8 Possible causes of Stomach pain after sex

Stomach pain after sex is not uncommon. But, it does not mean a female has no solution and has to live with it. Deep penetration is a common cause of stomach or abdomen pain after intercourse in females, but it can also be caused due to an underlying gynecological condition.

Also, Hernia, gallstones, and kidney stones typically present with abdominal pain, but the connection between these conditions and post-sex discomfort might not be straightforward.

Seeking medical advice is crucial if the stomach pain persists or is severe, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention and proper treatment.

Regardless of the cause, stomach pain after sex can be treated. After the diagnosis of the problem, the gynecologist can recommend therapies, medication or other required treatment to help get relief from the stomach or abdomen pain after sex.

Stomach pain during sex often comes down to the sex position or the position of the female’s uterus. Common causes of stomach pain in females can be-

Table of Contents

1. Sex Position

Some sex positions allow deeper penetration during vaginal or anal intercourse, which can cause pain. The best solution, in this case, is to avoid deep thrusting and go for other sex positions, like on the side. Positions, where the female has control over the depth of penetration, can be helpful to avoid discomfort and stomach pain after sex.

2. Tilted uterus

A tilted uterus is a uterus that leans backward at the cervix instead of leaning forward. Around 1 in 4 females have a tilted uterus. While having a tilted uterus is not generally a problem, it can sometimes cause stomach pain during or even after sex. After diagnosing this condition, the gynecologist can tell the female whether or not she has a tilted uterus. Working with different sex positions and angles can help the female find one that does not hurt.

Other possible causes

In some cases, stomach abdominal pain after sex could be a sign of an underlying condition including-

3. Endometriosis

In endometriosis, the tissues that line the uterus grow elsewhere within, or outside of the pelvis. The overgrowth of endometrial tissues can cause pain in the stomach, pelvis, and back after or even during sex.

A female with endometriosis may also experience-

Severe pain during periods
Heavy periods
Spotting or bleeding between periods
Painful bowel movements

4. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled pockets that develop inside or on the surface of the ovaries. They are usually painless, but larger cysts can lead to stomach or lower abdominal pain, which may get worse during or after sex.

The female may also notice the following symptoms-

bloating
pain in the lower back or thighs
the feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen

5. Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome, can affect a female of any age. This condition causes pain and pressure in the bladder area which worsens as the bladder fills. Pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen intensifies with intercourse in females with interstitial cystitis. Other symptoms of interstitial cystitis include-

frequent or urgent need to urinate
urge to pee, even when the bladder is empty
pain in the vulva or vagina

6. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. About 1 in 3 females experience symptoms from uterine fibroids, including-

Abdominal or low back pain
Heavy and painful periods
Stomach pain during and after sex
Constipation

7. Uterine adhesions

Uterine adhesions, also known as Asherman Syndrome, are the formation of scar tissues in the uterus or cervix which causes them to stick together.

In most cases, it is caused due to a uterine surgery, like hysteroscopy D&C (dilatation and curettage), but can also be caused due to endometriosis, infections, C-section surgery, radiation therapy.

Along with stomach or abdomen pain during or after sex, the female may also experience-

Very light periods
Absence of period cycle
Severe pain and cramps

8. Infections

Infections, which might not necessarily be transmitted sexually, can also cause stomach pain after having sex. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common types of infections that can cause stomach pain after sex. Below are the other common symptoms the female may experience in case she has a PID or UTI.

Other common symptoms of PID include-

Deep pelvic pain during intercourse
Dysuria (painful urination)
Spotting or bleeding between periods and after intercourse

Other common symptoms of UTI include-

Lower abdominal pain that intensifies during and after sex
Painful urination
Frequent urge to urinate
Cloudy and foul-smelling urine

Visit your gynecologist

Lower abdominal or stomach pain after sex that rarely comes or improves with a change in position does not usually require a visit to your gynecologist. But if the pain is severe, happens regularly, or shows other symptoms too, such as bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge, it is best to make an appointment with your gynecologist to determine the underlying issue.

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