Vaginal Discharge After Sex: Changes, Colors & Meaning

Key takeaways:

• Sex involves the intermingling of bodily fluids, which can expose your vagina to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• While mild and temporary changes in vaginal odor may occur after sexual intercourse, changes in discharge could be a sign of infection.
• Discolored discharge that comes with other symptoms, like itching or burning, or that appears after sexual contact with a new partner could also indicate infection.

The vagina is designed to protect itself and maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms that defend against infection. However, sexual intercourse of any kind – whether penetrative or not – can introduce new organisms that might cause issues. Bacteria spread through sex, for example, could cause infections or overwhelm “good” bacteria. Likewise, the presence of semen or pre-ejaculate in the vagina can change its acidity, leaving you prone to irritation or infection.

So, changes in vaginal discharge after sex aren’t uncommon, but they’re not necessarily normal, either. A mild shift in vaginal odor or discharge affected by semen or lubricant may not be abnormal. However, some causes of discharge after sex are serious and could affect your long-term health, meaning it’s always best to check in with a doctor.

Is it normal for vaginal discharge to change after sexual intercourse?

Intercourse introduces an entirely different collection of organisms into your world, referred to as a microbiome. A temporary shift in your microbiome may occur after some types of sexual activity.

However, you should not notice any significant changes in vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse. An exception to this is discharge that contains semen or pre-ejaculate fluids, which may exit the vagina after sexual contact.

While many of us have an intact immune system that effectively allows us to coexist with others’ normal microbiomes, infections can sometimes result from sexual intercourse. Plus, some causes of abnormal discharge may be more likely to result from some types of contact – like contact between two people with vaginas, for example, or penetrative sex – than others.

This is all to say that while changes in vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse may not be “normal,” they’re not necessarily uncommon. However, it’s important to pay attention to those changes.

Abnormal vs. normal vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse

The vagina has its own natural secretions from glands, but this type of vaginal discharge is thin, filmy, and sometimes consistent with mucus. With an impending period, it may even become pink-tinged. These are all normal.

However, discharge that is discolored (yellow, green, etc.), has a strong odor or comes with other symptoms like itching and burning could be a sign of an infection. These symptoms may be especially noteworthy if they occur after unprotected sexual contact or contact with a new partner.

Common causes of vaginal discharge changes after sexual intercourse

A mild and temporary shift in your vaginal microbiome can be a natural result of sexual intercourse. However, vaginal discharge that’s abnormal and causes discomfort could indicate a problem. Common causes of abnormal discharge after sexual intercourse include the following:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of your normal vaginal bacteria due to a shift from introducing another’s bacteria (microbiome) into your vagina. It can also occur spontaneously. It causes a yellow or gray vaginal discharge that can burn or itch. It may have a fishy odor.

Aerobic vaginitis

Aerobic vaginitis describes an infection caused by rectal bacteria. It can occur due to the close proximity of the anus to the vagina. It may be caused by non-rectal bacteria.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

In some cases, the cause of unusual vaginal discharge after sexual contact is an STI. Common examples include:

• Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis (also called trich) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan Trichomonas. It can cause a bubbly or frothy green discharge associated with a fishy smell. Burning or itching may also occur.
• Chlamydia: Chlamydia may have no discharge or symptoms at all. Alternatively, it can result in a yellow or green discharge, possibly with pus and with pain or other discomforts.
• Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is more likely to have symptoms, such as a white, yellow, or green discharge with pus, pelvic pain, or abdominal pain with fever.

If you have a partner, they should be included in the evaluation and treatment for STIs.

Common vaginal discharge colors and consistencies after sexual intercourse

Within a day to days after sexual intercourse, you may notice a change in your vaginal discharge:

• Yellow, gray, or green, possibly frothy, with a fishy odor: Bacterial vaginosis or possible STI.
• Yellow, gray, or green, and frequently frothy with a fishy odor: Likely trichomoniasis, an STI.
• White, thick, or cream cheese-like discharge associated with burning or itching: Possible yeast infection.
• Bloody discharge: Possible yeast-related inflammation, especially when associated with burning or itching and cream cheese-like discharge.
• White, yellow, or green discharge, with possibly a foul odor: Aerobic vaginitis infection from rectal bacteria.
• White, yellow, or green discharge, sometimes with a foul odor: Gonorrhea or chlamydia.
• White, yellow, or green discharge accompanied by a foul odor: Vaginal bacterial infection from a foreign body, usually a forgotten tampon or retained condom.

Any of these circumstances warrant a proper medical evaluation to rule out an infection. Read our guides on types of vaginal discharge and vaginal discharge colors for more.

How to maintain healthy vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse

The vagina can usually maintain a healthy environment on its own. Even after a period (blood) or intercourse (semen, ejaculate, or lubricants), let your vagina do what it does best–maintain its healthy environment.

Don’t douche

Douching introduces bacteria, washes out your normal helpful bacteria, and can leave a wet environment that invites fungus.

Don’t use any feminine hygiene products

The vagina has a natural discharge from its glands and a natural odor. Any attempts to cure you of these can negatively impact your vaginal health.

Be careful with tub baths

Tub baths can be comforting and relaxing, and they pose no risk to your vaginal health unless you open the lips of your vagina and let water spill into it. This introduces bacteria and chemicals.

When bathing or showering, you only need to wash your external labia majora and between your labia minora.

When you should see a doctor about vaginal discharge changes after sexual intercourse

You should see your doctor about vaginal discharge after intercourse—especially with a new partner—if there is any change to your normal discharge.

You should see a doctor if, after intercourse:

Consult your doctor if, after intercourse, you:

• Have unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Have discharge that is red, brown, black, gray, yellow, or green.
• Notice discharge containing pus.
• Have discharge that looks like cream cheese, itches, burns, or is frothy.
• Develop a change in your normal vaginal discharge that burns, itches, or causes pain.
• Develop discharge with a fishy or foul odor.
• Experience bleeding during menopause.

You should go to the emergency room if:

You have any of the above in addition to:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Painful intercourse, urination, or bowel movements.

Questions to ask your doctor about vaginal discharge changes after sexual intercourse

• What tests will I need to undergo to understand the cause of my discharge?
• Should my partner(s) be involved?
• Will this affect my current or future pregnancy?
• Is it safe to have sex during treatment?

How a doctor may help treat abnormal vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse

Treating an abnormal vaginal discharge you notice after intercourse depends on the cause.

Antifungal

For infections or conditions caused by fungus, like yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe antifungals in the form of vaginal suppositories, creams, or oral medications.

Antibiotics

These are essential for STIs and bacterial vaginosis. A course of antibiotics is often enough to clear up the infection.

Probiotics and lactobacilli

These replace and nurture the helpful bacteria of the vagina to re-establish its correct balance and acidity.

Frequently asked questions: vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse

A change in discharge after intercourse raises some questions, including:

Is a change in vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

It can be, but an STI can only be diagnosed by a proper medical evaluation. If you suspect you have an STI, please see a doctor.

What if your vaginal discharge has a foul odor after having sexual intercourse?

Sex may result in a smell, but it should not be foul or fishy. Any of these changes in smell should prompt an evaluation.

Final thoughts on vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse

Sex is an important part of many people’s lives and relationships – but it can involve mixing bodily fluids. As a result, changes to your vaginal microbiome can be natural. In some cases, those changes might lead to an infection. In others, sexual contact could pass STIs between partners. So, if you have unusual vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse, it’s best to consult a doctor or medical professional.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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