Most cramping after orgasm is nothing to worry about – but serious pain and spotting can be signs of early labor, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. So it’s best to talk to your practitioner right away.
Other causes of lower abdominal pain during sex can include uterine adhesions (scar tissue that connects organs) and fibroids (non-cancerous growths). Also, sometimes deep penetration can cause pelvic pain.
Causes
The pain you feel during sex may be caused by several different things. One possibility is that your uterus and vagina are swollen from the extra blood flowing to support the growing fetus and placenta. If the swollen areas are pressed on during intercourse, that can cause abdominal and pelvic pain.
Another common cause of pain during sex is a yeast infection, which can be especially bothersome for moms-to-be because they often have more sugar in their vaginal secretions on which the yeast can feed. It’s also possible that a pregnancy-related problem like a cyst or a fuller-than-usual bladder could be to blame.
A uterine fibroid, which are noncancerous tumors that develop inside or on the uterus, can also cause sex-related abdominal pain. When a woman has a fibroid, it can press on other organs, including the bladder and the ovaries. The resulting pain can be similar to menstrual cramping, and it may also be felt during intercourse or afterward.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the reproductive organs, can also lead to pain during sex and can cause a burning sensation in your vagina. PID can also cause pain in your back and abdomen, as well as painful urination and a swollen abdomen. If you have these symptoms, along with fever and chills, call your doctor immediately.
Symptoms
Many discussions of sex revolve around pleasure, but painful sex is also common. If cramping occurs after orgasm or sex, it is not a reason to give up sex, but it’s important to see a doctor if it’s persistent or severe.
The most common causes of pain in the pelvic area, where your reproductive organs are located, are infections and disorders that affect the vagina or uterus. These include sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can spread from the vagina to the abdomen and cause lower abdominal pain. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID, is an infection of the uterus that may also include pain in the abdomen. This is usually caused by STIs or infections that reach the uterus through the vagina, but it can also be a symptom of endometriosis.
Other causes of pelvic pain involve the bladder or urinary tract, including urination and defecation. These symptoms can be more difficult to diagnose and treat, but it is important to visit a physician to determine the underlying cause of your pain.
Vigorous activity, such as sex or sexual intercourse, increases the risk that an ovarian cyst will rupture. This can cause intense pain and internal bleeding. A urologist can help you treat the symptoms of this condition. If the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or fever, you should seek emergency care.
Treatment
In some cases, pain during sex may be a sign of a serious medical condition. It is important to talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and get a diagnosis. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, or other procedures.
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain is usually caused by the weight of the growing uterus. In the third trimester, this can be particularly painful. Pain during sex is also common in women who are suffering from endometriosis, a condition that causes the tissue that normally lines the uterus to grow outside of the uterus, often on other pelvic organs. This pain can be relieved through medication, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Another reason for lower abdominal pain during sex is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause pain in the bladder and the tubes that connect the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. Treatment for a UTI typically includes antibiotics and pain relief.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause lower stomach pain during sex. STIs can be spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some common STIs include chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea. Infections can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, including wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, and urinating frequently. In addition, avoiding anal sex with infected partners and using lubrication during sexual activity can help reduce discomfort.
Prevention
Pain during sex isn’t always serious, but it should be flagged to your doctor if it lasts more than an hour, causes bleeding that’s more than spotting or you and your partner have tried different positions. Your doctor can recommend lubricant, over-the-counter pain relievers and estrogen balancing medications to help with vaginal dryness and can discuss alternative sexual positions that may be more comfortable for you both.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also cause pelvic pain, especially when you have sex. This is because sex and vaginal lubrication can spread bacteria from your anus to your bladder. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. To prevent them, practice good hygiene by wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and emptying your bladder often.
If your pain is due to physiological problems, like a heavy feeling in the groin, you should see a vascular surgeon for treatment. This type of doctor is a specialist in veins, arteries and blood cells and will be able to treat your symptoms effectively. You should also try to change unhealthy lifestyle habits to improve your health and wellbeing over time. This will also reduce your symptoms. For example, a healthy diet and regular exercise will help you feel better. You can also try yoga and other forms of gentle exercise to help relax your body.
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