Question
I had sex for the first time last night, and today I've noticed that I'm discharging a lot more than usual- it's clear and has no smell, so I'm not sure I should worry that it's because of an infection- but is this normal?
You know, this happens a lot.
That, after a person becomes sexually active (sexually active: Someone who has had or is currently having some kind of genital sex with a partner or partners.) , or does a given new sexual (sexual: About or relating in some way to sex or sexuality.) thing, they’ll notice what appear to be changes with their body.
But when it all gets sorted out (out: Short for ‘out of the closet’. When someone’s LGBTQ+ identity is known to other people.) , it pretty much always turns out that there wasn’t anything different. In other words, that your discharges are probably the same as they ever were, but you’re just feeling a little nervous about any bad consequences, so you’re noticing them more, or are more observant about your genitals (genitals: Body parts that are generally, culturally, scientifically or personally considered to be external sexual or reproductive organs.) than you were before because you’re worried, or looking for changes.
Mind, it’s possible your discharges are just a little more fluid today because of the addition of arousal (arousal: A state of sexual excitement and interest that sends messages to the brain which create physical changes and sensations, such as increased blood pressure, erection, lubrication, loosening of the vaginal or anal muscles, and increased physical sensitivity.) fluids or lubricant (lubricant: A fluid used in order to make kinds of sex (such as masturbation, vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse or manual sex) more pleasant and comfortable, and/or to help prevent condoms from breaking by decreasing friction.) last night, but it’s not so possible to have symptoms of any infection (infection: When harmful microbes, or germs, or harmful levels of microbes/germs, enter the body and multiply, causing illness. The common cold, flu viruses, sexually transmitted infections, chickenpox, impetigo, rabies and diphtheria are some kinds of infections.) the very next morning after sex (sex: Different things people choose to do to actively express or enact sexuality and sexual feelings; often this involves genitals, but not always. ) the night before. Most sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted infections: STIs: illness, infection and/or disease which is often or can be transmitted through sexual or other intimate contact, like HIV, Chlamydia or Herpes. Some people call STIs STDs.) are asymptomatic anyway, but even when you get symptoms from one, they’re never that immediate.
So long as you’re having safer sex (safer sex: Practices which aim to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as use of latex/nonlatex barriers, regular testing for infections and limiting the number of sexual partners.) , including using barriers and including getting sexual healthcare and a full STI (STI: Sexually transmitted infections: illness, infection and/or disease which is often or can be transmitted through sexual or other intimate contact, like HIV, Chlamydia or Herpes. Some people call STIs STDs.) screening at least once a year, or whenever a new risk or new partner (partner: In a sexual context, a person with whom someone is having some kind of sex. The term “partner” can be used for all kinds of relationships, not just serious ones. “Partner” can also mean the person someone is with in a romantic or familial partnership.) has occurred, you can let go of the big worries. If you’re not doing either or both of those things, now is the time to start. But if you are, there’s little for you to worry about.
If over the next month or so you do notice any more changes to your discharge (and per infection symptoms, you’d be looking for color, texture and scent changes primarily, so clear, unscented discharge isn’t anything to sweat) then it’s sage to check in with your gynecologist (gynecologist: (Pronounced guy-na-coll-o-jist) A doctor that specializes in the health of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and vulva. . They may also be referred to as “OB/GYNs” or, informally, “gynos”.) or other sexual healthcare provider (healthcare provider: A qualified person to provide sound physical and/or mental healthcare, such as a doctor, nurse, clinician, counselor, medical assistant, midwife or other healthcare professional.) .
