Use gentle, unscented cleaning soap and heat water to scrub the genital space. Keep away from douching, as it could possibly disrupt the pure stability of micro organism and yeast within the vagina. Pat the realm dry with a clear towel after washing.
2. Publish-intercourse hygiene
Urinate after intercourse to assist flush out any micro organism that will have entered the urethra. Gently clear the genital space with water or a delicate wipe to take away any residual semen or lubricant.
3. Barrier strategies
Utilizing condoms may also help minimise the blending of semen and vaginal fluids, doubtlessly lowering the quantity of discharge seen after intercourse. Condoms may cut back the danger of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can trigger irregular discharge.
4. Lubricants
Go for water-based or silicone-based lubricants which might be much less prone to irritate in comparison with oil-based lubricants. Keep away from lubricants with added fragrances or chemical compounds that may disrupt the vaginal flora.
