It shouldn’t be so alarming to wake up with redness, chaffing, throbbing, or burning between the legs after a wild, passionate evening. Dyspareunia is the medical term for any genital pain experienced before, during, or after sex. But trust that it sounds scarier than it is and is probably no reason to panic; the causes are typically easy to address, and the affliction is usually tolerable and fleeting.
Still, it’s important to understand where any injury could have originated from, in order to handle the discomfort better and ensure a more pleasant sexual experience in the future. Let’s explore the areas susceptible to soreness, the possible causes, and what can be done to prevent or abate the agony after sex…
Female Sexual Anatomy
The vagina is an intricate organ with walls that are long, muscular, and elastic. It connects the vulva with the cervix and can stretch significantly to accommodate insertion during most sexual activities.
The vulva is the extremely sensitive portion of the female genitals on the outside of the vagina, made of fatty labial folds of flesh, the vestibule, the opening to the urethra (the hole to urinate from), and a clitoris at the apex. The clitoris (glan) is made of spongy tissue with rich nerve endings, more than any other part of the human body, and is covered by a protective hood. It engorges as fresh blood and fluids rush to the area during arousal.
The Vestibule is the orifice of the vagina that runs into the introitus or the entrance of the vagina, where penetration occurs. The cervix divides your vagina from the small pear-shaped uterus. If you experience soreness after sex, it can present externally as vulvar pain or internally within the vaginal canal.
A region typically vulnerable to irritation is the bottom of the inner vulva, where the labia meet, called the fourchette. It is a thin sensitive fork-shaped fold that is supposed to give when entering the vagina. If it splits, however, due to friction it can fissure causing a papercut-like twinge.
Below the fourchette is the perineum, the strip between the vulva and the anus that often get sore during sex. The anus that opens into the rectum also has superfluous nerve connections and so it’s a sensitive spot that can get irritated from finger play or anal sex, since it is far less flexible than the vagina.
Male Sexual Anatomy
When thinking of post sex pain, some might only consider the delicateness of the vagina, but the phallus can also experience tenderness. The scrotum and testes are at the root with an elongated, cylindrical shaft that extends outward to a bulbous glans, known as the head.
This ultra-sensitive tip of the penis is covered by a retractable layer of foreskin (prepuce) in uncircumcised males. Having it surgically removed, arguably decreases sensation. The glans, similar to the clitoris, contain numerous nerve endings, making it highly receptive to touch and stimulation. All these parts including the anus and the perineum are inclined to distress.
There are a multitude of reasons sex might leave you walking funny. Now that we covered the where let’s explore the why…
Friction
The most common cause of soreness after sex is friction. If an adequate amount of moisture isn’t supplied amidst the constant and rapid rubbing of the flesh, vigorous or prolonged sexual activity can put too much resistance on genital tissues resulting in tiny, microscopic tears that you might feel when you pee or walk.
Lack of lubrication
When aroused, the female body releases natural lubrication, a transudate composed mostly of water, small proteins, and vaginal epithelial cells. Its purpose is to provide a smooth barrier for pleasurable skin-to-skin contact with a warm and comfortable glide.
Sometimes, though, if there isn’t enough lubricant available, friction can cause abrasions. Both psychological and biological factors can affect how wet a woman will become. The level of arousal, state of mind, meds, genetic predisposition, aging, and hormonal shifts might all be influences.
Sexual Positions/Physical Exertion
Good sex involves a lot of mobility with physical movements and holds that might put a strain on the body. Any coitus that is rough, Intense, or extensive can bring injury. Forceful thrusting or fingering, and aggressive use of toys and objects puts excessive pressure on the skin possibly causing it to rip. Certain sexual positions that pull and stretch on the flesh can hurt the openings being penetrated.
The hymen is a thin tissue that stretches across the vestibule. If it has not already worn away, it can tear and cause bleeding after losing one’s virginity and the initial times after first having sex. You might also notice heightened sensitivity of the vulva if you have not engaged in intercourse in a while as the body and skin tends to adapt to the friction in time.
If your partner is well endowed, especially considering girth, the penis might harshly rub your labia if it’s too dry or can hit the cervix during penetration. Fisting or inserting anything massive into the genital orifices will likely trigger a considerable amount of soreness.
Muscular tension like a tight pelvic floor, thighs, or back can make things uncomfortable. Hard contractions during sex, especially during orgasm, can lead to fatigue and discomfort.
Underlying Medical Conditions
The aching you are experiencing after sex might not be your actions during intimacy but an underlying illness, instead. A number of medical issues can lead to pains of the inner or the outer genitalia, but these are the most prevalent:
Genital soreness can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, a urinary tract infection (UTI), yeast, or syphilis. Vaginitis is observed by an overwhelming amount of harmful bacteria in the vagina. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), vulvar vestibulitis, and cervicitis appear when microbes spread to other reproductive organs.
Allergic reactions to condoms, latex, lubricants, spermicides, semen, or other products used during intercourse could result in rash, irritation, hives, itching, or burning. Be mindful of what your partner puts in their mouth or eats before oral sex. Spicy or minty foods can aggravate vulnerable genitals.
Problems Related to the Vagina
- Bartholin’s cysts form when the ducts that provide natural lubrication become blocked causing tender, fluid-filled sacs on the glands located on either side of the vaginal opening.
- Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining, or the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus.
- Hormonal fluctuations as a result of menopause, menstruation, breastfeeding, pregnancy, or birth control medications, initiate dramatic body changes that affect blood flow, muscle tension, and the epidermis. Estrogen helps maintain the vagina’s moisture, elasticity, and thickness. Low or irregular levels bring about thin, dry, and inflamed vaginal walls.
- Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on an ovary.
- The site where scar tissue forms when a wound in or around the genitalia hasn’t healed properly is at risk of soreness.
- Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop in and on the uterus.
- Vaginismus displays as involuntary vaginal muscle spasm so strong it can make penetration very uncomfortable, or even impossible.
- Vulvodynia is a mysterious but surprisingly common malady that causes constant or recurring rawness, burning, and stinging. Symptoms last about 3 months and can be so severe that it’s difficult to wear clothing or perform daily activities.
Problems Specific to Penises
- Prostatitis is characterized by discomfort after ejaculation due to an inflammation of the prostate and surrounding areas.
- Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin fits too tight over the head of the penis causing pain, fissuring, and a lack of sensation.
- Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis, which can cause discoloration, swelling, and tenderness, and itching.
Coping, Prevention, and Finding Relief
Unless you enjoy and request subtle to significant torment, under most circumstances, you shouldn’t hurt after sex. You want to achieve the utmost ecstasy, but while a little suffering is normal from time to time and should go away quickly on its own, to minimize or relieve post-sex soreness, you can try the following:
Load up on a good, trusty lube to combat the problem of friction. The options are endless considering material, flavors, and colors. However, it is best to avoid the extra additives that can trigger unwanted reactions. Keep away from formulas with alcohol and opt for the water-based variety that’s less likely to irritate or sting delicate or torn skin. At prepurchase don’t neglect to check the label for simple and natural ingredients. During sex, don’t be shy to reapply if you start to feel any tugging or tearing.
Cold and heat might be useful. Apply ice or an ice pack but not directly to your skin. Wrap cubes in a clean cloth and lay them on the area for several minutes to reduce irritation and swelling. Alternatively, try getting into a warm bath or using a heating pad to relieve any discomfort.
Take it easy and rest. If you’re using large toys for insertion, like dildos, consider sizing down or abstaining from sex altogether that involves the affected area, if the pain is unbearable. At least until the stinging subsides.
Foreplay is the key to pleasurable relations. Increased arousal before intercourse boosts the flow of natural lubrication and the swelling prepares the vagina for deeper penetration as it expands, becoming larger, longer, and wider.
Communicate openly with your partner. Let them know about your preferences, comfort levels, and any potential pangs. Ask them to be gentler and slow down. Be extra careful getting into any positions that put a strain on the muscles and skin. Avoid moves that maximize penetration. Have fun experimenting with different transitions and techniques that work best for you and your partner and lessen discomfort.
Treat any underlying causes of the soreness. Use the appropriate prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to clear any bacterial or fungal infection. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be administered to reduce some of the aching. A doctor might recommend a topical ointment, like lidocaine gel to numb your genitals, a steroid cream to reduce swelling and burning, or antihistamines to alleviate itching. If you suspect you’re having an allergy eliminate access to the source and replace it with safer alternatives, like Polyurethane condoms, instead of latex.
Applying a natural witch hazel solution to your affected areas may pacify irritation. To soothe and cleanse the vagina following urination rinse cool or lukewarm water over your vulva.
Discuss dietary changes and the use of supplements with your doctor to encourage overall wellness that supports genital and reproductive health. Avoid foods high in oxalates like okra, rhubarb, leeks, almonds, peanuts, pecans, and pistachios to prevent UTIs. Rinse your mouth and body parts before oral sex.
People might require surgery to repair or remove faulty organs and glands responsible for painful sex. In rare cases, a physician may recommend anesthetics or nerve blockers to numb problematic areas. Hormonal treatment may benefit those with an imbalance by gradually restoring or increasing the sex drive and reigniting the supply of natural lubrication.
Exercises like reverse Kegels work wonders to relax the muscles. Building strength encourages more control of the vagina to increase pleasure while reducing the likelihood of post-sex pain. Practice deep breathing and gentle stretching to loosen tension. Get comfortable with masturbation to grow familiar with the needs of your body.
Those who experience painful sex because of mental stress and disorder could benefit from therapy to overcome and manage their anxiety. Even psychotropic meds are prescribed to calm psychological situations that might be the root.
Practice safer sex by wearing protection and avoid engaging in sexual activity with anyone who has vaginal thrush, an overgrowth of the yeast candida albicans fungus, sores, blisters, or lumps near the genitals, anus, or mouth.
Maintain good hygiene and remember to clean any folds or crevices that can hold bacteria with soap and warm water, like under the foreskin. Avoid using harsh soaps, scented chemicals, and cleaning agents on or inside the vagina that requires a specific pH to remain healthy and is too sensitive for chemical abrasives.
You should already know that it is far from an emergency if you wake up with a little soreness after sex. The discomfort can be immediate or delayed, sometimes felt right after or even hours or days later. It is all very normal and usually no need for concern.
If, however, the pain is persistent, or oddly unbearable, definitely contact a doctor for medical advice.
Regardless of symptoms, it is wise to conduct regular STI checks and screening once you become sexually active. Always be honest about your medical history to determine the best diagnosis and course of action to remedy any problems and return to a pleasure filled, glorious sex life.
Enjoy 15% off LELO.com with code VOLONTE15
SONA 3
F2S
BOOMERANG
LELO SWITCH
SURFER 2
ENIGMA Double Sonic
SORAYA Beads
SILA Cruise
HUGO 2
GIGI 3
SORAYA Wave
F1S V3
MIA 3
TIANI DUO
