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Why Does my Stomach Hurt After Sex?

Posted on January 11, 2023

if you're wondering, why does my stomach hurt after sex, and you're female, this post is for you. When your stomach hurts after sex, it's upsetting. And it makes intimacy challenging. Plus, this symptom's confusing: why would your stomach hurt after you're done with intimacy? We totally understand your confusion! So, to get to the bottom of this symptom, we're reviewing some common causes of post-coital stomach pain. Question mark symbol

Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Sex Female Conditions

We know it's scary when something that's supposed to feel good leaves you in pain. But, before you panic, get armed with information! Here are four possible reasons why your stomach hurts after having sex.

1. Fibroids can make your stomach hurt after sex.

Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors that may cause pain during sex.

And do you know one common fibroid symptom? These growths can leave you with non-menstrual cramping. Which can make your stomach hurt after sex. Of course, they can also make your period cramps torturous. Or trigger sharp, stab-like stomach pains.

(Fibroids also cause pelvic pain, back pain and lots of pressure in your pelvic region. At least for 30% of women with these growths.)

What to do: We can diagnose fibroids with a pelvic ultrasound or MRI. If you receive a fibroid diagnosis, know that you don't have to have surgery to find relief! Houston Fibroids specializes in UFE treatment, which is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Be sure to discuss all treatment possibilities with your doctor.

2. You may have endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition in which bits of your uterine lining make their way out of your uterus. When you have endometriosis of the pelvis, your organs in that area may adhere to each other. So, if deep penetration is painful, this could be why your stomach hurts after sex .

What to do: Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, so you’ll want to discuss your entire medical history, including your stomach pain, with your doctor. If you have enough symptoms to suggest endometriosis may be the culprit, you will have to undergo laparoscopic surgery to receive a diagnosis. After you are diagnosed, birth control pills or certain other medications can help control your symptoms.

3. You could have a pelvic cyst.

Ovarian cysts are typically harmless, fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on your ovary. And, while they don’t require treatment, pelvic cysts are a different story. These cysts are often a sign of infection or problematic anatomical issues.

What to do: You can diagnose a pelvic cyst via ultrasound. usually, pelvic cysts are removed via minimally invasive surgery

4. An infection may be to blame.

Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) is a type of vaginal infection. It's triggered when bacteria from your vagina  spreads to your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. One common PID side effect is widespread vaginal pain that’s  mistaken for stomach pain. Unfortunately, untreated PID leads to scarring and lasting stomach pain, even after your infection clears up.

What to do: See your doctor right away. If you catch an infection early on, symptoms can usually be cleared up quickly with antibiotics. If, however, scarring and/or PID has set in, more invasive treatments may be necessary.

5. Vaginal Dryness Could be the Problem

It may sound strange, but vaginal dryness can make your stomach hurt after sex. Luckily, it's easy to treat this cause without major interventions. At many times in your life, vaginal dryness could be a concern: menopause, the birth control you choose, or even your menstrual cycle can all impact your hormones. If that happens, and estrogen levels get out of balance, you may experience vaginal dryness...and pain in your lower abdomen after sex.

But how could a dry vagina lead to stomach pain? It's pretty simple, explains the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Basically, after sex when you're experiencing vaginal dryness, you may develop irritation and burning. These symptoms can feel like a pain in your lower abdomen after sex.

Treating Stomach Pain That Occurs After Sex

So, now we've gone over some of the ‘scary’ reasons that your stomach may hurt after sex. Of course, there are some other, less problematic, causes of post-coital stomach pain—you’ve tried a new position, or you’re not using enough lube. But sex should feel good. And stomach pain doesn't. So talk to your doc right away if pain during or after intercourse happens more than once.

Do you suspect that fibroids are causing your post coital pain? Come see our Houston specialists to learn your non-surgical fibroid treatment options. Other fibroids symptoms include heavy periods, bloating, and pelvic pain, even when you aren't engaged in intercourse.

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