Stomach pain after sex is a very common problem, and in most cases it doesn’t require a visit to your gynecologist. It can be caused by a wide range of things, including infections like PID and UTIs, a reaction to sperm, or even a tilted uterus (known as a retroverted uterus).
However, some causes are more serious and may warrant a visit with your doctor. These include:
Deep Penetration During Intercourse
If you’re experiencing pain during deep penetration, it may be a sign that your anal muscles are too tight. You could try a different position, use more lubrication, or simply take things slow to avoid discomfort. Communication between you and your partner can also help. If you both agree on what level of sensation feels good, your pain will likely decrease.
If your sex partner is a man, lower abdominal pain after sex can be a sign of prostatitis. The prostate is located in the lower abdomen and can become inflamed during sexual activity, leading to lower abdominal and back pain. A urinary tract infection can also cause these symptoms in men.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous uterine tumors that can lead to heavier periods, pelvic pain, and stomach pain after sex. These growths can also make your womb tilt backward, which can result in pain from the penis hitting your cervix more directly during penetration. Medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce the size of your fibroids.
Sex can bring up a lot of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and even shame or embarrassment. These emotional stressors can cause your pelvic and abdominal muscles to tense up, which can trigger tummy pain after coitus. Talking to a therapist about these issues or finding a supportive friend can be helpful.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that can cause pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis. It’s caused by bacteria from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. You get it through unprotected sex and it can hurt during sex as well as after it. PID can also make it harder to have a baby. It’s important to see your doctor right away if you have symptoms of PID. They’ll probably give you a pelvic exam and do some tests to figure out what the problem is.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in a woman’s uterus. They’re very common and can lead to heavy periods and pain during sex. They can also cause a lot of pressure on the cervix and ovary. If you have a lot of uterine fibroids, they can grow to be very large and affect your fertility.
Cramps after orgasm aren’t usually a sign of something serious, but if the pain is intense or doesn’t go away you should visit your gynecologist. You may need a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics to treat the underlying condition causing your stomach pain. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers before or during sex can help reduce the pain. In some cases, a gynecologist can perform a procedure to remove the uterine fibroids or cysts that are causing your pain.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are rounded growths that can be felt in the lower abdomen or pelvic region as pain and stabbing sensations. They can also cause back pain and pain during sex. Unlike period cramps, fibroid pain is chronic and often gets worse over time. Fibroids are believed to grow due to hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. They may increase in size during pregnancy and then shrink when you are no longer pregnant. They can also cause heavy bleeding and a low hemoglobin count (anemia). Some women have severe symptoms such as severe pain and cramps before and during menstruation, spotting between periods and a twisted uterus (endometriosis). Fibroids are more common in Black women than other races.
When you have orgasms, your pelvic muscles contract and this can trigger a pain in your stomach. You can take a pain reliever to help with the discomfort.
If you are having abdominal pain that does not go away, see a doctor right away. A pelvic exam will tell you if the problem is caused by your uterus being tilted, which can be caused by scar tissue adhering your organs to each other or from endometriosis, a condition in which bits of your uterine lining spread outside the uterus. This can cause pain during sex and after it, and is difficult to treat without surgery.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Stomach pain after sex (also called dyspareunia) can be caused by many things, ranging from a simple bodily response to serious medical problems. But if the pain is recurring and seems to be related to sex, you should visit a gynecologist or a urologist who can diagnose the problem.
One of the most common reasons for stomach pain after sex is pelvic congestion syndrome. Experts don’t know what causes it, but they think that it might be the result of a build-up of pressure in the veins in that area. It typically lasts for 6 months and can be painful during and after sexual activity, pregnancy, or bowel movements. The pain is usually on one side and can get worse when standing or lifting.
Other potential causes of stomach pain after sex are pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts. These cysts are fluid-filled sacs in or on an ovary and can occur due to scar tissue or an infection. They can also irritate the cervix, leading to pain during and after intercourse.
Another cause of stomach pain after sex is a bacterial infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. These infections spread from the urinary tract to the vagina, ovaries, or fallopian tubes and can lead to abdominal cramping that gets worse during or after sexual intercourse. It’s important to get regularly screened for STIs to prevent infection.
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