Lower back pain after sexual activity can have a big impact on a woman’s sex life. She may even stop having sex altogether because of the pain and her partner might feel left out.
Women with lower back pain should talk to their doctor about the issue. They can also get advice on how to modify their sexual positions and movements, which can help with the back pain.
Causes
If back pain interferes with sexual activity, it can affect a relationship and create tension. “It’s important to broach the topic with your partner,” says physical therapist Lauren Hebert, DPT. She recommends couples seek advice from a physical therapist together, so they can adjust their positions and find comfortable ones that don’t trigger pain. “People who don’t talk about it might start avoiding bedroom encounters, which can have a negative effect on the whole relationship,” she adds. Back pain that is associated with sex is common in people with chronic back conditions, such as arthritis or those who have undergone surgery, but it’s also possible to experience back pain during intercourse for other reasons.
In women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) caused by infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause pain during and after sex. Untreated PID can lead to complications, such as ectopic pregnancies and uterine fibroids.
Weak pelvic floor muscles can also cause lower back pain during and after sex. Strengthening these muscles through exercises like Kegels can help alleviate this type of pain. Kidney stones are another cause of back pain in the groin and lower back area. These stones are a buildup of minerals and salts in the kidney. Symptoms of kidney stone formation include back pain, abdominal pain and frequent urination. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a fever or change in the color and temperature of urine.
Symptoms
If a woman suffers from lower back pain after sexual activity, she should discuss this with her partner and a doctor. This is especially important if the pain is chronic, as it can lead to sex avoidance and may damage a relationship. Ideally, the two should discuss their options together, such as trying new positions or taking breaks during intercourse.
Having a frank conversation with your partner can help prevent issues from arising, says physical therapist Lauren Hebert. This can include discussing ways that she can take a more active role in intercourse, such as lying on her stomach with a pillow supporting her upper back and letting her partner enter her from behind or straddling him while facing toward or away. It also means establishing a clear signal to stop if she feels the discomfort or pain.
Another important thing to remember is that if the pain does not subside after sex, you should see a doctor immediately, advises Marks. This will ensure that the issue is not caused by an infection or another serious problem and that a diagnosis can be made.
For those who are already dealing with lower back pain, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or physical therapy to improve flexibility and ease the symptoms. If the problem persists, a gynecologist or vascular specialist may need to be consulted to determine the underlying cause of the pain.
Treatment
In addition to proper posture, exercise and a well-balanced diet, women can reduce back pain from sexual activity by practicing safe sex. This involves ensuring that both partners are using condoms during sex and getting regular STI screenings. This helps prevent the onset of conditions that can cause genital back pain, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Those with back pain may benefit from taking anti-inflammatory medications or receiving manual therapy from a chiropractor, physical therapist or acupuncturist. Oftentimes, the pain will subside on its own. However, if the pain is not going away after a few weeks, a physician should be consulted for further evaluation and treatment options.
Another treatment option for pain after sex is pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegels, to help strengthen the muscles. This can alleviate pain during sex and reduce the frequency of post-coital back pain.
Although back pain related to sexual activity is more common in those who have disk disease or arthritis in the spine, people with other forms of chronic back pain can experience this problem. For this reason, it is important to talk about the problem with a doctor and your partner in order to find a solution together. Open communication will help alleviate the psychological impact of the issue, which can lead to a lack of intimacy and strained relationships.
Prevention
If a back condition makes it painful to have sex, there are things people can do to help. First, they should get a sound back diagnosis from a health professional or sex therapist. Then, they can discuss what positions to avoid and movement strategies that won’t exacerbate the pain.
In addition, the sex therapist can give advice on how to perform non-penetrative sexual activity that’s just as enjoyable and satisfying. The sex therapist may also suggest doing pelvic floor muscle exercises like Kegels to strengthen the muscles that support the uterus and bladder.
Some back pain during sex is not caused by sex position but by urinary or gynecological problems. This can include urinary tract infections (UTIs), vulva or vaginal inflammation, and uterine fibroids and polyps. A doctor can diagnose these issues by performing a visual exam of the genitals, a pelvic exam, or a Pap smear and checking lab results for infections.
Getting regular STI screenings can also prevent these infections and other conditions that can cause pain during and after sex. It’s also a good idea to talk openly with one’s partner about sexual positions and movements that work best and which ones do not. This can help couples avoid putting too much strain on the spine or lower back and can also ensure that both partners are comfortable.
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