Cramps after sex are not unusual and don’t necessarily mean something is wrong. You might have a few cramps following anorgasmor from muscle tension in the stomach or pelvis during sex. A female may feel that the uterus hurts after sex, while males may feel penis or prostate pain.Dyspareunia, or recurrent or persistent pain with sexual activity, can affect anyone, though it’s more common in females.Typically, it’s due to a sex position or the penetration level, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such asendometriosisor infection.skynesher / Getty ImagesCausesCramps after sex are not uncommon for some people. Pain with sex isn’t normal, but it isn’t always due to a medical problem.OrgasmCramping or pain can happen simply because you’ve had an orgasm, affecting you as follows:Females: When you orgasm, yourpelvic floor musclescontract and may cramp. And contracted muscles may push on nerves, which can cause pain during or after an orgasm. This will most likely happen if you have tight or tense pelvic floor muscles.Males: Orgasm andejaculationinvolve strong contractions and involuntary pelvic floor muscle movements that may cause cramping. Painful ejaculation is not uncommon.OvulationSome females have pelvic pain and cramping during ovulation.Mittelschmerzusually happens about 14 days before your period and is in the lower abdomen on the ovulating side. It’s common and can last a few minutes or as long as a day or two. You might also have some spotting.Deep PenetrationIn some cases, deep penetration can be uncomfortable or even painful. It can also cause cramping during or after sex. This may be more of a problem with certain sexual positions, as follows:Females: You might feel pain at thecervixor lower abdomen. This may be due to conditions that affect the cervix,uterus, or ovaries.Males: You might feel pain at the head of thepenisdue to infection or injury to theforeskin.PregnancyYour body goes through rapid changes when pregnant, so sex might feel different as the pregnancy progresses. It’s usually safe to have sex when you’repregnant.It’s normal to have cramps or spotting after intercourse.However, severe or persistent cramping and heavybleedingare abnormal, so call your provider. Having sex too soon after giving birth can also be painful.Muscle StrainMuscle strain can happen with any form of exercise, including sex. Tensing up, twisting, or simply being in an awkward position can strain muscles.Muscle painand cramping can occur in the abdomen, legs, or back.VaginismusVaginismusis recurrent or persistent involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles.This can make sex difficult for different reasons, including:Females: Penetration may be very painful. You may not be able to have intercourse at all. This can lead to increasing sexual anxiety.Males: It can make it very difficult, if not impossible, to penetrate the vagina.Emotional TraumaResearch results are mixed on how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual pain may be linked. Studies in male and female military veterans diagnosed with PTSD suggest there may be a relationship between emotional trauma and sexual pain, especially in females, but depression and other co-occurring conditions also may be factors.Inadequate LubricationPainful sex can occur due to inadequate lubrication. It’s common in females after menopause, who are more likely to experiencevaginal drynesswith lower estrogen levels. Hpowever, other health conditions (such asSjögren’s disease) and medications can contribute to the problem, too.SemenProstaglandinsare hormones that play many roles in the body, including helping to start labor. Even if you’re not pregnant, prostaglandins insemencan lead to some mild uterine contractions.FibroidsFibroidsare common benign growths in the uterus. Not all people with fibroids have discomfort during sex. Depending on the size and number of fibroids, though, you may experience superficial and deep genital pain during sex.Many females live with fibroids for a long time before diagnosis. It’s important to seek care for symptoms such asheavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pressure, or trouble getting pregnant.Ovarian CystsOvarian cystsare fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. Most of the time, there are no symptoms.You might have a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen and pain during certain activities, such as intercourse.Interstitial CystitisInterstitial cystitisis a chronic condition that causes painful bladder problems, as follows:Females: You may have pain from spasms in the pelvic floor muscles. You might also have pain or discomfort in thevulvaor vagina. Because the bladder is so close to the vagina, symptoms can worsen during or after sex.Males: You may feel pain in thescrotum, testicles, penis, or rectal area. Some males have pain a day after orgasm.There’s no single test for interstitial cystitis, so diagnosis is often delayed.Symptoms can resembleprostatitis,enlarged prostate, orepididymitisin men. Seek care if you have symptoms such as increased urinary urgency and frequency, painful urination, and painful sex.EndometriosisEndometriosisis a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.During intercourse, the external impact can affect the lesions, which lack elasticity. This can cause deep pain in the pelvis or genital area during or following sexual intercourse.Endometriosis symptoms can overlap with various gynecologic and gastrointestinal diseases, delaying diagnosis and leading to worsening symptoms.Seek care if you have bowel and bladder problems,bloating, and pelvic pain.ProstatitisProstatitisis inflammation of the prostate, which can lead to pain during or after ejaculation. You may also have pain that spreads out around the pelvic area. In addition tosexual dysfunction, other potentially serious complications of prostatitis are abacterial infection in the bloodstream, prostatic abscess, and inflammation of reproductive organs.Seek immediate medical care if you can’t urinate, have a fever with urinary symptoms, or have pain in the lower abdomen and urinary tract.