“Why does my vagina hurt after sex? Why can’t I enjoy my lover’s raw thrust inside me as I lay back and allow its head to push through the upper walls of my cavern?”
We’re sure you’re thinking something along the lines of the monologue above. Thankfully, your thoughts landed you on this article, in which we’ll explain why your vagina hurts after sex and how to remedy the situation.
Table of Contents
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is like having a cold all over your vagina.
So what causes it? Sometimes, vaginal dryness can be caused by a lack of estrogen, which is the hormone that keeps your vagina lubricated and plump.
But other times, it’s caused by menopause or even stress. Another common cause of vaginal dryness is simply being on the pill or using birth control with hormones.
Regardless of where vaginal dryness stems from, it can make things difficult for a woman wanting to get wet enough for comfortable penetration or ruin vaginal sex altogether. It can even make your stomach hurt after sex.
Remedy
Using a lubricant during sex or masturbation. This is especially helpful if you have trouble getting aroused or staying lubricated once things get going.
Endometriosis
The cells that line the uterus are called endometrial cells. Normally, these cells shed during menstruation and pass out through the vagina.
When endometriosis occurs, these cells continue to grow beyond the uterus and into surrounding tissues, such as ovaries, fallopian tubes and ligaments around the pelvis.
If the endometrial tissues are irritated by friction from the penis during intercourse, the vagina suffers pain.
Remedies
There are two main solutions to endometriosis: surgery or medication. Surgery can be risky because there could be scarring or other complications after surgery. Medication is less risky, but it can still have side effects.
However, several non-surgical options can help treat endometriosis, such as:
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin
- Nutritional supplements such as ginger or dandelion extracts help reduce excess estrogen levels and balance your hormones naturally.
- birth control pills
- GnRH agonists or antagonists
- estrogens
Vaginismus
When you have vaginismus, your body automatically tightens up when something enters your vagina—whether it’s a tampon and it’s moving toward the opening or a penis is moving toward the opening.
That’s why many women with this condition feel pain during intercourse or even penetration with tampons or fingers.
Many women experience vaginismus after sexual assault or rape, but it can also occur after childbirth, pelvic surgery (such as hysterectomy), or other types of trauma.
Sometimes, vaginismus may be caused by a physical abnormality such as an infection or endometriosis. This is known as secondary vaginismus.
Remedies
- Ensure you have enough lubrication in your vagina. If not, use a water-based lubricant during sex and masturbation.
- Use a kegel exerciser or vaginal dilator set to help strengthen the muscles around your vaginal opening. This will help loosen up the area and reduce or eliminate spasms.
- Insert an object into your vagina—like a tampon or a dildo—and then slowly pull it out while breathing deeply and slowly (like when giving birth).
If none of these strategies works for you, talk to your healthcare provider about other options, such as physical therapy or medications that may be available to help relax those muscles so they don’t contract as much when aroused.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. There are two types of vaginitis: Bacterial and nonbacterial.
Non-bacterial vaginitis can be caused by various factors, including using scented soap or douching too often. Bacterial vaginitis is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina.
If you have vaginitis, avoid sex until your infection clears up. Getting tangled underneath the sheets while infected can lead to more irritation in your vagina and worsen symptoms.
Remedies
- Use a lubricant with no scent or flavor, because these products are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
- Explore condoms instead of using a lubricant to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vulva Pain
Vulva pain is a general term for pain in the external female genitalia. It’s most commonly caused by infection, but sometimes vulva pain is caused by an injury or other condition.
The area of the vulva includes the labia majora (the outer lips), the mons pubis (the mound of fatty tissue above the vaginal opening), the clitoris, and the perineum (the skin between the vagina and anus).
Pain can be caused by infections such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. It can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Other causes include allergic reactions to soaps or detergents, yeast infections, and irritation from clothing or toilet paper products.
Vulva pain rarely attacks alone. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, and swelling around the area where you’re experiencing discomfort.
Remedies
- Tight clothing and underwear can rub against your vulva and irritate it, so you may want to wear looser pants or skirts.
- Take a hot bath with baking soda added in. This will soothe any irritation and cleanse the area of any bacteria or fungus that may be causing the problem.
