White Discharge After Protected Intercourse: FAQs

White liquid

Hello doctor, on April 22, I had intercourse with a condom on throughout, and on April 23, I also had intercourse with a condom on throughout.
After ejaculation, I immediately pulled out, but on April 23, there was a little white fluid that came out of the vagina.
I checked the condom right away, filled it with water, and it did not break.
However, after ejaculation, I noticed a small amount of semen at the base of the condom (at that time it was still erect, and I didn't feel anything leaking out).
The condom was very tight when put on, but it softened a bit during use and then became hard again.
After the intercourse on April 22, there was no white fluid that came out of the vagina.

1.
What is the white fluid that was not in the condom?
2.
Why is it that not all sperm is contained in the reservoir of the condom after ejaculation (I had flattened the reservoir before use), and there is a little at the base; is this normal?
3.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?
4.
Does the condom softening a bit and then becoming hard again affect the effectiveness of contraception? Thank you, doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/24

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
It could be the vaginal secretions themselves.
2.
Yes.
3.
If it was used correctly throughout the entire duration, the chances are likely low.
4.
As long as it is not removed midway, it should not significantly affect the effectiveness.

Reply Date: 2022/04/24

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding the white discharge after protected intercourse and the concerns surrounding it. Let's address your queries one by one.

1. What is the white discharge?
The white discharge you observed after intercourse could be a combination of several factors. It might be cervical mucus, which can change in consistency and amount due to hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle. It could also be a small amount of semen that escaped from the condom during or after intercourse. If the discharge has no foul odor and is not accompanied by itching or irritation, it is likely normal.

2. Why is there some semen at the base of the condom?
It is not uncommon for a small amount of semen to remain at the base of the condom after ejaculation. This can happen if the condom is not fitted properly or if it is rolled down too far, allowing some semen to pool at the base. When you pressed the reservoir tip before use, it should have minimized this risk, but some leakage can still occur due to the condom's fit or movement during intercourse.
3. Is there a possibility of pregnancy?
If the condom was intact and there was no visible leakage of semen, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. The presence of some semen at the base does not necessarily mean that sperm has entered the vagina, especially if the condom was checked and found to be intact. If you are concerned about pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late, or consult with a healthcare provider for further advice.

4. Does the condom becoming slightly soft affect its effectiveness?
A condom may become slightly softer during intercourse due to lubrication or body heat, but as long as it remains intact and fits properly, it should still provide effective protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is essential to ensure that the condom is put on correctly and that it does not slip off during intercourse.

In summary, the white discharge you experienced is likely normal and could be due to cervical mucus or residual semen. The presence of some semen at the base of the condom does not necessarily indicate a failure of contraception, especially if the condom was intact. If you have further concerns about pregnancy or STIs, consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential testing.

Lastly, always remember that while condoms are effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy and STIs, they are not infallible. Regular check-ups and open communication with your partner about sexual health are essential for maintaining well-being. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!

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