Masturbation, period sex, birth control, and how often you have sex can all affect vaginal comfort, dryness, and irritation, but none are automatically “bad” if you’re listening to your body and giving it recovery time when it’s sore or infected. Watch for red-flag symptoms like strong new odor, unusual discharge, deep pelvic pain, or recurring infections, and push for real evaluation instead of just being told to “relax more.”

Frequent sex can temporarily shift vaginal pH and smell, especially with semen, new partners, or certain lubes, but a mild “sex smell” that fades in a day or two without itching, burning, or unusual discharge is usually normal. Strong fishy, rotten, or yeasty odors with discharge or irritation point to BV, yeast, or infection, and the fix is gentle external care—not douching or harsh washing.

UTIs after sex are common and usually caused by bacteria being pushed toward the urethra, not because you’re dirty. Peeing after sex, good hydration, front-to-back wiping, avoiding spermicides, and using plenty of lube all reduce risk; cranberry or D‑mannose may help prevent recurrences but can’t treat an active infection.

Mild soreness or a ‘raw’ feeling after a lot of sex is very common, especially if there was long, rough, or not-super-lubed penetration. Friction soreness usually feels like surface burning or tenderness at the entrance and improves within a few days; yeast or BV come with stronger odor, unusual discharge, or intense itch.