Hip pain during sex may be caused by a number of medical conditions. It is important to see a hip specialist to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Benjamin says that women often head straight to their gynecologist for sexual pain, but he wants women to know that there are many non-gynecological reasons for hip pain during sex. These include:
Arthritis
If you have hip arthritis, a problem with the smooth lining of your hip joint (synovium) may cause pain and swelling during or after sexual activity. With RA, your immune system attacks parts of your body that should be safe, including the synovium. This causes it to thicken and swell, which can damage the cartilage that covers the bone at your hip joint. You might also feel heat or redness around the hip.
If your hip pain is due to a pre-existing condition like arthritis or bursitis, it’s important that you seek treatment for those conditions before attempting to have sex again. Taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation from these kinds of hip problems.
Getting regular exercise can also improve hip pain caused by age or other medical conditions. This is because exercise helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint and improves flexibility. Performing exercises such as swimming, cycling, walking, yoga, and T’ai Chi can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
Finally, paying attention to your body and making simple changes can also help reduce hip pain after sex. Maintaining good posture and using proper body mechanics can reduce pain, as well as avoiding excessive stretching or repetitive movements. In addition, a physical therapist can develop a hip pain management plan to help alleviate this uncomfortable symptom.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, in your hip joints. These sacs act as cushions to help reduce friction between bones and other moving parts, like muscles and tendons. People usually get this condition by overusing the joint. High-risk activities include repetitive movements, kneeling or leaning on the joint for long periods of time at work or home, and certain sports, such as tennis and golf. Certain pre-existing conditions can also increase your risk of bursitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and labral tears.
Symptoms of bursitis may include pain and swelling, particularly in the area where you feel the pain after sex. Your doctor will diagnose this condition by examining you and asking questions. Your doctor may also order X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, to see the extent of the damage in your hip joint.
To treat your bursitis, your doctor will likely prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help with flexibility and strength. This can include exercises to help improve the way you move your hips, including stretching. This can help to prevent the problem from recurring. Your doctor can also suggest splints or supports to help keep your joints stable and reduce pressure. In severe cases, your doctor may drain the fluid from the painful joint and send it for laboratory tests to find out what is causing it to become inflamed.
Endometriosis
Hip pain after sex is often a symptom of endometriosis. In this condition, cells from the uterus grow outside the uterus, causing inflammation and scarring that can cause pain in the pelvis and abdomen. This tissue can also grow on other organs, such as the hips. It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing hip pain after sex, as it may be due to endometriosis or other medical conditions.
In most cases, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam. During this, your doctor will feel around the vulva and cervix to see if you have any cysts or scars on these areas. They may also use an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to look for these structures. The doctor may also perform a laparoscopy, which involves making a small cut in your belly and inserting a thin tube with a camera on the end. During this, the doctor can see the tissues, and a biopsy can be taken to check for endometriosis.
Treatment options for endometriosis include hormone therapy and surgery. Hormones can help reduce the monthly hormonal changes that promote endometrial growth. Hormonal birth control pills, vaginal rings or patches can help prevent pain and stop menstrual bleeding in mild to moderate cases of endometriosis. In severe cases, surgical removal of the endometrial tissue is necessary.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
In some cases, hip pain during sex is due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It is mostly seen in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). PID occurs when bacteria spread from the vagina to the reproductive organs. These bacteria can come from untreated sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. They can also be from bacteria that are naturally present in the uterus or fallopian tubes. PID symptoms include pain in the pelvis or abdomen, fever, and unusual discharge from the vagina. Left untreated, the infection can cause serious damage to a woman’s reproductive organs and affect her ability to get pregnant in the future.
Fortunately, the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease are treatable. The first step is to talk to a healthcare professional. They can diagnose the underlying issue by discussing your symptoms, conducting a physical exam, and performing imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs. A pelvic floor physical therapist can also help release the tight muscles in your hips that may be contributing to your pain during intercourse.
Try to warm up and stretch before doing foreplay, especially if you’re planning on having a vigorous session. Take it slow, and stop immediately if it hurts. For the best results, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage the pain.
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