Change in Discharge

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2004
Change in Discharge
1
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 10:50am

I don't feel overly concerned right now, but at the same time feel a 'bit uneducated so hoped others could shed some light on my questions.

This past weekend my bf and I had "the converstion" about no longer using condoms in our relationship (on BC so was used for STD protection). I am not concerned about STDs b/c I feel all was discussed about that. However, I am finding that my body is acting a bit funny. This is the first man I have been with since the end of a long relationship so my body was used to not using condoms since we did not for a couple of years. However, that was also a may-dec romance (me being the may) so we did not have sex over and over again on the same day and for the last several months as things went downhill it only happened about once every three weeks. So, this has been a change for my body now that it is more frequent as well.

Now, for the current problem....this past weekend, being the first time without a condom, we had sex several times both sat and sunday and by sunday evening I was feeling pretty tender. Monday I experienced tenderness but didn't think much of it and during sex monday evening realized I was more tender than I thought. So, yesterday sex was the furthest thing from my mind b/c I was tender and had itchiness all day. However, my discharge also began to change over the past two days....it is more of a clumpy consistancy....just small litle bits, not large. Sorry for being graphic.....but there is no odor. I have never had a yeast infection, but understand there should be an unpleasant odor and this is not the case. The itching is still there and some slight tenderness, but no burning sensations.
Now today I have begun my period so based on where I am in my cycle I know I was probably a bit more dry the past few days in terms of discharge to start with which perhaps didn't help.

So, I guess my questions are....should I be concerned about the change in discharge or wait and see if it continues after my period ends? Is it normal to have changes when having sex with a new partner? Could all this just be from the irritation due to change in sexual frequnecy?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 12:31pm

Hi mgitaville, welcome to Sexual Health!

>> ....should I be concerned about the change in discharge or wait and see if it continues after my period ends? <<

Being itchy and a bit clumpy it sounds as though you might have a slight yeast infection. YIs may have a bread doughy, yeasty, odor or none at all. If it is a slight YI it might disappear by itself. If the symptoms aren't too bothersome you might want to wait until your period is over and see how you feel but if they are or get worse it would be a good idea to see your doctor and be tested to be sure you are using the right medicine to correct the problem. A good article on YIs is: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm

>> Is it normal to have changes when having sex with a new partner? Could all this just be from the irritation due to change in sexual frequnecy? <<

An increase in frequency of intercourse can often cause tenderness so I think that is probably to be expected. The YI, if that's what it is, could have been caused by IC changing the ph balance of your vagina. Women on hormonal contraceptives are more likely to get YIs than those who aren’t.

>>so based on where I am in my cycle I know I was probably a bit more dry the past few days in terms of discharge to start with which perhaps didn't help. <<

I think you're right. Being well lubed is very important and when having multiple acts of IC the need for plenty of lube can not be over emphasized. I hope you are feeling better soon. Let us know how you're doing.

Good luck,

      Jill