Leg soreness after sexual activity is often related to physical exertion and muscle fatigue. Proper warm-up and stretching can minimize this discomfort.
Nerve compression is another common cause of leg pain after sexual activity. Certain positions and movements can compress nerves in the legs, causing pain or tingling sensations. Adjusting the position or avoiding the movement can alleviate this pain.
Muscle strain
A muscle strain occurs when a muscle is stretched beyond its usual limits, causing the muscle fibers to tear. This injury often happens at the junction of the muscle and the tough, fibrous connective tissue called a tendon. It may also occur as a result of direct trauma, such as a blow to the muscle.
A doctor can recommend rest, ice packs (20 minutes every hour while awake) and activity modification until the pain has decreased. The doctor can also suggest a physical therapy regimen to decrease the risk of future injuries. An X-ray and lab tests may be needed if the injury is severe.
Cramps
Cramps usually occur when muscles are tight or overused. They last from seconds to minutes. They can also be caused by dehydration or working the muscle in an awkward position. It’s important to determine if the cramps are sudden and localized or widespread, and what seems to trigger them.
Some women experience pain during or after sexual activity. This is known as dyspareunia. It can be relieved by increasing foreplay and using a quality lubricant.
Other reasons for pain during sex include medical conditions, such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be a sign of urinary tract infections or bladder problems.
Endometriosis
The pain from endometriosis comes from endometrial-like tissue that grows outside of your uterus. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pelvic pain during menstruation, heavy bleeding and abnormally painful periods.
For pregnancy to occur, a fertilized egg must travel through the fallopian tube, attach to the lining of your uterus and grow. But endometrial-like tissue can also grow on other organs or structures, such as your abdomen and pelvis, ovaries and chest.
It can trigger pain during intercourse and linger afterward. The severity of the pain isn’t a good indicator of how advanced your endometriosis is.
Vascular spasms
In cases where leg pain is due to an underlying condition, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or deep vein thrombosis, treating or managing the underlying cause can alleviate the symptoms. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication to improve blood flow, or surgical interventions.
Nerve damage or dysfunction can also lead to leg pain and numbness. Treatments for this type of pain may include medications to manage nerve pain and physical therapy to help improve muscle strength and flexibility. Counselling or psychotherapy may be beneficial if the symptoms are related to emotional factors.
Adrenal dysfunction
While it’s not considered typical to experience pain during or after sexual activity, it is a sign of an issue that should be discussed with a healthcare provider. This could include a doctor, gynecologist, or urologist (healthdirect, 2021).
For women, the pain may be from using a new type of lubricant, a different sex position, or increased foreplay. If the pain is constant or happens at certain times, it’s likely a condition like anusitis, proctitis, or balanitis.
For men, the problem is usually an infection or a medication. Yeast infections, STIs, and allergies are common causes of these issues.
Radiculopathy
Symptoms of this condition include pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs. It develops when bones in your spine move out of place and press on spinal nerves. It can also occur when other conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, affect the cartilage and bones in your spine.
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can improve muscle balance and reduce the likelihood of postcoital leg pain. Talking openly with your sexual partner and finding positions that minimize strain can also help.
Using a lubricant can reduce friction and increase comfort during sexual activity. Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease muscle pain and inflammation.
Hormonal changes
It’s important to note that if leg pain persists, it is not normal and may indicate a serious medical condition. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend medications like muscle relaxants and nerve pain medications to help ease the discomfort.
Some women experience pain after sex due to a change in hormone levels, especially during pregnancy or postmenopause. These hormonal changes can cause a stretching of the vaginal ligaments, which can trigger pain and itching.
Practicing good hygiene, ensuring proper hydration and incorporating regular leg-strengthening exercises can help reduce leg pain after sexual activity. It is also recommended to communicate openly with your partner and explore different positions that are comfortable for both of you.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted cords you can see under the surface of your skin. They occur when one-way valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart fail. These valves can become damaged by wear and tear or because of pregnancy, aging, being overweight or a family history of varicose veins.
You can help prevent varicose veins by wearing compression stockings, practicing calf-strengthening exercises and elevating your legs when you’re sitting or resting. You also can try medications, such as sclerosing agents that cause your vein to close up by irritating it. If home treatment doesn’t help, you might need a procedure to treat varicose veins.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in a blood vessel, usually the deep veins of your leg or pelvis. The clots block blood flow through the vein, causing pain and swelling. It’s important to seek medical care if you have these symptoms because they can be life-threatening if a clot breaks loose and travels to your lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism.
Treatment options include medicines to ease pain and prevent clots from forming, exercise to promote circulation, and elevating your legs for several minutes several times a day. Other diagnostic tests may include a blood test called D-dimer and duplex ultrasound or magnetic resonance venography of your leg veins.
