Nothing ruins some post-coitus canoodling like an aching pain down there. I mean seriously, how are you supposed to figure out the optimal position for spooning when you’re waddling to the fridge to throw some frozen peas on your lady bits?
Vaginal soreness during and after sex is incredibly common in women, with nearly 75 percent of women experiencing it at some point in their lives, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But sometimes, it’s hard to pinpoint the cause of your soreness – especially in the hazy aftermath of a high-energy romp. Wondering why you’re always sore after a session between the sheets? Here are seven surprising causes of your post-sex vaginal soreness.
You might have a tilted uterus
This is a very real cause of soreness after sex, and it’s more common than you’d think. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 25 percent of women have a tilted uterus, or a uterus that leans backward or tilts at the cervix. For women with this condition, certain sex positions may cause the uterus to get “bumped,” which can cause pain during and after sex.
You’re constipated
Yes, foregoing your daily bowel movement has an effect on your sex life. A colon full of stool can compress the back part of your vagina during sex, causing pain for certain positions. It can be even worse if you’re dehydrated and have hardened stool, so make sure you’re drinking enough water each day.
You’re having an allergic reaction
I know it may sound strange, but your vagina is definitely capable of experiencing an allergic reaction. Your vagina could be sensitive to latex, spermicide, lubes, or any other topical substances you may be exposing it to during the act. You can even be allergic to the proteins in semen, which cause redness, swelling, pain, itching, and a burning sensation in the vaginal area within 10-30 minutes of exposure.
You have vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is chronic pain without an identifiable cause that affects a woman’s external sex organs, or the vulva. The condition may cause constant pain, rawness, and irritation in the labia, clitoris, or vaginal opening. It can also cause aching or soreness during or after sex, and while there is no cure, the condition can be treated.
You have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
If you’re experiencing pain after sex that radiates into your lower belly and pelvis, it could be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease. PID is an infection of the organs in a woman’s reproductive system. This typically includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. This condition is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, so if you think PID is causing your post-sex soreness, you should see a doctor for antibiotics.
Your partner (or the toys you’re using) is too big
If your partner is best described as Mr. Big, or you’re using large internal toys, you could be hitting your cervix during sex, which can be very uncomfortable during or after sex. If it happens enough, you can even bruise your cervix! If this is your problem, try positions that minimize deep penetration or downsize your dildo.
You’re having rough sex
This is probably the least surprising cause on the list. It’s most likely not a secret that roughhousing in bed can lead to some injuries. Rough sex can cause small tears within the vaginal mucosa. These tears may cause stinging or burning after sex or during urination. Larger tears can result in blood loss, and can even require surgery if they’re severe enough. But most tears will usually heal on their own, as long as you avoid sex (or at least the rough kind) for a few days.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tilted-uterus/expert-answers/faq-20058485
https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq020.pdf
https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-a-sperm-allergy/
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/what-is-pelvic-inflammatory-disease
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/bruised-cervix
