The good news is that stomach pain and bloating after sex is normal. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly what is causing this discomfort and how to alleviate it.
It’s important to visit your doctor if you have severe or persistent bloating and pain. However, there are also a number of simple at-home tweaks you can try to ease your symptoms.
Causes
A bloated stomach after sex is common, but the causes range from everyday bodily responses to serious medical problems. The discomfort can be caused by anything from what you ate or drank to sexually transmitted infections to a medical condition called endometriosis, which affects the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus but grows outside of it.
Occasionally, gas pain after sex is caused by swallowing air, especially during oral sex. This can also occur when you have penetrative sex that pushes air into the vagina or anus, causing it to become trapped there. When you climax, this can cause the muscles to relax, which allows the gas to escape, and you’ll feel relief.
Sometimes, bloating after sex can be a sign of a digestive disorder, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you have IBS, eating foods that are easy to digest and taking over-the-counter anti-gas medications may help.
Another possible cause of sex-related bloating is an imbalance or overgrowth of your natural bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. To help keep your flora in check, try adding kombucha and fermented veggies to your diet. Douching can also negatively impact the bacteria in your vagina, so you might want to ditch that for good and opt for a natural lubricant without artificial ingredients or sweeteners.
Symptoms
If pain in your abdomen gets worse after sex or you have other symptoms such as irregular periods, unusual or smelly penile or vaginal discharge, painful urination or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll review your symptoms, do a pelvic exam and maybe run some tests.
Women who get bloated after sex may also have a condition called endometriosis, which causes tissue that lines the inside of your womb to grow outside of it. This can cause pain in your pelvis, stomach and lower back. You might also have pain during or after sex, and the pain might get worse with penetration.
Some lubricants are known to cause bloating, so using an unscented lube might help reduce your discomfort. Bloating is a sign of gas, which builds up in your gastrointestinal tract (gut). This can occur when you eat foods that are hard to digest or if you swallow air during exercise. Symptoms include a full and tight feeling in your stomach, abdominal pain or discomfort and rumbling or gurgling.
Unprotected sex can lead to cramping and bloating afterward, as sperm can enter the vagina and cause uterine contractions. This can be prevented by using a condom or asking your partner to pull out before ejaculating. Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also cause abdominal pain.
Treatment
Stomach bloating after sex is a common, yet often overlooked, phenomenon. While uncomfortable, the condition is typically harmless and easily treatable with a variety of home remedies. If bloating persists, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Certain types of lubricants and condoms can contribute to trapped gas after sexual activity. Using different types of lubricants and condoms, or avoiding foods that cause bloating, may help to alleviate the problem.
It is also important to note that if the pain is severe, or occurs regularly, it is best to consult with a doctor. It is possible that the bloating could be the result of an infection or an underlying health issue. If this is the case, a medical professional will need to perform a physical exam, as well as run some tests, such as an ultrasound or laparoscopy, in order to determine the source of the problem.
Although painful, bloating after sex is generally not a serious symptom, and should go away on its own within a few days. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to examine the patient, run some tests, and recommend treatment if necessary.
Prevention
Bloating after sex isn’t necessarily a sign of pregnancy, but it could be a sign of an infection or an underlying medical issue. If you are concerned, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for tests and treatment.
If your bloating is due to food intolerances or digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, taking steps to avoid trigger foods before sexual activity can help. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help your body digest food and reduce bloating.
Another possible cause of bloating after sex is an imbalance or overgrowth of natural bacteria in your vagina. This can lead to irritation and discomfort, especially during sexual intimacy. In this case, a gynecologist can prescribe probiotics to treat the infection and reduce symptoms.
Stomach pain after sex is a common but under-discussed symptom that can be a sign of serious health problems. If you have stomach pain after sex, see your gynecologist for a urine test and pelvic sonogram to rule out an infection or underlying medical condition.
If you’re prone to trapped gas, try taking deep breaths or eating fiber-rich foods before sexual activity. Adding probiotics to your diet can also improve digestion and decrease bloating. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy sexual experience with your partner.