- Consider using aloe vera gel on your vulva. This natural substance, known for its healing properties, will help soften irritated skin and reduce redness caused by inflammation around the opening of your vagina.
- Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like acetaminophen that will help reduce swelling in the area, which can lead to further discomfort if left untreated!
Rigorous Sex
The kinds of sex you have can play a role in how your vagina feels afterward. For example, if you’re having rough or aggressive sex without using lubricant, your vagina could go through some trauma and cause a lot more friction than it usually does during intercourse. This can lead to intense pain and discomfort following sex.
Remedies
- Try an ice pack. You can place it over your vulva while wearing undies or other clothing for about 15 minutes. Please don’t put ice directly on your vulva, as it might irritate the area.
- Get some rest. This will help your body heal and recover from any trauma it might have experienced during your last sexual activity that could have contributed to your pain.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus that lives on the skin and in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina.
When you have a yeast infection, your immune system attacks the fungus instead of protecting you.
This causes tissue inflammation surrounding your vaginal opening or vulva (the area around your genitals). The swelling can make it painful to urinate or have sex.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching or burning sensations in your vagina, pain when you pee, and pain during sex.
You may also notice swelling around your vagina or vulva, white patches in your underwear (soap and water will eliminate these), or discharge from your vagina that looks like cottage cheese.
Remedies
- Eat yogurt with live cultures every day. The live cultures in yogurt help keep the vagina healthy, which helps prevent yeast infections from happening.
- Use a probiotic supplement daily or twice daily. It’s an easy way to keep your gut healthy and prevent yeast overgrowth in your gut (which might cause systemic yeast growth).
- Apply coconut oil topically right before bedtime every night for two weeks to help restore your natural pH levels, which will help keep yeast growth under control.
- Don’t use douches or feminine hygiene products while trying to get rid of your yeast infection. These products can contribute to it by disrupting the pH balance that keeps your vagina healthy.
Condom Allergy
A condom allergy is a reaction to latex, the most common material used in condoms. The reaction can occur anywhere on the body and may include itching, burning, or a rash.
When someone has a condom allergy, they may experience side effects when they use condoms or have sex with someone who is wearing one.
These reactions are usually mild but may be more severe.
Remedy
Switch to polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms. These types of condoms are made from different materials and don’t contain any latex proteins that could trigger an allergic reaction.
Scar Tissue
The vagina is a very sensitive organ. It’s not surprising that things like childbirth, surgery, and scarring can hurt it.
Scar tissue that forms after surgery or childbirth can cause the vagina to become less elastic, which means it has a harder time stretching to accommodate sexual activity.
So if you’re wondering why your vagina hurts after sex, it may because the vagina is stretched beyond normal limits.
Remedies
- Avoid the position where your penetrating partner is on top. This position can be especially painful if your scar tissue is near the vaginal opening, as the partner puts pressure on that area during sex.
- Communicate with your partner about what feels good and doesn’t during sex.
- If possible, try using your fingers before moving on to intercourse to get a feel for how much pressure your partner should be using on your body.
- Using lubrication on yourself and your partner before sex reduces friction and makes penetration more comfortable for both of you.
Weak Arousal
Before sex, your body releases hormones that increase blood flow to the area and make it swell with arousal. This helps you enjoy the sensation of penetration and makes it easier to orgasm.
But if you’re not fully turned on before sex, this process won’t happen. Your body doesn’t release enough of these hormones or enough blood flow, and as a result, your vagina feels rougher or less pleasure during intercourse.
Remedies
- Rub coconut oil on your skin and feel the heat radiate inside your body.
- If you’ve been feeling like your libido isn’t quite up to par, then try using a vibrator or other sex toy to help get things moving in the right direction.
- Aromatherapy oils and candles are also great for boosting sexual energy. Light some candles and burn some fragrant incense for an extra boost of sensuality in the room that can help set the mood for intimacy between two people (or more).
- Hot showers or baths help relax tense muscles, which may be inhibiting your ability to enjoy physical contact with others or yourself.
Conclusion
There are numerous causes of the painful and uncomfortable feeling that follows vaginal sex. These are just a few reasons your vagina hurts after sex.
If you think one of these applies to you, or if you can’t find your problem on the list, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This article is meant to be informative, not therapeutic.