Sex is one of the most basic and vital parts of life. It provides a means of procreation as well as pleasure and emotional connection.
However, sometimes sexual activity can cause pain in the abdomen. This can be a sign of a serious condition such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Anyone experiencing lower abdominal pain during sexual activity should seek medical attention. The healthcare professional will likely perform a physical examination and ask questions about the onset of the pain.
Causes
Having sexual intercourse is a deeply satisfying, intimate experience for most people. But for some, it can be painful or uncomfortable. This pain may be sharp and transient or dull and prolonged. It may be felt in the groin or lower abdomen or spread to the thighs. It can be caused by several factors including poor technique, rough sex, lack of foreplay and some diseases.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pain during or after sexual intercourse, especially in women. These infections are spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex and may also be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.
A recurring or chronic uterine problem such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease or adhesions can also cause pain during sex in women. These problems can be the result of a previous surgery or other medical conditions such as endometriosis or radiation therapy.
Some people have pain only occasionally, such as if they do not use enough lubrication or are too rough during sexual intercourse. But if the pain is more frequent, or worsens or occurs at specific times, it should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Our urologists can help identify the cause of your pain and find the right treatment for you. They can also advise you on ways to make sexual intercourse more comfortable for both you and your partner.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lower stomach pain during sex vary depending on the cause. In most cases, the pain is only mild and improves with a change in position. However, if the pain is severe and is accompanied by bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge, then the patient should see a gynecologist immediately to determine the underlying cause.
The doctor will ask the patient several questions to understand the root of the problem. He or she will also perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, the doctor will feel for any tenderness or irritation around the vulva and pelvic area. The doctor may also test for a hernia, which occurs when tissue pushes through the muscle. This condition most commonly affects men and causes a painful lump in the groin.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause abdominal pain after sex. This includes chlamydia, which can also cause diarrhea and pain when urinating. STIs can spread from skin-to-skin contact during oral, anal and vaginal sex. Gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes are other common STIs that can cause pelvic pain.
If the underlying cause of the pain is not serious, the patient will be given medication to relieve the symptoms. In some cases, the patient will need surgery to treat the problem. It is important to communicate with a partner about any pain or discomfort during sexual activity. This can help to reduce anxiety and improve the overall experience.
Treatment
If pain is a one-off event or improves with changes in position, it does not always require medical attention. But if the discomfort is persistent or recurring, it may be an indication of an underlying issue. A gynecologist can assess the situation and recommend treatment options.
The most common underlying causes of sexual pain include urinary tract infections (UTI), pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis. If you suspect that you have a UTI, talk to your doctor about antibiotics. You should also practice good hygiene by wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and emptying your bladder regularly.
Women may also experience pain during sex because of a urinary condition called interstitial cystitis, which can lead to bladder inflammation and irritation. Similarly, a pelvic infection called chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause abdominal pain and discharge. Infections like these can be treated with oral antibiotics.
For females, a hormone imbalance can contribute to sexual pain. Low estrogen levels can make vaginal lubrication less effective, making sex more painful. You can try putting on extra lubrication and experimenting with different positions to see what works best for you. You can also discuss your symptoms with your partner to find ways to make sex more comfortable for both of you. In some cases, it can help to have a backup source of lubrication so that you can switch to another type if necessary.
Prevention
Sexual activity can be uncomfortable for some people. Using vaginal lubricant, having foreplay and communicating with your partner can help alleviate some of the discomfort. However, if you’re experiencing pain during sex that doesn’t go away, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider. This can help identify underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your pain, and can provide appropriate treatment options.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause pain during sex, as well as other symptoms such as fever and abnormal vaginal discharge. Another physical cause of pelvic pain during sex is endometriosis, which is when tissue that lines your uterus grows outside the organ.
Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to pelvic pain during sex. In women, low estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. In men, low testosterone levels can result in erectile dysfunction and pain during sex.
Infections can also cause pelvic pain during sex. STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes, can cause pain during sex and other symptoms such as a vaginal discharge or urination problems. Other infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can cause pain in the lower abdomen during and after sex.
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