Experiencing pain after sex — or even during the action — is more common than you might think. But the last thing you want to do is ignore it.

If you’re wondering why you’re feeling body pain after sex or how to prevent feeling sore down under, know that there are answers and ways to find relief. 

We’ll dive into the specifics — from potential underlying causes to available treatments — to help you better understand the why behind the pain and maintain your sexual health.

Navigating pain and discomfort from sex

Many people with vaginas experience discomfort and painful sex. This condition, called dyspareunia, affects 10–28% of the population.  

There are different terms for when and where you experience the pain, too:

• Primary: Begins at the start of sexual intercourse.

• Secondary: Occurs later on in sexual activity or after pain-free intercourse.

• Superficial: Limited to the vulva or vaginal entrance.

• Deep: Extends deeper into the vagina and pelvis.

Dyspareunia manifests in many ways, such as cramping after sex, abdominal pain after sex, and a burning sensation during or after sex. Common causes may include insufficient foreplay, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and vaginal dryness from menopause and low estrogen. There are also more urgent causes that require diagnosis and treatment with a doctor, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or gynecological or pelvic health disorders.  

Painful intercourse is more than frustrating — it can negatively impact libido and overall physical and mental health. For some, it may trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. If you're experiencing pain, treating it ASAP is essential. Understanding the potential causes and solutions will help get you back on track (and back in the sack).  

7 causes of pain after sex   

Identifying the specific cause of painful intercourse can help you seek appropriate treatment or make changes to reduce or eliminate the discomfort. Here are seven reasons why you might have pain after sexual activity: 

1. Insufficient lubrication  

Vaginal dryness often causes chafing and soreness during and after penetrative sex. This can happen due to hormonal changes and low estrogen related to factors such as breastfeeding, menopause, or vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls). Not reaching full arousal before penetration also means you have less of your body’s natural lubrication available and may experience friction. Treatment options include hormone therapy, moisturizers, and slowing down and making sure you're fully turned on before sex. Oh, and don’t forget the lube.

2. Infections 

Vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina. When you have vaginitis, the friction created by sex can cause pain and burning in the genital area, so it's best to avoid sexual activity until you're feeling better. 

Yeast infections, which are triggered by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, can cause symptoms such as itching and the presence of a thick white discharge resembling cottage cheese. They're typically treated with antifungal medications, which you can get from your healthcare provider or over the counter.

UTIs irritate the urinary tract, and sex can make this irritation worse — but UTIs can spread to your bladder or kidney and become very serious very quickly. If you have a UTI, visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis ASAP. They’ll likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. You can also take preventive measures like hydrating and urinating right after sex to keep UTIs at bay. 

3. Allergic reactions

If you're allergic to latex, using a latex condom during penetrative sex can cause vulvar burning, pain, and itching. Thankfully, there are different types of condoms available, including ones made from lambskin and polyurethane. While lambskin condoms don't protect against STIs, they do protect against unwanted pregnancies. 

Human seminal plasma (HSP) hypersensitivity is a rare semen allergy that can also lead to inflammation and vaginal pain. If you're diagnosed with this condition, it's crucial to use barrier methods to avoid contact with semen.  

4. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 

If you have an STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea, vaginal tissue inflammation might be the reason it hurts when you have sex. The symptoms of these STIs can make penetrative sex quite uncomfortable, and you may even experience unpleasant burning sensations. 

Active genital herpes infections are another source of pain during sexual intercourse, and while chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable, herpes has no definitive cure. To prevent STIs, always use barrier methods like condoms during sex. 

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 

PID is an infection affecting the upper part of the reproductive systems of people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It develops from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. Symptoms may include intense pelvic pain during sex, bleeding during sex, and pain during urination. 

PID is very serious, and the damage can become permanent, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you think it may be causing your pain during sex. Prompt antibiotic treatment is essential for the best possible prognosis.  

6. Endometriosis 

This medical condition occurs when tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It leads to significant inflammation and pelvis pain during or after sexual activities. Accompanying symptoms include irregular menstrual bleeding, pelvic floor pain, and intense menstrual cramps. 

If you have endometriosis, you can often manage it through hormonal contraceptives, laparoscopic surgery, and pain medications. There’s no cure for this disorder (yet!), but proper treatment makes it possible for some people to maintain a healthy sex life.  

7. Penis shape and size 

Bigger isn't always better. If your partner has a considerably large or wide penis, this can cause painful friction and contact with your cervix during sex. To make things easier and more pleasurable, opt for extensive foreplay, plenty of lube, and positions that allow you to control the depth of penetration. Communicate openly with your partner to make sex as fun and enjoyable for both of you as possible — and take time for sexual aftercare, too.  

Potential solutions for painful intercourse  

In minor cases, you can treat painful sex at home, but you may require medical attention if the pain is serious or prolonged. If you're experiencing pain before, during, or after intercourse and other sex acts, try these strategies:  

Use plenty of lube  

Lube significantly reduces friction during sex. It's a quick and easy way to make for slick sex, and there are plenty of options to choose from, including formulas made with water, oil, and silicone. Water-based lubricants are compatible with most condoms, like latex and lambskin, and gentle on the skin. If you’re using latex barrier methods or silicone sex toys during sex, skip the oil-based formulas, as these can degrade latex and silicone. Reapply your lube throughout sex for the best results.  

Get in touch with your doctor  

Consult a healthcare provider or gynecologist if you're experiencing severe or persistent pain from sex. They can diagnose your condition and offer appropriate treatments. Time is of the essence, so don't wait to book your appointment.  

Communicate with your partner 

If a few tweaks to your sex life could help you get pain-free sexercise back on the table, talk to your partner openly and honestly. Discuss your preferences and what you think is causing your discomfort. You can try different techniques, positions, and even couples' sex toys to make intimacy more pleasurable. Sex therapy can also be beneficial if you're experiencing anxiety or difficulty relaxing during intercourse. 

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