Knowing where the pain originates will help you determine the best course of action if you experience soreness around your vaginal area after sexual activity.
From the vaginal opening to the cervix, the vagina is a lengthy, muscular canal. The labia, clitoris, vaginal entrance, and urethral opening make up the vulva.
The skin folds or lips surrounding the vaginal opening are called the labia.
When they mean “vulva,” many people mistakenly say “vagina.” As you read about the causes of why your vaginal area could suffer after sexual activity, we’ll keep these distinctions in mind.
Several things could be the cause of the pain you feel in your vagina or vulva after sexual penetration. Most causes are treatable or preventable. Rarely could pain indicate a medical emergency?
Let’s examine the various causes of post-sexual soreness in the vaginal area, how to avoid it, and treatment options.
What makes your vagina hurt after sex?
After sexual penetration, there may be several causes for a sore vaginal area. Among these reasons are:
- Lack of lubrication
Your body releases natural lubricant when you are aroused. But occasionally, more lubrication is required. You can encounter more friction than usual if your sexual excitement is low or you jump right in without allowing yourself time to warm up.
Tiny, microscopic tears in the vagina may develop due to that friction, which may be painful and uncomfortable. It may potentially result in infection in some circumstances.
2. Long or intense sex
You might experience pain or discomfort in your vagina and around the vulva if sexual penetration is a little rough. The sensitive tissue may get inflamed from friction and added pressure.
You might also feel more discomfort if you or your partner use fingers, a sex toy, or other objects during sexual activity.
Depending on the object’s substance, some sex toys may need additional lubrication to reduce friction. It’s possible to feel sore after sexual activity if sex toys are not used appropriately.
3. Condoms, lubricants, or other products-related allergic response
You can experience discomfort below if you are allergic to a latex condom, lubricant, or other items you use in the bedroom. Additionally, it could irritate the vulva’s genitalia. The pain might go into the canal if something was placed into the vagina.
4. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
The initial sign of an STI, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes, may be vaginal soreness during intercourse.
Consider being tested for STIs to rule out illnesses if you haven’t already. Ask your partner to get screened as well if they haven’t already. To stop potential reinfections, you both must receive treatment.
5. Yeast infection
One of the more typical signs of a yeast infection is a pain in the vulva or vagina after sexual activity. Other signs incorporate vaginal itching, swelling, and discomfort when urinating.
6. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A UTI can result in discomfort other than merely urination pain. Your pelvic and vaginal areas may both experience pain as a result.
You might feel more irritated and inflamed if you have a UTI and engage in sexual activity.
7. Barrett’s cyst
Two Bartholin glands flank the vaginal entrance. They give the vagina a natural lubricant. These cysts or the ducts that transport the fluid might occasionally get clogged. On one side of the vaginal opening, this results in lumps that are sensitive and packed with fluid.
Bartholin’s cysts and the tissue surrounding them might become irritated during sexual activity, resulting in unpleasant pain.
8. Menopause
Hormone levels in the body undergo significant shifts both before and throughout menopause. The body produces less of its natural lubricant when estrogen levels are low.
Additionally, the tissue in the vagina gets thinner and drier. This can make penetrative intercourse more painful and uncomfortable.
How to get some relief from Sore Vagina After Sex
Some of these conditions are treatable at home. Others might require the assistance of a medical professional.
1. Ice Bag
Friction or pressure-related pain should go away in a few hours. An ice pack may assist reduce vulvar discomfort in the interim. Keep the ice pack in place for 5 to 10 minutes each time.
Place a washcloth or underpants between the vulva and the ice pack before applying it. Also, avoid putting the cold pack within your vagina.
Stop using the ice pack and seek medical advice if it hurts or feels uncomfortable.
2. Antibiotics
Infections such as UTIs, PID, and other STIs can be treated with antibiotics on prescription. There are also some over-the-counter remedies for yeast infections.
Before self-medicating, it is suggested to seek a diagnosis and suggested course of therapy from a healthcare professional.
3. Hormone therapy
Some people may benefit from hormone replacement treatment. This enables the body to gradually adapt, for instance, to hormone changes brought on by menopause. Additionally, it might lessen uncomfortable sexual penetration and restore some natural lubrication.
People with endometriosis may be prescribed hormonal birth control by medical professionals. This might end unpleasant occurrences.
4. Surgery
A medical professional might advise surgery to remove uterine fibroids or a Bartholin’s cyst if you have either of these conditions. Before the gland is removed, drainage may be tried in the case of a cyst.
5. Lubricants
Stock up on lubrication if you want assistance in decreasing friction. Choose water-based lubricants over others since they are less likely to irritate the vulva and vagina’s sensitive skin. Oil-based lubricants have the potential to rupture condoms by disintegrating their substance.
If you begin to experience any pulling or tearing, don’t be hesitant to reapply. More is nearly always better when it comes to lubrication.
6. Anti-allergen products
Try different condoms or sex toys if you think you could be allergic to the components in your current ones. There are condoms made of polyurethane. Just be aware that they lack latex strength.
Avoid lubrication if it makes your vulva sensitive. Choose synthetic materials over natural ones to avoid irritation and pain.
7. Exercise your pelvic floor muscles
Your pelvic floor muscles may relax with reverse Kegels. This might lessen the discomfort experienced after sex and increase the pleasure of sexual penetration itself.
