Men and women can experience pain after sex for a variety of reasons. Some of the causes are simple, like deep penetration and gas, while others can be more serious.
For example, cramping after sex may be a sign of an infection, such as a UTI. A gynecologist can help diagnose the issue and provide treatment.
Causes
It is important to discuss lower abdominal pain after ejaculation with a trusted healthcare professional. This will help to determine the underlying cause and allow for proper treatment.
A prostate gland infection called prostatitis can cause pain in the groin, bladder, and lower abdomen. It can also affect urination and ejaculation. Symptoms include pelvic pain, painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine, and a feeling of urgency to urinate. Prostatitis can be treated with antibiotics or other medications depending on the underlying cause.
Women who have unprotected sex may experience pain with penetration, during sex, or shortly afterward. This is called dyspareunia and can occur even with sex that is not particularly passionate or vigorous. In addition, a woman may have a condition known as endometriosis that causes tissue to grow outside the uterus, in places like the fallopian tubes or ovaries. This is common and can also cause pelvic pain after sex.
Many men believe that sperm buildup can cause stomach pain after sex, but there is limited scientific evidence that this is the case. However, it is important to seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens over time. There are several ways to prevent pain from occurring, including using protection during sexual activity, maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding irritants such as alcohol or certain types of soap. It is also recommended to see a mental health professional for emotional support and coping strategies.
Treatment
Ejaculation issues can be embarrassing to discuss with a health care provider, but it is important that you talk about it. Your health care provider will be able to provide you with reassurance and may also assess your symptoms to find the cause. In some cases, he or she might refer you to another specialist such as a doctor who specializes in male genital problems (urologist), a doctor who specializes in hormone systems (endocrinologist) or a doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health problems (psychiatrist).
During your appointment, your health care provider will ask you questions about when and how often you experience premature ejaculation. He or she might also ask about your sexual history. Your provider will also do a physical exam. Your doctor might order blood tests to check your hormone levels.
If your ejaculation is caused by stress or anxiety, your health care provider might suggest that you try behavioral treatment. He or she might also offer you medications to reduce your feelings of anxiety and depression. Antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil) might help. If these don’t work, your doctor might prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant such as clomipramine (Anafranil). You might also be offered pain relievers, such as tramadol (Ultram, Conzip, Qdolo) to reduce ejaculation and other symptoms. Talk therapy can also be helpful.
Prevention
The uterus can become inflamed by an infection of the fallopian tube, which is responsible for transporting eggs from the ovaries to the uterus for fertilization. If this inflammation is severe, it can cause pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. Men can experience these pains as well due to prolonged and vigorous sex, which puts strain on the muscles of the abdomen. These symptoms can also be aggravated by certain sex positions.
Infection of the bladder or urinary tract can also cause abdominal pain after sex. Cramps are a common symptom of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The bladder is located right next to the uterus and can be irritated by intercourse, especially if the woman has a tilted uterus.
Some women may be allergic to their partners’ sperm, which can also trigger cramping after sexual activity. This is called seminal plasma hypersensitivity, and it affects 40,000 women in the United States.
Having a regular menstrual cycle and taking a progesterone pill can help prevent these painful symptoms. A gynecologist can discuss these options with the patient and design a plan for treatment. Women with uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors that develop inside or on the uterus, should talk to their doctor about how these tumors can cause cramping after sex. Medications and lifestyle changes can be helpful in relieving these symptoms, too.
Symptoms
If you experience pain during or after sex, it could be a sign of a serious health issue. It may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI), pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections or even prostate cancer. If the pain is severe or you’re experiencing other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 75% of women have experienced pain with sex. This painful sensation, called dyspareunia, can occur during deep penetration or shortly after sex. It can also be caused by digestive issues, like gas and constipation.
It might seem strange that a moment of pleasure would cause pain, but orgasming can actually make your stomach hurt after sex for some people. The uterine contractions that occur during orgasming can lead to the pain. This is because sex can cause the cervix to go into diastasis rectii, a condition where the uterus becomes misshapen.
In men, abdominal pain after sex can be a symptom of prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms of this condition include pain and discomfort in the groin, lower abdomen and back as well as pain during urination. Other symptoms of prostatitis are erectile dysfunction, bladder or kidney stones and urinary frequency. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your urologist right away.
See Also:
