Vaginal discharge is something that most women experience. It's a regular thing that happens during sex and throughout a woman's life, and changes depending on her menstrual cycle, and whether she is breastfeeding or pregnant. This discharge is meant to maintain clean, safe and healthy conditions within a woman's reproductive system. Vaginal discharge which happens when one is aroused sexually is intended to lubricate the vagina for easy penis sliding/penetration and to avoid tissue tearing and pain. Other times, this fluid discharge produced by vaginal and cervix glands is meant to expel bacteria and dead cells out of the vagina. However, vaginal discharge sometimes can be abnormal and it indicates some health problems.

What Causes Regular White Discharge During and After Sex

White discharge during sex and also after sex in most cases is a healthy condition. One primary function of such secretion is to make your sexual intercourse comfortable through lubrication. Below is a list of sources or causes of that whitish, watery or creamy discharge you experience.

1. Sexual arousal fluid

After 30 seconds of foreplay or any sexual arousal, the blood supply increases towards your vagina. Additionally, sexual hormones aid in the secretion of this white and creamy fluid discharge (sometimes it's clear). Its function is to lubricate the vagina in readiness for sexual play. This secretion can also continue after intercourse.

2. Cervical mucus

At different phases of your menstrual cycle, the color and thickness of your cervical mucus charges. Additionally, after intercourse, this vaginal discharge does change its consistency. By close observation of this mucus, you can tell what phase of menstruation you are in; whether close to a period, ovulation or ovulating already. For example, when it's clear and stretchy, you are close to ovulating. Precautions at such times are needed if you are not planning to conceive. After periods, this vaginal fluid discharge dries up for a while and then becomes clear or milky white, and thicker.

3. Female ejaculate

Female ejaculation can also be the cause of white discharge during intercourse. Around the urethra, there are tiny glands that produce this watery and clear ejaculation fluid that looks like semen. In most cases when a woman gets to an orgasm climax, this female ejaculation fluid is secreted. Secondly, when a woman is aroused sexually, this discharge is secreted again.

4. Male ejaculate

During sexual intercourse, men almost always ejaculate. If you have sex without using a condom, semen which is mostly creamy and thick is released into the woman's vagina. This fluid gets to mix with white discharge during sex from a woman to form a whitish discharge. You are likely to see this whitish discharge on your partner's penis or flowing down the vagina after sex. Confusing this with vaginal discharge during sex is possible.

Major Causes of Abnormal Discharge

While vagina discharge is termed an ordinary happening, if it is accompanied by itching, burning, odor change or color charge; this indicates an abnormal discharge. Mostly, this happens due to infections. Every woman is advised to be keen and observant about their vaginal discharge consistency. Below are causes of abnormal vaginal discharge which need medical attention.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Within your vagina, there are healthy bacteria which live under controlled numbers. In case these bacteria grow past normalcy level, bacterial vaginosis can develop. This condition affects most women between the ages of 15-44 years. Antibiotics overuse, having unprotected sex with multiple partners, or excessive usage of vagina medications are the leading causes of this condition. Vaginal discharge during sex which is characterized by a fishy odor that looks grayish/ whitish is one major symptom of bacterial vaginosis. If you notice such signs, see a doctor immediately. You will need antibiotics like clindamycin, metronidazole, or tinidazole which treat this condition quickly.

2. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by Trichomonas Vaginalis. Men do not experience any symptoms when infected, but women experience yellowish, greenish, creamy, or thin vaginal discharge mostly accompanied by a bad smell. Your vulva may also get itchy, and you will probably have an increased urination frequency. Immediate doctor's attention is needed at such times. Avoid towels or bathing stuff sharing, as they transmit Trichomoniasis, too.

3. Chlamydia infection

Chlamydia infection is an STD that can be invisible for some time. It is caused by bacteria transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. These bacteria affect the urethra, cervix, rectum, and vagina. Chlamydia infection results in cloudy, yellowish, greenish vaginal discharge. Sometimes you might fail to notice this infection especially when you experience clear vaginal discharge. At any time you suspect any color inconsistency, seek a doctor's attention immediately.

4. Yeast infection

Yeast infection is also known as genital Candidiasis. This infection erupts when vaginal fungus known as Candida Albicans gets to overgrow within the vaginal area. Some of the reasons that cause Candida overgrowth are excessive use of antibiotics, stress, diabetes, pregnancy, contraceptive pills, hormonal imbalance and use of corticosteroids. When this infection strikes, some burning sensation might be experienced. Whitish and thick vaginal discharge mostly accompanies such yeast infection symptoms. To avoid future complication or excess vaginal discomfort, you must consider visiting your doctor immediately.

Although white vaginal discharge usually happens, it is a great indicator of your vaginal health. At any time you experience any form or discomfort after vaginal discharge or notice an odor or color change on the fluid, do not hesitate to see a gynecologist.