If I had sex and the next day I have swelling, a lot of discharge, and a slight fishy smell, what does this mean?

Sex, especially penetrative sex, such as when a penis is inserted into a vagina, can cause some slight discomfort or extra discharge the following day. This may be because of the friction caused by sex, which can cause irritation in the vagina or genital area. Extra discharge may also be normal, from your body producing lubrication during sex. If these symptoms continue, or get worse, you should talk with your doctor.

While these symptoms could also indicate something like an STI, an STI would not appear the following day if this was the only sexual contact you have had. However, it is still recommended for everyone who is sexually active to be regularly tested for STIs just in case. You can get at-home STI tests at violetproject.org/store, or visit your doctor for more extensive STI testing and to address any other symptoms or concerns you may have. It is also recommended to visit a gynecologist, or your doctor, if you are becoming sexually active!