Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: January 9, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My boyfriend and I are each other's first partners. We have been together for roughly 2 years and we have been sexually active for roughly 5 months. Recently, the day after we make love, I notice a discharge from my vaginal opening. It reminds me of the way dead skin peels off in water. It lasts for about a day or two, along with a slight itch/irritation, and then is gone. I am wondering if this could be either irritation from the act itself, or an allergic reaction to the spermacide in our condoms. I know it isn't a yeast infection, because I have had them before, but it is similar. Do you know if it is possible for the vaginal lining to "shed" or something, and could his be why it only happens the day after we make love? Please help - it worries me.
Signed: Shed Vaginal Lining After Sex?
Dear Shed Vaginal Lining After Sex?,
TeenHealthFX is glad to hear that you and your boyfriend are practicing safe sex and using condoms. This way, you are helping to prevent an unwanted pregnancy and protect yourself against STDs as well.
It is possible that the inside of your vagina is sensitive to the spermicide, the condom itself or even the contact with your boyfriend's penis, and the irritation you are feeling may be the result. As far as the discharge goes, the vagina does not shed it's lining in the way you are describing. Menstruation, as you probably know, is the result of the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterine walls, but what you are describing sounds entirely different. It is more likely that what you are seeing is left over semen or vaginal fluid from the day before.
To be sure, what you need to do is see a doctor who can examine you and determine what is going on. If you would like to meet with a doctor at the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health in Morristown, New Jersey, you can call 973.971.6475 for an appointment. If you don not live in the area, try calling your local teen health center for an appointment.
Lastly, please keep in mind that regardless of what the cause of your symptoms may be, sex should be a pleasurable experience and doesn't need to involve and pain, irritation or any other uncomfortable side effects. Be open and honest with your doctor and your partner about what you are feeling, and you will be able to find a course of action that will hopefully help you feel better. For more information you can check out our answer to Does Sex Hurt.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
