Healthy vaginal or penile discharge contains a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal fluid, and in men, seminal fluid and sperm. A typical amount of white or milky discharge is expected after sexual arousal, but unusual white clumpy discharge may indicate an infection.
The appearance and color of discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle to accommodate hormone fluctuations. If your white discharge has a foul smell, consult your doctor.
Causes
The appearance and smell of vaginal discharge can change at different times of the menstrual cycle or during sexual activity. Often, these changes are normal and nothing to worry about – This discovery is the result of the portal team’s work sex-relax.com. However, if the white discharge changes color, has an unpleasant odor or is clumpy, it may be a sign of a serious problem and should be checked out by your doctor.
The most common cause of white clumpy discharge after sex is ejaculate or pre-ejaculate from the penis. This fluid contains semen, which carries sperm and can fertilize an egg during sexual penetration. This can be the result of unprotected sex or of using a vaginal condom. It usually has a slight odor and is clear or milky white in color.
Another cause of white clumpy discharge is a yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. This fungus normally lives in the mouth, throat and gut but can grow out of control in the vagina when you are exposed to it. Yeast infections are common and can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medicine.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can make your discharge look thicker and white after sex. This is due to the pH of your vagina changing and disrupting healthy bacteria in your vagina. BV can also cause itching in the vulva and vagina, painful urination, and spotting between periods.
Symptoms
Women with a clear or milky white discharge after sexual penetration that doesn’t have an overwhelming odor and isn’t heavy are typically healthy. This type of discharge occurs when the body becomes aroused during sex and helps lubricate the organs. Women may also experience this type of discharge at the beginning and end of their menstrual cycle or during ovulation.
However, if the discharge changes color or smells bad, it’s a sign something’s wrong. It may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or other infections, and it could be caused by an STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea if you’ve been using unprotected sex. The NHS notes that yellow or green-colored discharge could also be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection called trichomonas vaginalis.
A change in the texture of the discharge to become lumpy and cottage cheese-like usually means a yeast infection, which is more common in women than in men. This type of infection normally has an intense odor, similar to stale cheese or rotting fish. It may also cause itching in the vulva and vagina.
A sudden increase in discharge can also be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection that affects the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. This infection can also cause a rash, pain during intercourse, itching, and pain while urinating or bleeding between periods.
Treatment
Many people get white discharge during sex, and it’s usually normal if it doesn’t hurt or smell. If you notice a change in texture, color or odor, though, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. It may be a sign of an infection that needs treatment.
In women, a white vaginal discharge is typically a mixture of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions, or it could contain seminal fluid and sperm in males. It can change throughout the menstrual cycle and during sexual arousal. If this type of discharge turns clumpy and lumpy, like cottage cheese, or is accompanied by pain or itching, it’s time to see your doctor.
A bacterial infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), can cause white vaginal discharge after sex. It occurs when the pH of the vagina fluctuates, disturbing the balance of healthy bacteria that normally live there. Symptoms of BV include itching in the vagina or vulva, pain during intercourse and a yellow-white or grayish discharge.
Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also cause white discharge after sex. These infections are spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including painful urination, pelvic pain and heavy or painful periods. Treatment options for these infections typically include antibiotics and barrier methods of birth control.
Prevention
The good news is that most cases of white clumpy discharge after sex are not a sign of a serious health issue. However, it is important to know when to see a doctor about the condition. Different types of discharge require different treatment.
During sexual stimulation, the glands in the vagina secrete a clear, thin fluid that promotes healthy lubrication. This discharge is sometimes a light yellow or cream color and doesn’t have a strong odor. During sex, this fluid increases in volume.
If the white clumpy discharge you have after sex is thick and has a strong odor, this may indicate a yeast infection. Yeast infections are spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The infection is not an STD, but it needs to be treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications.
Other things that can cause white clumpy discharge include medications, hormone levels, and where you are in your menstrual cycle. Cervical mucus changes continuously throughout the month and can be a different texture, color, or consistency at different times. For example, it is thinner near ovulation and thicker towards the end of the menstrual cycle. The color and consistency of penile discharge also changes throughout the month. Any white, pink, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge is not normal and requires medical attention. Your doctor will do a pelvic exam, ask about your health history, and perform a STI test to determine the cause of the problem.
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