Understanding Discomfort and Odor After Intercourse
Age 19, Female, Hispanic Hello community, I’m reaching out as I’ve been experiencing some concerns lately and am curious if anyone else has encountered something similar. On Thursday, September 4th, I engaged in unprotected sexual activity without lubrication, which I suspect led to minor tearing, as my partner was quite well-endowed. There was some discomfort during the act, but overall the experience was enjoyable. He climaxed inside of me, and afterward, I followed my usual practice of urinating to try to avoid a urinary tract infection. The following day, on Friday, I shaved and used Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash for cleansing. Usually, this product does not irritate me, but upon waking the next morning, I noticed a significant itch. Interestingly, scratching tended to provoke an odd sense of arousal. Since that time, the itchiness has persisted, and most recently, I observed a mild fishy scent coming from my underwear. Could these symptoms stem from a disruption in vaginal pH? Additionally, what types of ointments or creams are recommended for healing small tears in that area?
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 2:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing discomfort and changes in odor after sexual activity, which can happen for various reasons. Here are the main points to consider:
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Possible Causes of Symptoms: The itchiness and fishy odor you mentioned may be related to a disruption in the vaginal flora due to friction during intercourse, or perhaps an irritation from the body wash or shaving. It could also suggest a mild infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can cause a fishy smell and itching.
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Immediate Self-Care Steps:
- Gentle Hygiene: Wash the area with warm water and a gentle, unscented soap. Avoid using any perfumed products or harsh soaps, as they may irritate sensitive skin.
- Hydration: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, as this can help maintain vaginal health.
- Wear Breathable Clothing: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing to allow airflow, which can help prevent further irritation.
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Healing Small Tears: For minor tears, you can apply a thin layer of a water-based lubricant or a lanolin-based cream to keep the area moisturized. Avoid using anything scented or alcohol-based, as these can cause further irritation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how your symptoms progress over the next few days. If the itching worsens or the odor becomes more pronounced, it may be a sign of an infection, which would require further attention.
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When to Seek Further Advice: If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms like severe itching, redness, swelling, unusual discharge, or if the fishy odor does not improve, consider seeking medical attention to rule out conditions like BV or a yeast infection.
It's important to remember that changes can occur in your body after sexual activity, and caring for your vaginal health is key. If your symptoms don’t improve or you're feeling uncertain, don’t hesitate to explore professional options. You deserve to feel comfortable and healthy!
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