“If the ache happens simply as soon as and doesn’t recur, it is probably not a trigger for concern. Typically, it may very well be attributable to tough intercourse, a associate of a special dimension, an upset abdomen, and even accidents associated to intercourse, says Amir Marashi, MD, a New York Metropolis-based OB/GYN and founder and CEO of Cerē. However different instances, it would imply you might have an underlying gynecologic or GI problem that must be addressed.
Listed here are ten attainable explanation why you might have abdomen ache after intercourse in case you have a vagina, when to see your physician about it, and methods to stop it from coming again.
10 causes for abdomen ache after intercourse in case you have a vagina
There are lots of explanation why somebody may really feel abdomen ache after intercourse in the event that they feminine reproductive organs, like a vagina. This may vary from gynecologic points to GI points and can also rely on the situation of the ache.
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis—a dysfunction the place tissue just like the liner of the uterus grows outdoors of the uterus—is likely one of the most typical causes of painful intercourse, in keeping with Dr. Marashi. That is very true “if the ache happens throughout deep penetration positions just like the knee-chest or “doggy model positions,”” he provides.
The situation can even trigger very painful or heavy durations, painful bowel actions, and hassle getting pregnant, per the Mayo Clinic. Typically, endometriosis can include intestine well being points that make it tough to tell apart between uterus cramps after intercourse or a GI situation.
Find out how to deal with it
See your physician for those who assume you would have endometriosis. Hormonal medicines like contraception capsules can usually assist handle your endometriosis ache and heavy durations. In some instances, surgical procedure may additionally be wanted, the Mayo Clinic notes.
2. Vaginal dryness
Dry vaginal tissue, which regularly hits throughout perimenopause or menopause as estrogen ranges decline, could cause irritation that makes intercourse uncomfortable or painful. You may also get itching, burning, and even recognizing throughout or after intercourse, too, per Mount Sinai.
Find out how to deal with it
Many individuals discover reduction by utilizing a vaginal lubricant (utilized earlier than intercourse) and a vaginal moisturizer (utilized day by day, like a facial moisturizer), which hydrates dry tissues to make intercourse extra comfy, Dr. Marashi says. Topical estrogen (utilized as a cream, ring, or pill) can even assist ease extra extreme signs, per Mount Sinai.
3. Vaginismus
When you might have vaginismus, your vaginal muscle tissue might involuntary tense or spasm throughout penetrative intercourse or gynecologic exams, which might trigger ache. (In some instances, it will possibly make it unattainable to have penetrative intercourse.) It usually occurs in folks with a historical past of sexual trauma or abuse, or in individuals who have an irregular response to bodily ache, in keeping with the Nationwide Library of Medication (NLM).
Find out how to deal with it
Treating vaginismus includes therapies that make you much less delicate to penetration. That might embrace pelvic flooring workout routines, bodily remedy, counseling, and intercourse remedy workout routines like vaginal dilation, per the NLM.
4. Uterine fibroids
Fibroids—benign growths that type on the liner of the wall of the uterus—are recognized for inflicting heavy or painful durations and a sense of fullness in your decrease stomach. However they will additionally trigger decrease again ache, pelvic, or belly ache throughout intercourse, per the Workplace on Ladies’s Well being.
Find out how to deal with it
Fibroid remedy depends upon how huge the fibroid is and the signs it is inflicting. Small fibroids that trigger discomfort can generally be managed with hormonal medicines like contraception capsules or gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists. Bigger ones might should be eliminated surgically, in keeping with the Workplace on Ladies’s Well being.
5. Ovarian cysts
Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, that type in your ovaries are normally innocent. However they will trigger intermittent belly ache (together with throughout intercourse) that is targeting one aspect, bloating, and a sense of strain or fullness in your stomach, per the Mayo Clinic. In uncommon cases, a cyst can burst and trigger extreme ache and pelvic bleeding.
It is also attainable to have a number of cysts on every ovary, a situation referred to as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This situation usually comes with different signs like weight acquire, further physique or facial hair, or irregular durations, per Johns Hopkins Medication.
Find out how to deal with it
Some cysts will clear up on their very own; others will be shrunk with hormonal medicines or eliminated with surgical procedure. It’s best to search emergency medical consideration in case you have sudden or extreme pelvic ache, ache with fever or vomiting, or weak spot or lightheadedness, per the Mayo Clinic. These may very well be indicators the cyst has ruptured or burst.
6. Infections
Vaginal infections like yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can all trigger pelvic ache or discomfort, together with throughout intercourse. The infections are normally accompanied by a change in your common vaginal discharge—assume a special quantity or consistency, shade, or odor, per the American School of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Find out how to deal with it
Vaginal infections normally require treatment, so let your physician know for those who assume you might have one. Relying on the an infection, they could prescribe an antibiotic like metronidazole or clindamycin, ACOG says. When you get repeat yeast infections, your gynecologist may advocate managing them with an over-the-counter (OTC) med like miconazole. However do not self-treat your yeast an infection with out your physician’s okay.
7. Pelvic flooring dysfunction
Pelvic flooring dysfunction, the place your pelvic flooring muscle tissue aren’t capable of loosen up and coordinate actions like peeing and pooping, could cause ache in your pelvis, rectum, or decrease again. The ache will be ongoing (together with throughout intercourse) or be extra noticeable if you’re attempting to poop, per the NLM. You may also must pressure to pee or poop or cope with incontinence.
Find out how to deal with it
Pelvic flooring dysfunction is normally relieved with pelvic flooring remedy. Your therapist may also help you determine the place you are tensing your muscle tissue and present you workout routines to stretch and coordinate them. They could even advocate post-sex stretching to assist loosen up your pelvic flooring.
