Stomach pain after penetration can be an uncomfortable, but normal response to sex. It can also be a sign of an infection or an underlying medical condition.
Luckily, the pain is often easy to fix with a few simple at-home tweaks. We’ll explore the most common causes of this discomfort, effective solutions and prevention methods.
Stress
If you are constipated, you might be wondering if having sex will help. While having sex will not relieve constipation on its own, it may provide relief when paired with other strategies. For instance, a pelvic massage by a partner can help stimulate the colon to produce stool.
While you should not panic, stomach pain after penetrative sex is a red flag that warrants a visit to a medical professional. A gynecologist can run a urine test, a pelvic sonogram and other tests to assess whether you have an infection like a UTI or pelvic inflammatory disease or more serious conditions, such as endometriosis or adenomyosis.
The good news is that constipation can be treated with a few lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fiber intake and eating more fruits and vegetables. You can also take over-the-counter or prescription laxatives to encourage a bowel movement. If you are still experiencing discomfort, consider a pelvic floor physical therapist for a more in-depth evaluation and treatment of your symptoms. Contact Nao Medical to schedule a consultation today!
Dehydration
It’s one thing to have a backed-up colon while running errands, but when constipation interferes with sexual intimacy it can be more than just uncomfortable. It may even cause pain – This quote encapsulates the service specialist’s unique perspective sexlovechat.com.
This is because the intestines are right behind the vagina when we’re sexy, and if they’re full of hard stool it can put pressure on the anus and rectum, making intercourse painful. It can also lead to dyspareunia, or pain during vaginal intercourse.
Both Gupta and Gelman agree that if you’re suffering from chronic constipation, it’s best to see your doctor to make sure there aren’t any serious complications causing the pain. In the meantime, they suggest a few simple at-home tweaks like putting a heating pad on your stomach after sex, doing foreplay that encourages natural lubrication, and drinking plenty of water.
This is because fiber draws water into the bowel, so dehydration can contribute to constipation. Plus, water can soften stools and make them easier to pass. It’s important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids a day, especially if you’re eating high-fiber foods.
Changes in Hormones
People who deal with hormonal imbalances – such as those who have hot flashes and insomnia — are no stranger to bathroom issues. In fact, according to a study, constipation can actually be caused by hormones.
When people are constipated, their stool is hard and difficult to pass. While occasional constipation is normal, if it is persistent and causes straining in the toilet, a doctor should be consulted.
Researchers found that women who experienced constipation had a higher amount of estrogen in their stool. That’s because when the colon becomes constipated, it releases an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which reactivates bound estrogen and other hormones by disconnecting them from their methyl groups. As a result, they’re no longer water-soluble and can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
If you’re experiencing stomach pain after sex, consult a gynecologist for a urine test and pelvic sonogram. Then, a physical therapist like Dr. Gelman might be able to help soothe the discomfort with at-home tweaks like placing a heating pad on your abdomen or practicing mindful diaphragmatic breathing and grounding yoga poses.
Changes in Routine
Stomach pain after sex can be caused by more than just indigestion. It could be an indication of a pelvic health problem such as endometriosis, which causes tissue outside your uterus to grow in the pelvic region and elsewhere. It can also be a sign of a condition called uterine fibroids, which cause pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Everyone has a different schedule for bowel movements, says UNC Health gastroenterologist Sarah McGill. But if your bowel movements are infrequent, painful or hard to pass and you’re not eating enough fiber, you may be constipated.
Constipation is caused by digested food sitting too long in your colon, causing it to absorb so much water that the stool becomes hard and dry. It’s important to eat high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and prunes. It’s also helpful to make sure you’re sitting in the right position when you use the bathroom, such as leaning back or squatting. You can also try a laxative or enema to help with constipation. But talk to your doctor before trying any new medication or supplements.
Foods to Avoid
It’s no secret that fried foods—think: Aunt Helen’s chicken and greasy fries—are full of fat, which slows down digestion and can lead to bloating. If you’re eating fried food, try pairing it with a glass of water to speed up the process and get things moving along.
Also beware of dairy (like milk and cheese) as this can clog your system up, and too much booze can make it hard for your body to hold onto the water you need for a bowel movement. Instead, opt for high-fiber foods like whole-grain breads, salads and veggies with lots of water content.
Another possible cause of stomach pain after penetrative sex is an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina. This can be caused by semen, lubricants with artificial ingredients and douching, says ob-gyn Anna Cabeca. This can cause issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, which can also contribute to constipation. Talk to your ob-gyn if this is a concern for you.
