Pain after sex is very common.
(These issues are separate from muscle aches, likehip pain after sex, which can also happen.)
Dyspareunia, the medical term for painful intercourse, can happen before, during, and after sex.
As for who ismost at risk of experiencing pain after sex?
Is it normal to experience pain after sex?
Just because many people experience post-sex pain doesnt mean its normal.
gynecologist and sexual-health specialist
What causes pain after sex?
As with any kind of pain, the first step toward resolving it is identifying the cause.
But in the case of postcoital pain, this isnt typically something you should do on your own.
Once these signals reach the brain, it literally has to guess where the pain is coming from.
So, unless youre examined by a medical professional, its difficult to really know whats causing it.
Vaginal dryness
A vagina thats less than moist can create friction during sex that triggers pain afterward, too.
Treatment:Arousingouterplayand lubricant are your BFFs here.
But, generally, seeing a pelvic-floor specialist to develop a treatment plan is your best course of action.
Treatment usually includes an anti-fungal or antibiotic, depending on the nature of the infection.
gynecologist and sexual-health specialist
As a precaution, Dr. Ross also recommends getting STI check-ups in between sex with different sexual partners.
And either scenario can trigger soreness with sexual penetration that sticks around long after youre finished having sex.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
Penis size
The size of your partners package can also be the cause of pain or soreness after sex.
You dont necessarily need to write off sex with a well-endowed partneryoull just need to ease into things.
The vagina does stretch depending on the size of the penis, Dr. Ross explains.
But it may take time, patience, lubricant, and lots of open communication.
And its worth noting that this allergy can develop slowly.
Treatment:You may need an over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to treat an active reaction.
Its best to consult your doctor and have a pelvic ultrasound to help make this diagnosis.
Treatment:Pain that comes from a certain sex position will usually dissipate on its own.
Breastfeeding
For new mothers, breastfeeding may very well be the culprit.
As with menopause, when youre breastfeeding,your estrogen levels dipin this case, to promote milk production.
Treatment:The physical (and emotional) challenges that come along with breastfeeding will improve with time.
For now, a little extra lubricant should do the trick, Dr. Ross says.
Fear, anxiety, and anticipation of pain can actually increase and up-regulate the pain and tension.
The resulting hesitation or fear related to sexual intimacy can actually cause or worsen pain surrounding sex.
And the same thing goes if youve experienced any kind of psychological or emotional trauma related to sex.
FAQs about pain after sex
Can deep sex cause abdominal pain?
Dont forget to use plenty of lube, too.
How do you know if sex pain is serious?
How can you manage pain after sex?
Dr. Grover recommends a warm shower or bath, or using aheating pador hot water bottle.
it’s possible for you to also try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Yah, Clarence S et al.
Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.Annals of African medicinevol.
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