8. Pelvic inflammatory illness
Pelvic inflammatory illness (PID), which regularly stems from an untreated STI like gonorrhea or chlamydia, “causes irritation across the cervix, resulting in ache throughout intercourse,” or whereas urinating, Dr. Marashi says. You may also have ongoing decrease belly ache, a fever, foul-smelling discharge, or irregular durations, in keeping with the Workplace on Ladies’s Well being.
Find out how to deal with it
Antibiotics are wanted to clear up PID. So for those who’re having attainable signs, let your physician know. The an infection can worsen for those who ignore it and might doubtlessly lead problems like infertility, ectopic being pregnant, or continual pelvic ache, per the Workplace on Ladies’s Well being.
9. Vulvodynia
When you’re affected by recurring sharp or uncooked ache, irritation, or burning round your vulva (the outer a part of your genitals), with no clear trigger, you would have vulvodynia. This situation usually lasts about three months and has no clear trigger. Many individuals with vulvodynia discover it tough to have intercourse as a result of it hurts an excessive amount of, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic. And in the event that they do have intercourse, it will possibly make the ache worse.
Find out how to deal with it
A multi-pronged strategy normally works finest. Your physician may advocate ache medicines (like antidepressants, native anesthetics, or nerve blocks), pelvic flooring remedy, cognitive behavioral remedy, or intercourse remedy, relying in your signs and remedy objectives, the Mayo Clinic notes.
10. GI points
You probably have any abdomen or GI points happening, penetrative intercourse can positively make it really feel worse. “Points associated to the gastrointestinal system, akin to constipation, diarrhea, or bloating, can all contribute to belly ache throughout or after intercourse,” Dr. Marashi says. These can even all be signs of GI circumstances like IBS, inflammatory bowel illness (IBD), or meals intolerances.
Find out how to deal with it
The repair depends upon what’s inflicting your signs. You possibly can normally ease constipation and bloating (which might include constipation) by consuming extra water, consuming extra fiber, and getting extra motion, per the Mayo Clinic. However for those who’re coping with diarrhea? Persist with a bland weight-reduction plan and drink loads of water till your signs ease up. In case your signs aren’t resolved after a couple of days, otherwise you’re in ache, attain out to your physician to rule out any underlying GI circumstances.
Find out how to do away with abdomen ache after intercourse
Relieving belly ache after intercourse will rely on addressing the underlying trigger, Dr. Marashi says. Within the meantime, listed here are some steps to assist soothe any discomfort:
- Apply warmth. A heat compress, heating pad, or scorching water bottle draped over your decrease stomach may also help ease abdomen cramps after intercourse by decreasing muscle spasms, notes Johns Hopkins Medication.
- Attempt an OTC ache reliever. Choices like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can all provide you with fast reduction in case you have decrease belly ache after being sexually energetic.
- Prescription medicines. Antibiotics may also help clear up infections, whereas contraception capsules and different hormone-based therapies could be wanted for issues like endometriosis, fibroids, or cysts. You and your physician can discuss your choices and determine on a repair.
Stopping abdomen ache after intercourse
Once more, stopping cramps after intercourse will rely on pinpointing and treating the underlying trigger, Dr. Marashi says. Relying on the issue, your choices may embrace the next:
- Change positions. Switching it up could make an enormous distinction for sure circumstances. “For example, endometriosis sufferers might really feel ache when the penis reaches very deep and hits the world of uterosacral nerve behind the uterus. In such instances, switching to positions like side-lying or missionary may also help cut back discomfort,” Dr. Marashi explains. Getting on prime may assist, too, as a result of it offers you extra management over the depth of penetration, he provides.
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants to hydrate dry vaginal tissue and cut back painful friction.
- Pelvic flooring remedy to stretch and strengthen your pelvic muscle tissue. Your therapist may even advocate utilizing a vibrator at house. “Vibration will increase blood circulation to the pelvic flooring muscle tissue and the clitoris, which may also help rehabilitate the muscle tissue over time,” Dr. Marashi explains. This will cut back your possibilities of being sore after intercourse.
When to see the physician
There are a variety of various explanation why your abdomen would damage after intercourse. Let your physician know in case your ache retains coming again—whether or not it occurs throughout intercourse or not. The identical goes for ache that is steady, extreme, or accompanied by different signs like interval adjustments or uncommon vaginal discharge, says Dr. Marashi. “Persistent or repetitive ache can point out an underlying problem that must be addressed,” he provides.
FAQ
Does abdomen ache after intercourse imply you’re pregnant?
Abdomen ache after intercourse would not essentially imply your pregnant. Most frequently, the reason for this ache is from one thing innocent like constipation or bloating, or it may very well be a continual situation like endometriosis or fibroids. One of the simplest ways to determine what you are coping with? See your physician, particularly if the ache is unhealthy or if it retains coming again, Dr. Marashi recommends. And if there’s an opportunity you would be pregnant, taking an at-home being pregnant check is all the time an excellent step.
Why do I really feel sick after intercourse?
Deep pelvic or belly ache that occurs when you might have intercourse can generally provide you with a sick-to-your-stomach feeling. However the ache can have a ton of various attainable causes. When you’re unsure what you are coping with, it is best to get checked out by a health care provider.
Can deep intercourse damage your abdomen?
Sure. You are extra susceptible to it in case you have a situation like endometriosis, Dr. Marashi says. However generally tough intercourse or deep positions could cause one-off ache, he provides. If it hurts or would not really feel proper, cease and take a look at one thing completely different subsequent time!
