Sex can change a lot of things and wondering if it’s affecting your vaginal discharge is a normal question to have. Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s going to change things like vaginal discharge or the pH of your vagina. It’s okay to have questions. That’s what we’re here for.
When it comes to vaginal discharge there can be a lot of concerns if something changes suddenly. The truth is there’s likely nothing wrong and it’s just a normal thing your body is doing. So let’s talk about it. Does sex change your vaginal discharge long term? Here’s the real deal.
Will Being Sexually Active Permanently Change My Vaginal Discharge?
In short, no. Sex itself isn’t going to do anything to affect your vaginal discharge in the long run. Vaginal discharge is a normal thing for women to have so you shouldn’t be embarrassed. If something has changed that doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.
Discharge can change for a lot of reasons, including how close you are to your period. It’s a normal part of our monthly cycle. But sometimes that knowledge doesn’t help you feel less stressed if you notice a sudden change in your discharge.
As always, anytime you’re concerned you should talk to your doctor. But you should also keep a mental (or real) list of other possible symptoms. Are you itchy down there? Is the discharge foul smelling? Do you have sores on your vaginal area? These signs combined with vaginal discharge changes can be a sign of an STD or a yeast infection.
If you notice other symptoms plus a change in your vaginal discharge you definitely want to get in to see a doctor as quickly as you can. They’ll be able to listen to your concerns, and do an exam. They may also run some tests. These are all ways to get you answers about what’s going on with your body. Make sure you’re as honest as possible with your doctor so they can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
Related: Do STDs Always Have Symptoms?
What’s Normal For Post-Sex Vaginal Discharge?
Even though there aren’t any long term changes to your discharge after a healthy sexual encounter, there are still things to deal with right after you have sex. This is especially true if you don’t use a concom or any other sort of barrier while having sex.
What’s normal for post-sex discharge is going to change from person to person. In general you can expect an increased amount of white looking discharge for a few hours or even a day or two afterwards. This is just your body’s way of cleaning your vagina so things get back to normal down there. It’s not a cause for concern.
If the discharge is making you uncomfortable you can try things like an extra shower, or feminine wipes to help you feel more fresh down there. If you’re taking a shower you can make sure to use a pH balanced feminine wash to feel even better. Something like VeeGentle can really make a big difference in your comfort level after a night of fun.
How Can I Handle Vaginal Discharge After Sex?
There’s really nothing you can do to prevent the discharge that happens after sex. It’s just a part of life. But if you follwo the tips above about using wipes or taking an extra shower, you can at least feel more comfortable while the discharge is happening.
If you’re worried about your underwear being ruined after having sex, you can also use a good pantyliner to make sure there’s protection there. It may also help you feel more comfortable, depending on how much discharge there is. But again, don’t stress about this discharge too much. It’s normal and will go away after a few days at the most.
Final Thoughts
It’s good to be aware of a change in your discharge but changes don’t always mean something is wrong. As long as you’re not experiencing other symptoms you are probably doing ok. Remember that post-sex discharge is normal. There’s no cause for alarm there.
As long as things go back to normal in a day or two, you can likely just move on with your life. Use the tips here to help feel more comfortable as this discharge is happening. The good news is that post-sex discharge is short lived and usually totally worth the hassle.
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.