Feeling nauseous after sex isn’t exactly the euphoria most of us expect from this intimate activity. But don’t worry, there’s likely a perfectly logical explanation.
Nausea during sex can be caused by physical causes like stimulating the cervix and/or the uterus, or by psychological triggers including performance anxiety. Here are some potential reasons you might be feeling nauseous after sex: 1. You’re Having Too Much Penetration.
Physical Causes
Arousal can lead to nausea for a number of reasons. For example, nausea may occur when you are performing a sex act that is too intense for your body. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as fear or performance anxiety or past traumatic experiences. Alternatively, it may be caused by sexually transmitted diseases or by alcohol and drugs. Using a water-based lubricant, slowing down the pace and changing positions could alleviate this feeling.
Nausea during arousal can also be caused by pelvic pain, such as fibroids or cysts. These conditions can cause pain, heavy and painful periods, changes in bleeding patterns and nauseous sensations. It is important to speak to your gynaecologist about these symptoms, especially if you are trying for a baby.
In some rare cases, nausea after sex can be caused by an allergic reaction to your partner’s semen. This condition is called Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity and can cause redness, itchiness and itching in the area that comes into contact with semen. This can be avoided by using condoms to prevent direct contact with your partners semen. Lastly, it is important to avoid foods and drinks that are known to trigger nausea. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of fluids before and after sex to help keep your body hydrated.
Psychological Causes
It’s not common to feel nauseated after sex, but when it does happen, there are a few reasons why. Often, it’s related to the pain and uterine contractions associated with orgasms. If your nausea is due to this, try avoiding certain sex positions or using less intense methods of penetration. You can also use lubrication to reduce the sensations and help with comfort.
Another reason you might feel queasy after sex is that your cervix is hypersensitive, especially during your period. Stimulation of this sensitive area can trigger the fight-or-flight response in your body, causing nausea as part of the natural response to perceived danger or threat. This is a common cause of post-sex nausea for women.
If you’re feeling sick to your stomach after sex, it could also be caused by how vigorously you and your partner are getting it on. This is known as bed-rocking, and it can lead to motion sickness. Try a different position or using more lubricant, and talk to your partner about the ways you can make it less uncomfortable.
If nausea persists after sex, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for a consultation. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, medical history and sexual health to determine the underlying cause. If your doctor believes you have an underlying condition, they’ll order tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Emotional Causes
It’s not uncommon to feel nauseous after orgasm, as your body is coming down from the rush of happy hormones. This feeling will usually pass after a while. However, if nausea becomes a regular occurrence after sexual arousal, you should see your doctor about it.
Nausea after sex is sometimes a sign of an infection, particularly sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV. It can also be a sign of pelvic issues such as fibroids, cysts, and endometriosis. If you have any of these symptoms, speak with your gynecologist about them and request a pelvic exam.
Another potential cause of nausea after sex is drinking or taking drugs before sex. This can affect your balance and lead to nausea. If you’re worried about the risk, try to stop drinking or taking drugs before sex and see if that helps.
Emotional causes of sex-related nausea include anxiety and depression, as well as past or current sexual trauma. If you have these symptoms, it might be worth talking to a therapist or other mental health professional about them.
Some women also have emotional triggers for sex-related nausea, such as fearing that they’ll become pregnant. While this is a natural concern, it’s important to remember that it takes two weeks for sperm to combine with an egg and attach to the uterus, so this isn’t a common reason for nausea after sex.
Medical Causes
Feeling nauseous after sex doesn’t just happen because of what’s in your head, it can also be caused by physical reasons. For instance, if you are experiencing pain in addition to nausea it could be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Alternatively, your nausea may be because of how vigorously you and your partner are getting it on. “If you are rocking back and forth, up and down, side to side at the same time—it can be like motion sickness in a car,” says Dr. Carey. She also points out that if you are causing deep penetration, you can end up irritating your ovaries and other pelvic organs in a way that leads to nausea.
Your cervix may also play a role in post-sex nausea. “Contact with your cervix can trigger a vasalvagal response—causing your blood pressure and pulse to drop,” explains Dr. Streicher. This happens because stimulation of the cervix can cause a release of the hormones that make you feel faint. This can happen in sex positions that allow deeper penetration, or at certain times of the month, such as when your cervix drops lower during your period.
You can help reduce your nausea by eating a light meal before sex, staying hydrated and practicing relaxation techniques during sex. If your nausea persists, see a doctor or specialist who can recommend further tests or treatments.
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