Vaginal discharge is a typical prevalence, and is a major indicator of a girl’s well being. After having intercourse together with your associate, you could have seen white discharge. Don’t fear, as you will not be the one one. White discharge throughout or after sexual contact is a typical concern that many ladies face. It may be brought on by a wide range of elements, together with common physique actions and underlying medical problems. 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 little thing you might want to know in regards to 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 essential features, together with cleansing and moisturising the vagina and serving to to forestall and struggle infections. The character of vaginal discharge can range by way of color, consistency, and quantity, and these variations will be influenced by elements such because the menstrual cycle, hormonal modifications, sexual exercise, and well being circumstances, in keeping with a 2020 research revealed within the Singapore Medical Journal.

Regular vaginal discharge traits embrace:

• 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 rising throughout ovulation, being pregnant, or sexual arousal.
• Odour: Usually gentle and never disagreeable.

What are the causes of white discharge throughout intercourse?

White vaginal discharge throughout sexual activity will be brought on by a number of elements, 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 supply lubrication, facilitating snug intercourse,” says gynaecologist Dr Sriprada Vinekar.

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2. Cervical mucus

The cervical glands produce cervical mucus that modifications in consistency and quantity all through the menstrual cycle. Round ovulation, it may be extra copious and white, in keeping with a 2018 research revealed within the Encyclopedia of Copy.

3. Hormonal fluctuations

“Hormonal modifications in the course of the menstrual cycle can have an effect on the quantity and consistency of discharge. Plus, hormonal modifications in being pregnant typically improve vaginal discharge, which will be white and extra noticeable throughout intercourse,” explains the knowledgeable.

4. Sexual exercise

Sexual arousal will increase blood movement to the genital space, stimulating the glands to supply extra discharge. Additionally, throughout intercourse, combined 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 could proceed to be launched for a while after intercourse. The combination of semen and vaginal fluids can lead to a white or cloudy discharge. This can be a frequent and regular prevalence, particularly if no barrier strategies (like condoms) had been used. Across the time of ovulation, cervical mucus will be extra copious, clear, or white and stretchy. “This sort of discharge can combine with sexual fluids and be extra noticeable after intercourse, explains the knowledgeable. Nevertheless, if you’re secreting new and extra white vaginal discharge, this could possibly be indicators of infections corresponding to –

1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when typical vaginal micro organism overgrow, as per analysis revealed in StatsPearls in Might 2024. It happens when the pH of your vagina is altered by sexual activity, douching, or frequent cleansing. Whereas BV incessantly impacts sexually lively individuals, it’s attainable to develop BV with out partaking in sexual exercise. BV discharge may be off-white or gray. Different attainable signs are:

• Fishy odour
• Elevated discharge
• Itching
• Burning whereas urinating

Typically 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 keeping with a 2021 research revealed within the Journal of Midwifery and Girls’s Well being. Nevertheless, 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. Extra signs are:

• Burning
• Redness within the vagina and vulva
• Painful urine
• Painful sexual penetration

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Particular STIs corresponding to 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 additionally 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 particular person 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, anticipate extra, clearer, stretchier discharge. After ovulation, discharge could thicken and grow to be creamier.

• Consistency: Regular discharge can vary from clear and watery to milky white and barely thick. It ought to be easy and never accompanied by sturdy odours or discomfort.
• Amount: Whereas the precise quantity can range, it’s typically regular for the discharge to be sufficient to supply lubrication. Whether it is excessively heavy or notably completely different out of your normal sample, it may be value discussing with a healthcare supplier.

Easy methods to forestall 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 essential roles in lubrication, cleansing, and defending in opposition to infections. Nevertheless, 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 knowledgeable:

1. Light cleaning

Use gentle, unscented cleaning soap and heat water to wash the genital space. Keep away from douching, as it could disrupt the pure steadiness of micro organism and yeast within the vagina. Pat the realm dry with a clear towel after washing.

2. Submit-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 can assist minimise the blending of semen and vaginal fluids, doubtlessly lowering the quantity of discharge seen after intercourse. Condoms may additionally 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 more likely to irritate in comparison with oil-based lubricants. Keep away from lubricants with added fragrances or chemical substances that may disrupt the vaginal flora.