Having sex feels great, but what happens after you get it on? 

All forms of sex are physical and emotional workouts (yes, even quickies). They use all sorts of muscles and access all kinds of feelings, even if you're in a no-strings-attached scenario. 

Sex affects the body, mind, and emotions in surprising ways, from the release of oxytocin to your post-orgasm symptoms. Here's a look at what happens after sex to a woman or person with a vagina.

Decoding the afterglow  

Sex is a whirlwind of movements, emotions, and chemical changes that cause a range of postcoital effects. These effects, from sleepiness to itching after sex, make understanding what happens during and after sex almost as fascinating as actually doing the deed.  

The sexual response cycle includes four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. After stimulation and climax, the body returns to baseline during the resolution phase. The heart rate and blood flow slows. Breathing becomes more regular, and tense muscles relax. In women and people with vaginas, the vaginal muscles and uterus begin to revert to their pre-arousal state. Feelings of fatigue and calmness are common.  

It's essential to note that the sexual experience, including its aftermath, is unique to everyone. While the sexual response cycle offers a generalized framework, it doesn't capture the full spectrum of individual variations — including responses that don't fit neatly into these categories. Understanding that after-sex symptoms vary from person to person can foster a more open-minded and accepting approach to sexuality.  

What happens to your body after sex? 

In most cases, sex is a physically engaging activity. Its various movements and positions lead to unique bodily responses. Sometimes, the effects feel great. Other times, you may find yourself wondering, “Why do I feel sick after sex?” 

Here are some of the most common after-sex symptoms that females and people with vaginas experience:  

Vaginal itching 

Itching after sex can be a reaction to simple friction, dry skin, or the ingredients in condoms and lube. It's typically temporary, but if it persists or you experience other symptoms simultaneously, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection requiring medical attention. 

Vaginal secretions 

Increased vaginal secretion after sex is another bodily reaction that's completely normal. The vagina lubricates naturally in response to sexual arousal, and after intercourse, it doesn't just disappear. For women experiencing menopause or postmenopause, these secretions may decrease due to lower estrogen levels, which can lead to dryness around the vulva and discomfort during sex.  

Bleeding 

The friction of intercourse or masturbating can cause tiny tears in the vaginal tissue or mild cervical inflammation. This can lead to mild bleeding after sex, especially if it’s particularly rough or vigorous. In some cases, it may even be old menstrual blood leaving the uterus. 

Post-sex bleeding is usually not cause for concern, but if it’s heavy or happens often, consult a healthcare professional. It might mean you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or another condition.  

Cramps 

If you cramp up after sex, it might be a natural reaction to uterine contractions from orgasm. While these cramps are usually mild and short-lived, severe cramps can be a sign of an underlying condition and warrant a talk with your doctor. 

Pelvic pain 

Women and people with vaginas who have had children may experience pelvic congestion syndrome. Deep penetration can exacerbate symptoms of this condition, which include pressure and pain in the pelvic area, often on the left side. While it's not dangerous, you should see your doctor if the pain is persistent or affects sexual enjoyment.  

Burning 

Temporary inflammation and engorgement of vaginal tissues can cause burning after sex, but this is just one of many possibilities. Other culprits could be hormonal changes, using the wrong lube, or using too little lube. This sensation typically isn’t cause for alarm and should subside relatively quickly, but if it doesn't, or if it's accompanied by symptoms like unusual discharge, you may have an infection or STD.  

Sweating 

Post-sex sweating is the body's natural way of cooling down after sex, which increases body temperature and heart rate. Similar to how you might sweat after a workout, sweating after sex is a sign that your body regulates its temperature normally. Consider it indicative of a solid workout.  

Increased heart rate  

One of the many benefits of sex is that, like any cardiovascular exercise, it causes the heart to pump harder and faster. You may notice your heart beating quicker than it usually does after sex, and that's totally normal. Just remember to rest and drink some water. Your heart rate will gradually slow as part of your body's normal recovery process. 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) 

Unfortunately, post-sex UTIs are common for many women and people with vaginas. This is because sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra and urinary tract, leading to burning, itching, and pain. If you're wondering what to do after sex, always pee to help flush out any bacteria. 

Seek medical attention if you have UTI symptoms, as they often require prescription antibiotics. The infection could spread to your bladder or kidneys if left untreated, so don’t wait to see someone if you think you could have a UTI.

What happens to your brain after sex? 

A burst of brain activity happens during arousal and sexual activity, especially after reaching orgasm or ejaculation. Hormones and neurotransmitters are released during and after sex, and these chemicals can make you feel specific ways during intimacy.  

From the urge to snooze to a surge of emotional connection or even feeling depressed, here's a look at the mental and emotional changes women and people with vaginas experience after sex:  

Feeling sleepy 

The brain releases various hormones when you orgasm or ejaculate, like oxytocin and prolactin, that make you feel super relaxed. Prolactin, in particular, is associated with feelings of sleepiness. Research also indicates that women and people with vaginas are more likely to fall asleep after sex than men and people with penises because it increases the chances of conception. 

Feeling more attached to your partner  

Oxytocin, often called the love or happiness hormone, floods the brain during and after sex. This hormone enhances feelings of attachment, making you feel more connected to your sexual partner. Think of it as nature's way of fostering intimacy and trust in relationships and helping you have even better sex. This feeling may also be linked to vasopressin, another neurotransmitter released during sex.  

Feeling sad  

Many women feel more emotional or sensitive after sex, and this can include feelings of sadness and depression, called postcoital dysphoria (PCD). 

Postcoital dysphoria is negative emotions following consensual sexual activity. Symptoms include feelings of anxiety, irritability, and shame. In one study on PCD, 46% of participants experienced PCD at least once. Hormonal changes and lack of orgasm can bring on symptoms of PCD, as can trauma and mental health problems. Sexual aftercare may help alleviate these symptoms. 

Feeling euphoric  

On the other end of the spectrum are feelings of happiness and euphoria after sex. Your brain releases much higher levels of dopamine during sex, and this neurochemical evokes feelings of reward, desire, and satisfaction. There’s a scientific connection between dopamine and the brain's reward system. Your brain also releases serotonin during sex, which can lead to feelings of peace and happiness and a regulated mood.  

Feeling less inhibited  

According to clinical psychologist Jennifer Sweeton, the areas in the brain responsible for social judgments, awareness, and self-inhibition shut off during sex. This neural disinhibition is unique to women and people with vaginas and may help you achieve orgasm. This phenomenon might explain why you feel on top of the world after sex or like you can tell your partner anything without worrying about what they think.  

Explore your sexuality with Quinn 

The aftermath of sex is a complex mix of the physical and the emotional, and understanding the impact of foreplay and intercourse on sexual health can help you have a better sex life. 

To continue your journey of sexual exploration, try Quinn. Quinn's audio erotica lets you dive deeper into your sexual needs, libido, erogenous zones, kinks, and more — all through the power of auralism.  

With Quinn, you can experience a wide range of scenarios with or without your partner, narrated to arouse you. It's a fresh and exciting way to embrace your sexuality that was created by women for everyone.

Download the Quinn app for iOS or Android today and enjoy thousands of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions.