Any form of mild abdominal discomfort after intercourse is usually normal for women. It may however depend on the time in your cycle. Your ovulation pain may increase after a sexual encounter.
Similarly, your cramps may reduce or increase just before your period starts. Other underlying factors such as early pregnancy may also make intercourse a bit uncomfortable.
But why have severe abdominal pain immediately or even 2 to 5 days after coitus? Should this be treated as a normal occurrence or should you see a doctor?
- Some birth control methods such as Minera IUD have been known to cause post-coital pain.
While Period-like cramps after sex mostly go away after a while, some women may experience the pain even days afterwards. It is important to know when to worry and when to consider it a normal issue.
Is it normal?
Depending on the intricacies of the sexual encounter, having cramps after intercourse may or may not be normal. If your most recent sexual encounter involved trying something new and it is the first time you are experiencing the abdominal pain after sex, then it is just a result of the sexual intercourse and you have nothing to worry about.
- However, if your sexual encounter was normal yet you feel intense pain after sex, then chances are that it is a sign of bigger underlying problems such as a disease.
- Also, if the cramps do not ease by the second day, then it is a cause for alarm and requires the intervention of a medical doctor.
- Does the pain occur at any other time besides after sex? If this is the case, then they have little to do with the sexual intercourse and are most likely the symptoms of a health problem developing. You should see a gynecologist.
While a little bit of mild discomfort immediately after intercourse may be normal, abdominal pain that lasts for more than 2 days can be a source of worry.
Causes
Postcoital abdominal and pelvic pain has been associated with many different causes. Some of these are serious while others only require home remedies or over-the-counter medications to get rid of.
Some of the most probable causes include:
1. IUD
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Two types of intrauterine devices exist namely the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. Both serve a similar purpose.
The use of intrauterine devices has been linked to abdominal pain and bleeding after intercourse given that they are foreign bodies that have to sit in the body for the period decided upon.
When you have sex, the physical excitement of the abdomen is likely to tamper with the intrauterine device leading to pain and some bleeding.
If your intrauterine device causes repeated cramps after sex, you need to see your doctor about it. While the use of intrauterine devices is one of the most effective birth control methods, their use is only a safe as the skills of the doctor who inserts them and your ability to maintain them. Any form of disturbance often leads to bleeding and some abdominal discomfort.
2. Minera birth control
The Minera birth control is a form of intrauterine device (IUD) which releases a hormone to prevent pregnancies for as long as you want. Just like other IUD devices, it is T-shaped and inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancies in various ways. Minera devices prevent pregnancies by:
- Preventing the sperm from reaching the mature egg by blocking the entry to the fallopian tube.
- Thins the wall of the uterus to prevent the attachment of the embryo in the case that the sperm still manages to fertilize a mature egg.
- Thickens the cervical mucus thus making it hard for the sperms to enter the uterus.
The use of the Minera birth control device has been associated with many side effects including cramping, spotting, dizziness and general discomfort.
In some cases, the use of the Minera birth control device can lead to the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you already have the pelvic inflammatory disease, have any cancer of the female reproductive system, or you get easily infected, it is recommended that you avoid using this birth control method.
3. Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition in which the vagina narrows itself just before penetration. It is often due to the fear of being penetrated most probably due to a past incident such as sexual abuse. Forceful penetration will lead to soreness and pain during and after sex.
4. Tilted uterus
The normal position of the uterus is either upwards, downwards or towards your belly. In the case of a tilted uterus, its position would change to face the rectum.
While this case is rare and occurs in just about 20 percent of the female population, it becomes very painful after having sex. Abdominal discomfort after sex is common when you have a tilted or retroverted uterus.
5. Deep penetration
The cervix is the neck of the uterus on the lower side. While it is very close to the vagina where sexual activity takes place, the cervix is quite sensitive to touch or any other form of disturbance. Before sex, the cervix and the uterus should pull upwards to make the vagina longer.
However, certain sex positions or a well-endowed man can still make the cervix accessible. When the cervix is hit during sex, it will be irritated with bad cramps being one of the results of this.
6. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacks of fluid that develop in the ovaries. While they are still painful on their own, the ovarian cysts increase in pain when disturbed by sexual activity for example.
During sex, the ovaries might be disturbed leading to pain and, in some cases, a fluid which flows when the cysts burst. If you think the mild to severe discomfort during and after intercourse is caused by ovarian cysts, see your gynecologist as soon as possible.
7. Fibroids
Fibroids are benign growths on the uterus and inside it. When they are large in size, they will put pressure on the womb leading to pain and discomfort. Besides that, the fibroids can also develop on the cervix leading to pain during sex.
You are likely to be having fibroids if most sexual encounters leave you in pain and you also have pain in the pelvis, low sex drive, and some bleeding after sex. It is a case that requires seeing a doctor for a solution.
8. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
The pelvic inflammatory disease is an inflammation of the pelvis, ovaries and the fallopian tubes. It is a very painful condition that is made worse by abdominal disturbances such as sexual activity.
Occasional dull aches after sex, or even during normal time can mean you have PID. According to the OBOS common medical contributors, some of the common symptoms of PID include “…abnormal or foul discharge from the vagina or urethra, pain or bleeding during or after intercourse, irregular bleeding or spotting, increased menstrual cramps, increased pain during ovulation, frequent or burning urination, inability to empty the bladder, swollen abdomen…”
9. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining (the endometrium) grows on the outside rather than the inside of the uterus. This case causes a lot of pain on its own.
When activities such as sex disturb the abdomen, you will feel intense cramping after sex. In some cases, bleeding can be observed after sex. It is a case that requires the immediate attention of a medical doctor.
10. Orgasm cramps
When you have orgasms, your pelvic and cervical muscles will contract at various degrees. These contractions will often lead to painful cramps after sex with most women having to take a remedy to soothe them.
You may also experience mild bloating after an orgasm due to the sexual activity since the thrusting motions can force air into vagina and cervical cavity.
Abdominal pain can be severe or mild. However, the cramping should not last for more than a day. If you experience cramping 2, 3, 4, 5 days after sexual intercourse, see your doctor as soon as possible.
11. Dryness of the vagina
When you do not have enough natural (or added lubrication) then have sex, you are bound to have discomfort after sex due to the increased amount of friction. Low lubrication is caused by little foreplay or generally not being ready for sexual intercourse.
Besides this, having rough sex even with enough lubrication is bound to cause pain after during and after sex.
12. Losing your virginity
Are you cramping after the first time? After having one first sexual encounter, you are likely to feel pain and some spotting afterwards. It is due to the breaking of the hymen during sex. It is normal unless the pain and spotting occurs for several days afterwards.
13. Menopause
The onset and continuation of menopause can cause abdominal pains in the abdomen due to various reasons including;
- The vaginal dryness experienced during menopause can lead to testing and pain during and after sexual intercourse.
- Hormonal changes also lead to abdominal pains.
These cases, coupled with the hormonal rush experienced during sex, lead to discomfort after sex.
14. Ovulation
Mild cramps could be a sign of ovulation rather than a problem. If you have sexual intercourse during ovulation, you may feel a little bit of intense cramping.
During ovulation, the egg will be released by the follicles to start the journey towards the uterus. When this occurs, you are likely to have pain whether before, during sex or after sex or other times.
Ovulation pain occurs due to several reasons including;
- The eggs growing and exerting pressure on the walls of the follicles.
- The bursting of the follicles to release the mature egg. This can also cause spotting.
- The hormonal changes that take place during the ovulation process also induce some abdominal pain.
- The muscular spasms that take place in the fallopian tubes as they push the egg towards the uterus also cause pains in the abdomen.
15. Cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis is a case whereby the cervix becomes so narrow that the discharge of menses and other fluids becomes almost impossible.
When this occurs, the abdomen becomes painful especially when you disturb it with physical activities such as sex and exercises. Post-coital pain is a common symptom of cervical stenosis.
16. Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is bound to cause crams after sex and other symptoms such as irregular periods, frequent urination, abdominal pressure, abdominal swelling and others. If these often happen to you, you need medical assistance quickly.
Pain in early pregnancy
When the discomfort occurs, it could be due to the pregnancy you are having. This often occurs during the early days of your pregnancy and is due to the contractions of the pelvic muscles.
During the early stages of your pregnancy, you are set to experience a lot of changes in your body especially if it is your first pregnancy. Due to the hormonal changes in response to the pregnancy, having mild abdominal pain after sex is a common phenomenon which does not warrant any serious concerns.
- These pains are most likely to occur after you have had an orgasm from the sexual intercourse since orgasms cause mild contractions and expansions of the uterus.
- The pain you will feel is very much similar to what you experience during a period.
- The intensity of this pain, just like in a period, differs from one woman to the other.
If, however, the pain you experience is intense or is accompanied by a discharge, fever or other signs not related to sex, you should see a doctor urgently.
Mild cramping and spotting
Mild cramping after sex coupled with spotting is a common occurrence which should not worry you unless it becomes too common. In some women, this will occur in their teenage years or after menopause has set in. Postcoital bleeding and cramps occur due the following reasons:
- The sensitivity of the female reproductive system in young girls who would be experiencing some processes such as menstruation for the first few times.
- In women who are in their menopause years since the hormonal changes also make the vaginal area sensitive.
- Cancer of the cervix or ovaries is also characterized by pain and spotting during and after sex.
- An infection of the female reproductive system such as yeast, chlamydia, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. These infections inflame the female reproductive system leading to pain and spotting after sexual intercourse.
- Semen contains chemicals called prostaglandins which can cause pain especially when the woman has a high sensitivity to them.
- Ovulation and implantation can also be accompanied by cramping after sex and some spotting. While not related to sex, the two processes release blood and cause cramps which can be more pronounced with sexual activity.