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)UTIis an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, which can cause the following:Females: You might experience pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen and discomfort with sexual activity.Males: In addition to pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen, you might have some irritation at the tip of your penis.UTIs are highly treatable, but a delayed diagnosis can allow the infection to spread to the kidneys and other parts of the body.See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as increased urinary urgency, frequency, and pain.Tilted UterusAtilted uterustips back toward the spine rather than front facing, toward the navel. This doesn’t usually cause a problem.However, in some females, it can make penetration difficult and uncomfortable. Deep thrusting or rear-entry positions may be the most painful, so it may help to experiment with other positions.Irritable Bowel SyndromeSome studies point to a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction, including dyspareunia, in people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Much of the evidence is drawn from responses to questionnaires, though, and more study is needed to understand the connection.Symptoms may be more likely in females. Other conditions, including a rare type ofCrohn’s diseasethat can affect thevulvaand vaginal labia, also can contribute to pain symptoms with sex.A 2021 study of females diagnosed with non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) found that pain with sex occurred more often than in healthy people.It also occurred more often than it did in those diagnosed with IBS (not related to NCWS) or even in those with celiac disease.Peyronie’s DiseasePeyronie’sdiseaseis a condition in which a buildup of scar tissue in the shaft of the penis causes an abnormal bend.This can lead to pain with erection, difficult penetration, and pain during intercourse. The curvature of the penis and difficulties with penetration can also lead to partner pain or discomfort.Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are infections that spread through sexual contact. They can cause:Females: You may have pelvic pain, burning and itching of the vagina, and pain deep inside during sex.Males: STIs can cause burning and itching of the penis, painful ejaculation, and pelvic pain.Pelvic Inflammatory DiseaseMost STIs can be treated and cured.Without treatment, an STI can lead topelvic inflammatory disease (PID)in females, which can cause painful sex. Without treatment, PID can lead to permanent damage to the reproductive system.Seek a healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, such as unusual discharge, pain or bleeding during sex or between periods.Relieving Cramps After Sex at HomeIf your cramps are mild and don’t last too long, you can wait it out. Otherwise, you can try:Using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief meds, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen)Placing a heating pad on your lower abdomenTaking a warm bathAllowing time for rest after sexTrying different sex positionsMagnesium supplements to relieve cramps are an option, although there are mixed results on their benefits.Talk to your healthcare provider about magnesium and other supplements, including vitamin E, vitamins B1 and B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.Studies of supplements used for menstrual cramp relief have found no confirmed benefit for vitamin E, and limited evidence for the use of B1 as well as herbal products likefenugreekand ginger.Continuing Cramps After SexIf you have frequent or severe cramping or pain during or after sex, consult with a healthcare provider. Be sure to mention any other symptoms, such as urinary problems, bleeding, or unusual discharge. Untreated urinary and gynecological conditions can lead to serious complications.SummaryA little cramping during or after sex is not usually cause for concern. But frequent or severe cramping or pain could signal something more serious. Conditions such as endometriosis, STIs, and prostatitis are treatable. Sex shouldn’t be painful. Speak with a healthcare provider to discover what’s causing the pain and what you can do about it.
Cramps after sex are not unusual and don’t necessarily mean something is wrong. You might have a few cramps following anorgasmor from muscle tension in the stomach or pelvis during sex. A female may feel that the uterus hurts after sex, while males may feel penis or prostate pain.
Dyspareunia, or recurrent or persistent pain with sexual activity, can affect anyone, though it’s more common in females.Typically, it’s due to a sex position or the penetration level, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such asendometriosisor infection.
skynesher / Getty Images
Causes
Cramps after sex are not uncommon for some people. Pain with sex isn’t normal, but it isn’t always due to a medical problem.
Orgasm
Cramping or pain can happen simply because you’ve had an orgasm, affecting you as follows:
Ovulation
Some females have pelvic pain and cramping during ovulation.Mittelschmerzusually happens about 14 days before your period and is in the lower abdomen on the ovulating side. It’s common and can last a few minutes or as long as a day or two. You might also have some spotting.
Deep Penetration
In some cases, deep penetration can be uncomfortable or even painful. It can also cause cramping during or after sex. This may be more of a problem with certain sexual positions, as follows:
Pregnancy
Your body goes through rapid changes when pregnant, so sex might feel different as the pregnancy progresses. It’s usually safe to have sex when you’repregnant.
It’s normal to have cramps or spotting after intercourse.However, severe or persistent cramping and heavybleedingare abnormal, so call your provider. Having sex too soon after giving birth can also be painful.
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain can happen with any form of exercise, including sex. Tensing up, twisting, or simply being in an awkward position can strain muscles.Muscle painand cramping can occur in the abdomen, legs, or back.
Vaginismus
Vaginismusis recurrent or persistent involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles.This can make sex difficult for different reasons, including:
Emotional Trauma
Research results are mixed on how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual pain may be linked. Studies in male and female military veterans diagnosed with PTSD suggest there may be a relationship between emotional trauma and sexual pain, especially in females, but depression and other co-occurring conditions also may be factors.
