Do you experience post-sex cramps? Here are 8 causes behind the pain and remedies

All the moaning during and after coitus is not always about pleasure. To be precise, this pain could be caused by cramps. If you’ve been experiencing this post-sex then get consultation from your gynaecologist because it can be a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your sexual health.  

According to Dr Madhavi Reddy, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist of Motherhood Hospitals, Bangalore, there are various reasons that one might experience pain during or after sex. 

Dr Reddy lists down eight most common reasons for experiencing cramping after sex

1. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

A few STIs can cause cramps and abdominal pain. These STIs include chlamydia, hepatitis and PID.

2. Vaginismus

This is a medical condition where the muscles around a woman’s vagina start cramping involuntarily. So, having sex may be painful for someone with this condition. In addition, the muscles may continue to spasm after sex too.

3. Orgasm

During an orgasm, the vaginal muscles move in a rhythmic manner. Sometimes, this alone can be the reason behind cramping.

4. Endometriosis

This is a condition where the tissue that should be lining the uterus is found outside the uterus in the pelvic area. This may cause one to experience pain during or after sex.

5. Deep Penetration

There are a few sexual positions where the penetration is deeper than usual. If the cervix is being hit too hard during the penetration, it may result in pain or cramping.

6. Fibroids

Fibroids are found in the uterine wall. These are benign and the pain caused by these may become worse during sexual intercourse.

7. Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma can have a significant impact on you, even if you don’t realise its magnitude. It can manifest as pain and cramping during or after sex.

8. During Menstruation

Cramping when you’re on your periods is normal. If you have sex when you’re menstruating and continue to experience cramps, it is absolutely normal.

Here are some handy tips to combat cramping after sex

1. Heating pads: If one is experiencing pain and cramping after sex, heating pads can be used to relax the muscles. It can help relieve the pain in the pelvic or abdomen region.

2. Hot baths: Taking hot baths can be very soothing for the person undergoing cramps or pain.
Medication: If heating pads and hot baths do not work, medication to relieve the pain may be helpful.

3. See a gynaecologist: If the pain recurs, has a pattern and nothing seems to relieve that pain, one should definitely see a doctor.

“Sex is something that one should enjoy, and it should not be a traumatic experience. Experiencing cramps once in a while after coitus is not a cause of concern but having continuous painful sexual encounters is not normal. It may even disrupt your sex life along with your love life. If you start experiencing continuous encounters of painful sex, keep a note of your symptoms. Note down the severity of cramps and pain, add information about any medication that you might be having, keep a track of your periods and any other abnormalities,” she concludes.