Is getting sore down there after sex normal? A gynaecologist answers

Sexual health is still quite a hush-hush topic even at a time when the world of social media is making strides to make it an open forum discussion. A lot of women find it embarrassing to talk about it, but it is important to talk because a women’s sexual health changes in many ways during puberty, periods, pregnancy, and even after having sex.

Does your vagina tend to feel sore after intercourse? The most important thing you should know is that sex shouldn’t hurt and if it does, tell your partner to stop. But if you had a normal sex session, and you still have a sore vagina that troubles you for over a day, it’s an alarm!

Is it normal to get a sore vagina after sex?

Yes ladies, it’s normal to feel sore and tender down there after sex and you shouldn’t regret having had a pleasurable moment. There are other things that might be causing your vagina to get sore.

According to Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, many women may experience vaginal pain after sexual intercourse owing to certain reasons.

Read these 4 causes of sore vagina

Dr Gaikwad explains the reasons why you get sore down there after sex:

1. There is no lubrication

When you get aroused, there is natural lubrication. But, inadequate lubrication can lead to vaginal soreness. When your vagina isn’t lubricated during sex, the friction leads to tiny tears in the skin. These tears can make one susceptible to infection, and hurt one’s vagina after sex.

2. Being allergic to products

Yes, you will be shocked to know that you can be allergic to certain products like condoms, lubricants, or any sex related product. They can cause genital irritation in the vulva which can lead to pain and soreness in your vagina.

3. Yeast infection

If you are experiencing discomfort like itching, burning, abnormal discharge, and pelvic pain down there, you might have a vaginal infection. It is a fungal infection that leads to vaginal soreness and irritation after intercourse.

4. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Apart from a yeast infection, if one has STIs like chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, or genital herpes then there will be vaginal soreness. These infections can be cured.

If pain and soreness do not go away on their own in a day, it is wise to seek medical advice.

How to treat a sore vagina

1. Ice pack

You can place an ice pack on a clean cloth down there to relieve vaginal soreness after sex.

2. Antibiotics

You can take medication only prescribed by the doctor.

3. Use a good lubricant

Choose water-based lubricants as they is less likely to irritate the delicate skin of the vagina and vulva.

4. Use products that don’t cause any allergy

You can opt for products that don’t cause any allergy. Choose a condom that doesn’t have any allergic materials.

Visit your doctor because experiencing extreme pain down there can be caused by conditions like endometriosis and vulvodynia.