My vaginal discharge has increased after sex with my boyfriend. Did I get a STD?
Is the increased vaginal discharge after sex an indication of a STD?
Discharge from the vagina is very important for a woman. The main function of this fluid is to get rid of the bacteria and dead cells, thereby keeping the vagina infection-free. It is normal in most of the cases. However, vaginal discharge has increased after sex may also indicate the presence of certain diseases in the female reproductive tract.
In most of the cases, the discharge does not have any colour and odour. The colour may vary from clear to milky white. The amount of discharge increases during breast feeding and arousal for sex.
Abnormal vaginal discharge may have multiple reasons. A few of them are:
- Certain medicines, such as antibiotics
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Diabetes
- Douching
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Cancer of the cervix
- Bacterial infection
- Yeast infection
- Parasitic infection (Trichomoniasis)
A woman should always be careful of the abnormal discharge, especially if it occurs after sexual intercourse.
During sex, a female experiences orgasm, which are contractions of the lower part of the vagina and the pelvic area that gives pleasure to a female. These contractions lead to discharge of different types of fluids in large amounts from the vagina.
Any increase in the amount of discharge after sex is normal as it indicates that there are no abnormalities in the reproductive system. The colour of the discharge may vary according to changes in the hormonal level due to the timing of the menstrual cycle.
The post sex vaginal discharge is made up a number of constituents. The post sex vaginal discharge comprises mainly of:
- Lubrication fluid: This watery and slippery lubrication fluid is produced naturally by the inner walls of the vagina. The fluid prepares the woman for sexual contact with the partner. The fluid is produced within 30 seconds of sexual arousal. The vaginal wall continues to produce this fluid even after the sexual activity is over.
- Cervical mucus: Cervical mucus is produced throughout the menstrual cycle. The mucus plays an important role in holding the sperm to the matured egg. Depending on the phase of the cycle, the appearance and texture of the mucus may change. During the ovulation phase the cervical mucus is clear.
- Female ejaculation fluid: Researches have proved that during orgasm some women produce an unusual fluid, which is somewhat similar to the semen. This ejaculation fluid is produced by small glands, present near the urethra. Because the fluid is watery in nature, it may be mistaken for urine.
- Seminal fluid: The vaginal discharge after sex also contains male fluids. This may be seen in cases where men do not use condoms during sex. By the end of the sexual activity, man releases seminal fluids inside the female reproductive tract. Semen contains both, sperms as well as the fluids, which help the sperm to reach the matured egg.
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The above discussion, therefore, prove that vaginal discharge has increased after sex is completely normal. A health care provider should only be consulted if the discharge has some abnormal colour, smell or texture.
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