Clear jelly like vaginal discharge before, during and after sex is normal. It occurs as a result of arousal and helps lubricate the vagina during sexual intercourse. It can also be a mix of the semen from the male partner and the female’s own secretions.
Vaginal discharge can vary in color, consistency and odor. It can also be a sign of certain health conditions and infections.
Causes
Normal vaginal discharge is a clear to milky white liquid that helps lubricate the vulva and enables semen to travel down to the uterus. It may vary in consistency depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. A thinner discharge usually occurs during ovulation, while a thicker discharge can indicate that a woman is pregnant.
When a discharge changes color, smells or texture, it can be a sign of an infection or another health problem. The most common cause of jelly like discharge after sex is sexual arousal, which causes an increase in blood flow to the genitals. This increased blood flow can irritate the tissues in the labia and clitoris, which may produce more fluid to lubricate during sex.
If the thick discharge is accompanied by other symptoms such as a foul odor or pain during sexual intercourse, it could be a sign of a yeast infection. Other infections that can lead to a jelly-like discharge include human papillomavirus (HPV) and bacterial vaginosis. HPV is a virus that can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer, while bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection.
In rare cases, a thick discharge after sex can be a sign of cervicitis or endometriosis. If the symptoms are severe, you should contact a healthcare provider right away. A gynecologist can diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Jelly-like discharge after sex can be a sign of pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of many other things. If the jelly-like discharge is clear, it could be a sign of simple ovulation, which occurs in most women at some point during their menstrual cycle. It could also be caused by stress, changes in diet or medicine, or illness.
If the jelly-like discharge is white, it may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. This is an infection of the vaginal lining that causes itching and often has a fishy or foul odor. It is common in women who have unprotected sex with multiple partners and those who use oral sex. It can also be caused by frequent douching, certain types of birth control pills, or antibiotics.
Yellow or green jelly-like discharge can be a sign of chlamydia or gonorrhea, which are sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). These infections cause pelvic pain, spotting during ovulation and between periods, burning at the vulva, and itching. They can also be caused by unprotected sex, using oral sex, or contact with infected vaginal fluids.
Creamy white jelly-like discharge can be a sign that you are pregnant, but it is not always. Pregnancy can also be a cause of itchy or burning vaginal discharge, as well as the thickening of the mucus plug in the cervix. Other possible symptoms of pregnancy include nausea and fatigue.
Treatment
Symptoms of jelly like discharge after sex should be taken seriously and a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause of the infection. Discharge can be a sign of infection from yeast, bacterial vaginosis or an STI such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis. The doctor will conduct a pelvic exam, taking a sample of the discharge to test it for acid levels, bacteria and other things.
A healthy vaginal discharge is a mixture of cervical mucus and vaginal fluid and, in males, can also include seminal fluid and sperm. This lubrication and secretion is part of the normal physiological process and is especially abundant during sexual arousal. The consistency of this fluid varies throughout the menstrual cycle and can change during sexual intercourse.
Foul smelling, off white, or grey jelly like discharge is likely to be caused by bacterial vaginosis. Having multiple sexual partners, frequent douching or regular vaginal penetration increases the risk of developing this condition. Treatment for BV usually involves antibiotics which are prescribed by a doctor.
If you notice that the jelly like discharge after sex is changing in color, texture or smell it is important to see a medical professional for further testing and advice. A GP or sexual health clinic can both provide appropriate care. For example, sexual health clinics often offer walk-in services and get results much quicker than a GP surgery.
Prevention
Yeast infections and other types of abnormal discharge can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including clear jelly like fluid. Foul-smelling discharge, painful urination and sexual activity that results in a burning sensation should prompt a visit to a doctor, as these are likely signs of an infection.
Pregnancy can also produce clear jelly-like discharge. During pregnancy, hormones stimulate the cervix to produce more mucus, which can change its consistency. The jelly-like discharge during pregnancy is normal, as it helps sperm to reach an egg before ovulation. The jelly-like discharge can also become clear after sex, as the mucus lubricates the vulva and makes it easier for the sperm to swim up to the egg.
Women can prevent infection by practicing good genital hygiene, using barrier methods of contraception and seeking medical attention if they notice any changes in their discharge. Avoiding products that irritate the vaginal canal and wearing comfortable breathable underwear can also help, as this may reduce the likelihood of an infection. Taking anti-fungal medications, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis treatment, may also be helpful, depending on the cause of your discharge. If you have a yeast infection, try a probiotic supplement, such as the Flora Bloom Probiotics with cranberry and D Mannose from Intimate Rose, to promote healthy bacteria in your vagina.