The shakes that occur after orgasm can be caused by oxytocin, a hormone that causes muscles to tighten. Drinking a glass of water and eating potassium-rich foods like bananas can decrease this muscle contraction, Williams says.
Young, go-getter women tend to have very tight pelvic floor muscles, Herrera adds. A physical therapist can help you release those muscles.
Causes
Leg pain after sexual activity can be a sign of serious medical conditions, particularly if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate and manage any underlying causes of leg pain after sex.
Muscle strain
Vigorous sexual activity can exert significant amounts of pressure on the muscles of the legs. Repeated or prolonged straining may cause muscle fatigue, resulting in post-sex leg pain. This type of pain typically improves with rest and gentle stretching.
Vascular concerns
Increased blood flow and pressure during sexual arousal can temporarily affect vascular conditions like varicose veins or peripheral artery disease. Those with pre-existing vascular problems are more susceptible to experiencing leg pain after sex due to the increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area and legs.
Neuropathy
Nerve pain or numbness that manifests as a result of underlying medical conditions can also contribute to discomfort during and after sexual activity. Sexual activity can exacerbate symptoms of neuropathy, including pain, numbness, or burning sensations in the legs. Careful management of the underlying condition, including medication and physical therapy, is often necessary to alleviate symptoms.
Pelvic inflammation (PID) caused by bacterial infections such as yeast infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma can also cause pelvic pain during and after sexual activity. Using lubrication to initiate penetration, practicing good hygiene, and engaging in foreplay before sexual activity can help prevent PID.
Symptoms
Feeling sore after sex is normal and is typically associated with a sexual activity that was intense or prolonged. If the soreness lasts for more than a day or is consistent, it may indicate an underlying condition and require evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Pain and tenderness may be felt in the legs, hips, back, abdomen, arms, or neck. If pain is accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel or bladder function, this may indicate an infection, injury, or other serious health concern that requires medical attention.
Performing warm-up exercises and stretching before sexual activity can help strengthen leg muscles and reduce the likelihood of muscle strain or fatigue. Drinking water to stay hydrated can also help prevent dehydration, which can contribute to cramping and leg pain. A water-based lubricant can enhance comfort and minimize friction, potentially alleviating discomfort or soreness. Avoiding positions or movements that compress nerves can also relieve leg pain and tingling. In addition, if the pain is accompanied by a swollen or red leg, this could be a sign of a blood clot or other vascular issue and should be evaluated immediately by a healthcare professional. Managing pre-existing conditions, including varicose veins and musculoskeletal concerns, can also help to prevent or manage symptoms. For example, a doctor can prescribe compression stockings or recommend elevating the leg to decrease pressure and support circulation.
Treatment
Generally, leg pain after sexual activity will improve with rest and self-care. This may include taking a break from sexual activity until the pain subsides, applying ice packs or heat to the area, and using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications can also be used as needed.
If the pain is due to yeast or STI infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes, it’s important to seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Yeast infections can be treated with an over-the-counter medication called miconazole (Monistat). STIs are usually cured by receiving a course of antibiotics, such as tetracycline or azithromycin.
Individuals with pre-existing vascular or musculoskeletal concerns may be at higher risk of experiencing leg pain after sexual activity. Working with a healthcare professional to manage these conditions can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing this type of pain.
Other preventative measures that can be taken to minimize leg pain after sexual activity include increasing the amount of lubrication used during sexual activity, testing out different sex positions, and avoiding certain movements that put pressure or friction on the legs. In addition, staying hydrated and exercising regularly can help build muscle strength and endurance, making you less prone to strain and fatigue. Lastly, open communication with your partner can allow you to experiment with positions that are comfortable for both of you and reduce the possibility of pressure or friction on the legs during sexual activity.
Prevention
The onset of leg pain after sexual activity is often caused by overuse of the muscles in the legs. To help prevent this, regular stretches and exercises that focus on strengthening the leg muscles should be performed. In addition, individuals should consider wearing supportive footwear and using orthotic inserts to reduce the amount of pressure placed on specific areas of the legs.
Emotional issues, such as stress or anxiety, can also cause leg pain after sexual activity. In these cases, counseling or therapy can be beneficial in helping to identify the underlying causes and develop coping strategies.
Vaginal discomfort after sexual activity may occur when there is a lack of lubrication or improper technique during intercourse. To prevent this, women should use water-based lubricants and practice proper techniques during sex. In addition, they should take a warm bath before sex, communicate openly with their partner and try to relax as much as possible during sex.
Infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can also cause painful intercourse. These infections can be prevented by using condoms during sex and seeing a healthcare provider for prompt treatment. In addition, women should be tested for syphilis, an STD that can be transmitted during unprotected sex. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, including penicillin. If symptoms of syphilis are present, women should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
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