Stomach or pelvic pain after sex, also known as post-coital pain or dyspareunia, is a surprisingly common issue. It’s estimated that around 75% of women will experience it at some point in their lives. However, it’s important to remember that while common, it’s not considered normal and should be investigated.
Stomach pain after sex can be caused by various factors, including underlying health conditions. Persistent or severe pain can signal a more serious issue, such as fibroids or other gynecological conditions. Identifying the cause early allows for timely treatment and relief.
If you are experiencing stomach pain after sex, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pressure, it’s time to seek medical advice. USA Fibroid Centers specializes in diagnosing and treating fibroids, a common cause of post-coital pain.
Is it Normal for Your Stomach to Hurt After Sex?
Occasional mild stomach discomfort after sex can occur for a variety of reasons. Many women might experience temporary post-sex abdominal discomfort from natural muscle contractions, ovulation, or infection.
However, other women may struggle with long-term discomfort. Intense or recurring sex-related pain could be linked to issues like fibroids, endometriosis, or other reproductive health concerns. If stomach pain after sex becomes persistent or disruptive, seeking medical advice can help identify the cause and provide effective treatment options.
Stomach Pain During Sex vs. After
Pain during and after sex can affect different areas of the body, including the external genitalia (vulva), vaginal opening (vestibule), the vagina itself, perineum (the area between the vagina and anus), the lower back, pelvis, uterus, or bladder. This pain can manifest in several ways, such as cramping, ranging from mild aching to severe or sharp cramping. It may also feel like a deep ache or a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.
How Do You Get Rid of Cramps after Sex?
Post-sex cramps can feel anywhere from annoying to downright painful, but the good news is they’re usually harmless and manageable. They often happen because of muscle contractions, sensitivity around the cervix, or tension in the pelvic area — especially after intense or deep penetration. Here’s how to ease the discomfort:
1. Stretch It Out
Gentle yoga stretches or simply lying down in a comfortable position can help your muscles relax. Try positions like child’s pose or reclining on your back with knees bent to release tension in the pelvic and lower abdominal area.
2. Apply Heat
A heating pad or warm compress on your lower belly or back can do wonders. Heat increases blood flow and helps relax muscles — similar to how you might soothe menstrual cramps.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause or worsen cramps. Drink plenty of water, especially before and after sex, to help your muscles recover and reduce cramping.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If the cramping is more than mild, an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can provide fast relief. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
5. Try a Warm Bath
A warm bath helps ease body tension, promotes blood flow, and can bring overall comfort. Add Epsom salts for an extra soothing effect.
6. Check Your Positioning
Sometimes cramps are triggered by specific positions during sex that put pressure on certain muscles or nerves. If cramping happens regularly, try switching up your positioning or slowing things down to see if that helps.
7. Track Your Cycle
If you’re prone to menstrual cramps, you might be more sensitive during certain phases of your cycle. Keeping track can help you anticipate and manage symptoms better.
When to See a Doctor
While occasional cramps are normal, frequent or severe post-sex pain could point to conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or ovarian cysts. If it keeps happening, don’t tough it out — talk to a healthcare provider.
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Causes of Stomach Pain After Intercourse
Stomach pain can be caused by muscle strain, gas or bloating, urinary tract infections (UTIs), ovarian cysts, pelvic floor dysfunction, or underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Below, we outline common causes of stomach pain after sex, categorized by mild, moderate, and serious conditions.
| Category | Causes | Key Takeaways |
| Mild Causes | Muscle Sensitivity/Strain | Temporary cramping from muscle overuse; resolves quickly. |
| Gas or Bloating | Trapped air can cause abdominal discomfort; passing gas or changing positions may help. | |
| Moderate Causes | Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) | It can cause post-sex pelvic pain and burning urination; sex may aggravate symptoms. |
| Ovarian Cysts | Fluid-filled sacs that may cause pain if irritated during sex; most resolve on their own. | |
| Pelvic Floor Dysfunction | Difficulty relaxing pelvic muscles can lead to post-sex pain, constipation, or leakage. | |
| Serious Causes | Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | Infection-related inflammation can cause severe pain, often linked to untreated STIs. |
| Endometriosis | Uterine-like tissue outside the uterus leads to chronic pelvic pain and cramping. | |
| Fibroids | Noncancerous growths in the uterus cause pain, heavy periods, and bloating. |
Mild Causes of Stomach Pain After Sex
Normal Muscle Sensitivity or Strain
Mild stomach pain after sex can result from natural muscle sensitivity or strain, similar to how exercise can cause temporary discomfort. When muscles in the lower abdomen and pelvis repeatedly tense and relax, it can lead to cramping.
Gas or Bloating
Gastrointestinal issues like gas or bloating can cause stomach pain during or after sex. In most cases, passing gas can relieve the symptoms, but changing positions during sex may also help.
Moderate Causes of Stomach Pain After Sex
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause significant discomfort during and after sex, often leading to abdominal or pelvic pain, a burning sensation during urination, and an increased urge to urinate. Since the bladder is near the reproductive organs, the movement during sex can irritate an already inflamed urinary tract, sometimes resulting in cramping or pain in the lower stomach after sex.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries, often forming during ovulation. Most cysts resolve on their own without causing symptoms, but some can lead to discomfort, particularly during or after sex. Larger or more severe cysts may cause pain in the lower stomach after intercourse due to pressure or irritation.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction is when the pelvic floor muscles can’t properly relax and coordinate, resulting in constipation, difficulty with bowel movements, and urine or stool leakage. It can cause discomfort after sex due to tension or weakness in these muscles.
Serious Causes of Stomach Pain After Sex
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, typically from untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia, that can lead to sharp pelvic or abdominal pain during or after sex.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, irritation, and scarring in the surrounding areas. This misplaced tissue can cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, and intense cramping in the uterus after intercourse.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause significant pelvic or abdominal pain during and after sex. Other fibroid symptoms include:
- Heavy and extended menstruation
- Frequent urination
- Bloating and/or constipation
- Pelvic or lower back pain
- Severe cramping during menstruation
While not all fibroids cause the same symptoms, they may still require a medical evaluation to determine their impact on your reproductive health. Our symptom checker below can help you decide if you should visit a fibroid specialist.
Can Fibroid Cause Stomach Pain After Sex?
Fibroids, which are noncancerous tumors, can influence the type and intensity of pain experienced during sex due to their size and location. For example, fibroids located near your cervix can cause pain during sex due to any irritation or friction. It is also possible to experience cramping in the uterus after intercourse, similar to menstruation cramps.
Large fibroids can cause symptoms due to pressure on surrounding organs such as the bladder and the bowel. The compression can lead to pelvic and abdominal pain. Additionally, certain sex positions can place direct pressure on fibroids, causing cramping and post-sex bleeding.
Beyond fibroid’s physical symptoms, such as uterus pain after sex, these growths can also impact mental and emotional health. Consulting with a fibroid specialist is key in determining if fibroids are causing your symptoms or if it may be other conditions like adenomyosis.
If you’re experiencing bleeding or pelvic pain after sex, especially along with other common fibroid symptoms, visit USA Fibroid Centers for a timely diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. If fibroids are the reason why your stomach hurts after sex, the interventional radiologists at USA Fibroid Centers can help determine the best treatment for you.
Diagnosing and Treating Fibroid-Related Pain After Sex
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment for fibroid-related pain. Because several conditions can mimic fibroid symptoms, it’s crucial to get a proper evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional. This ensures you receive the right treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Diagnosing fibroids typically involves a combination of the following: medical history, physical exam, and other tests, such as a blood test to check for anemia or other hormonal imbalances.
If fibroids are the cause of your pain after sex, treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. A fibroid specialist can evaluate your condition and determine the best non-surgical treatment option, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), to shrink fibroids and reduce discomfort.
The Benefit of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment that targets the root cause of symptoms like lower stomach pain after sex. UFE works by cutting off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
This outpatient procedure takes less than an hour, and most patients are back to their normal routines within 10 days.
It’s a safe and reliable treatment option for women of all ages, including those who want to preserve their fertility.
When To See a Doctor About Stomach Pain After Intercourse
Abdominal pain after sex has many causes, from mild muscle strain to more serious conditions like fibroids. While occasional discomfort may not be alarming, persistent or severe pain should not be ignored. If you experience symptoms such as intense cramping, unusual bleeding, fever, or pain that worsens over time, seeking medical evaluation is important. Identifying the cause early can prevent complications and ensure the right treatment for relief.
At USA Fibroid Centers, our fibroid specialists work with you during your consultation to determine if UFE is the best treatment for you. Our outpatient offices are nationwide and accept most insurance plans. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, call 855.615.2555.