Unless the cramps have a high intensity and the spotting becomes heavier, you need not worry about it. Also, the pain and spotting due to sexual activity should not continue for more than a few hours. If that is the case, you need to have the case checked by a medical doctor.
Intense or bad cramps
When the pain you feel after sex is intense, it is likely due to an infection rather than a natural process. The usual causes of bad cramps after sex do not lead to intense pain as some cases are.
One of the most likely causes of intense cramps is when the ovaries or the uterus are hit during sexual activity. Such cases are very painful although the pain should subside after a few hours.
If at any time you feel postcoital pain that is intense and doesn’t go away easily, visit a doctor for a checkup to ascertain what exactly causes it.
Cramps 2, 3, 4, 5 days after sex, a week after etc.
Most of the reasons dealt with here were focused on general cramping after sex. However, a closer look at what the pain means for each day will give you a better picture of what to expect and do.
2 days later
The most likely causes of cramping after sex for 48 hours (2 days) include;
- An inflamed cervix after deep penetration.
- The retained semen which have prostaglandins that may irritate the cervix and vagina for as long as they remain there.
- Rough sex which makes the vagina sore. This kind of pain may last for a while especially when not soothed.
- Diseases such as fibroids, yeast infections and cancer can also lead to cramping a few days after the sex.
3 days after intercourse
Cramps occurring three days after a sexual encounter could be caused by many different things. First, it can be due to the reasons already discussed before such as;
- The prostaglandins found in the semen which can cause pain in some women.
- Rough and dry sex which hurts the vagina.
- An inflamed cervix which happens after the cervix is hit during deep penetration.
At this stage, it is just too early to conclude that you are pregnant even if you had unprotected sex and were on your fertile days.
4 days afterwards
Experiencing abdominal pain four days after your sexual encounter will have something to do with an infection or a pregnancy. Infections such as most sexually transmitted diseases, fibroids, cysts and even cancer of the cervix and ovary can cause pain after sex.
While it may be too early to say you are pregnant, four days is enough for some women to exhibit early signs of a pregnancy specifically implantation spotting and cramps. It is a very confusing time and only waiting to determine whether you are pregnant or not through a pregnancy test will tell you what to do next.
Pain 5 days after
Depending on your menstrual cycle, cramping after sex on the 5th day can mean anything from a disease to a pregnancy. You ought to know that, at this time, the normal soreness from rough sex or an inflamed cervix would have gone away.
If it is a disease, it would include fibroids, ovarian cysts, cancer and others known to cause cramping. For pregnancy, five days is enough for the fertilized egg to have reached the uterine wall for implantation. If the cramps are accompanied by some light spotting and last for about 2 days then they disappear, you are pregnant.
Abdominal discomfort a week later
Abdominal pain after sex that happens a week later is most definitely a sign of a pregnancy. It would be the implantation process taking place in the uterus (womb).
After ovulation, it takes about a week for the embryo to be attached to the wall of the uterus. If you had sex around the ovulation time, then the sperm managed to fertilize the egg to form the embryo. You need to prepare yourself for a child although you will need to have a test after you miss your periods to ascertain whether you are actually pregnancy.
Before period
If your period is almost due and you experience cramping after sex, there are two most probable reasons for that.
First, you may be premenstrual symptoms (PMS) which is a set of symptoms which come about just before your next period. Most women who have premenstrual symptoms exhibit abdominal pain after sex since the cervix and vagina are often inflamed by the PMS.
Secondly, you could be having a pregnancy and the cramps are simply early signs of the pregnancy developing. It all depends on how close to the periods the cramps occur although the most likely case will be early signs of a pregnancy.
How to prevent the pain
Before delving into the methods of relieving abdominal pain, here are the methods to prevent its occurrence.
- Change sex positions to avoid deep penetration which can irritate the cervix.
- Have your doctor reposition the IUD
- Treat fibroids if they have been discovered
- Have the uterus repositioned correctly if it is found to be misaligned
- Treat ovarian cysts
- Treat endometriosis
- Treat the pelvic inflammatory disease
- Always ensure you have enough lubrication before engaging in sexual intercourse. You can buy lubricants if your natural lubrication is lacking.
Relief tips and remedies
- Apply a heating pad on the abdomen as it helps in soothing the pain away.
- You can also have a warm bath which has the same effect of reducing the pain almost immediately.
- You can use medications from relieving pain such as painkillers.
- Have a massage with essential oils to soothe the pain away.
- Do a light exercise such as aerobics.
- Use natural foods such as chamomile tea, cinnamon, fennel seeds, ginger, pcycenogenol, dill and others.
These and many other remedies provide fast relief from cramps after sex and other abdominal pain.
References
- Willow Women’s Clinic (2006), IUD – Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.willowclinic.ca/?page_id=720
- Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis with Myelopathy – Spine-Health
- Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Signs | CTCA