Inadequate Lubrication
Painful sex can occur due to inadequate lubrication. It’s common in females after menopause, who are more likely to experiencevaginal drynesswith lower estrogen levels. Hpowever, other health conditions (such asSjögren’s disease) and medications can contribute to the problem, too.
Semen
Prostaglandinsare hormones that play many roles in the body, including helping to start labor. Even if you’re not pregnant, prostaglandins insemencan lead to some mild uterine contractions.
Fibroids
Fibroidsare common benign growths in the uterus. Not all people with fibroids have discomfort during sex. Depending on the size and number of fibroids, though, you may experience superficial and deep genital pain during sex.
Many females live with fibroids for a long time before diagnosis. It’s important to seek care for symptoms such asheavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pressure, or trouble getting pregnant.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cystsare fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. Most of the time, there are no symptoms.You might have a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen and pain during certain activities, such as intercourse.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitisis a chronic condition that causes painful bladder problems, as follows:
There’s no single test for interstitial cystitis, so diagnosis is often delayed.Symptoms can resembleprostatitis,enlarged prostate, orepididymitisin men. Seek care if you have symptoms such as increased urinary urgency and frequency, painful urination, and painful sex.
Endometriosis
Endometriosisis a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
During intercourse, the external impact can affect the lesions, which lack elasticity. This can cause deep pain in the pelvis or genital area during or following sexual intercourse.
Endometriosis symptoms can overlap with various gynecologic and gastrointestinal diseases, delaying diagnosis and leading to worsening symptoms.Seek care if you have bowel and bladder problems,bloating, and pelvic pain.
Prostatitis
Prostatitisis inflammation of the prostate, which can lead to pain during or after ejaculation. You may also have pain that spreads out around the pelvic area. In addition tosexual dysfunction, other potentially serious complications of prostatitis are abacterial infection in the bloodstream, prostatic abscess, and inflammation of reproductive organs.
Seek immediate medical care if you can’t urinate, have a fever with urinary symptoms, or have pain in the lower abdomen and urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTIis an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, which can cause the following:
UTIs are highly treatable, but a delayed diagnosis can allow the infection to spread to the kidneys and other parts of the body.See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as increased urinary urgency, frequency, and pain.
Tilted Uterus
Atilted uterustips back toward the spine rather than front facing, toward the navel. This doesn’t usually cause a problem.However, in some females, it can make penetration difficult and uncomfortable. Deep thrusting or rear-entry positions may be the most painful, so it may help to experiment with other positions.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Some studies point to a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction, including dyspareunia, in people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Much of the evidence is drawn from responses to questionnaires, though, and more study is needed to understand the connection.
Symptoms may be more likely in females. Other conditions, including a rare type ofCrohn’s diseasethat can affect thevulvaand vaginal labia, also can contribute to pain symptoms with sex.
A 2021 study of females diagnosed with non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) found that pain with sex occurred more often than in healthy people.It also occurred more often than it did in those diagnosed with IBS (not related to NCWS) or even in those with celiac disease.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’sdiseaseis a condition in which a buildup of scar tissue in the shaft of the penis causes an abnormal bend.This can lead to pain with erection, difficult penetration, and pain during intercourse. The curvature of the penis and difficulties with penetration can also lead to partner pain or discomfort.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are infections that spread through sexual contact. They can cause:
Pelvic Inflammatory DiseaseMost STIs can be treated and cured.Without treatment, an STI can lead topelvic inflammatory disease (PID)in females, which can cause painful sex. Without treatment, PID can lead to permanent damage to the reproductive system.Seek a healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, such as unusual discharge, pain or bleeding during sex or between periods.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Most STIs can be treated and cured.Without treatment, an STI can lead topelvic inflammatory disease (PID)in females, which can cause painful sex. Without treatment, PID can lead to permanent damage to the reproductive system.Seek a healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, such as unusual discharge, pain or bleeding during sex or between periods.
Relieving Cramps After Sex at Home
If your cramps are mild and don’t last too long, you can wait it out. Otherwise, you can try:
Magnesium supplements to relieve cramps are an option, although there are mixed results on their benefits.Talk to your healthcare provider about magnesium and other supplements, including vitamin E, vitamins B1 and B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies of supplements used for menstrual cramp relief have found no confirmed benefit for vitamin E, and limited evidence for the use of B1 as well as herbal products likefenugreekand ginger.
Continuing Cramps After Sex
If you have frequent or severe cramping or pain during or after sex, consult with a healthcare provider. Be sure to mention any other symptoms, such as urinary problems, bleeding, or unusual discharge. Untreated urinary and gynecological conditions can lead to serious complications.
Summary
A little cramping during or after sex is not usually cause for concern. But frequent or severe cramping or pain could signal something more serious. Conditions such as endometriosis, STIs, and prostatitis are treatable. Sex shouldn’t be painful. Speak with a healthcare provider to discover what’s causing the pain and what you can do about it.
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