Causes and treatment of sore vagina after sex –

What are the causes of sore vagina after sex?

Yeast infection

Pain in the vagina or vulva is one of the most common symptoms of yeast infection.
While other symptoms such as pain during urination, swelling, itching in the vagina, etc. are included.

Vaginismus

Due to this the muscles around the vulva and vagina automatically contracts.
Due to which it becomes very uncomfortable or impossible to do penetration in the vagina.
In such a situation, if you are able to have sex, you can feel very severe pain around the vagina and vulva.

Medications

Natural hormone levels are suppressed due to birth control drugs.
Due to which the tissue inside the vagina becomes thin and dry.
If you do not use lubrication or do not do natural lubrication by foreplay properly, then there may be pain due to friction during sex which lasts till later.

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Bartholin’s cyst

There are Bartholin glands on both sides of the vagina which help in the lubrication of the vagina.
Sometimes these cysts or the ducts providing fluid get blocked.
Due to which there can be cramping, pus-filled bumps on one side of the vagina.
In such a situation, having sex can irritate the surrounding tissue and Bartholin cyst, which can cause unwanted pain.

Endometriosis

When tissues such as the endometrium begin to grow outside the uterus such as the ovaries, lower abdomen, or bowel, it is known as endometriosis.
Pain during sex and pain in periods are quite common symptoms.
This pain can be very deep in the body such as in the upper part of the pelvis or vagina.

Tight pelvic floor muscles

Having sex can be uncomfortable due to tight pelvic floor muscles.
The reason for this tightness is poor posture, certain types of activity like cycling, naturally tightening of the muscle structure around the pelvis.
In such a situation, reverse kegel exercises can help.

Forceful or prolonged sex

Penetration may be a bit rough during sex, causing you pain or discomfort.
This pain and discomfort occur around the vagina and vulva.
Sensitive tissue can become inflamed due to friction and excess pressure.
If you or your partner uses fingers, sex toys, or any other object while having sex, then you may get additional pain.

Sexually transmitted infection

Vaginal pain during sex is considered the first symptom of STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes.
In such a situation, you and your partner need to be screened for STIs.
Treatment is very important to prevent future infections.

Vulvodynia

It is a pain in the vulva that lasts for more than 3 months.
It is not yet clear what is the reason for this condition.
Apart from this, apart from pain after having sex, you may experience burning, prickling, throbbing pain in the vaginal area.
In severe cases, the sensitivity may be so severe that you may experience difficulty in doing everyday tasks or wearing clothes.

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Menopause

Before or during menopause, the body’s hormone levels increase or decrease rapidly.
Due to less estrogen, the body makes less natural lubricants.
Also, the tissue present in the vagina becomes dry and thin.
Due to which sex penetration becomes the cause of more pain and discomfort.

Uterine fibroids

This is a non-cancerous growth that can grow inside or above the uterus.
As they get older, the pain can be great.
If you have uterine fibroids, you may experience pelvic pain after sex.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions can also occur with the use of condoms, lubricants or other sex products.
For example, many people are allergic to latex condoms.
This can cause discomfort on the vulva, including vaginal itching.
Whereas the pain can reach the canal due to the penetration of an object in the vagina.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

This is a bacterial infection that can be caused by bacteria that cause sexual infections.
The infection can spread to your fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, ovaries.
While you may have pelvic pain, pain during sex, bleeding, discharge, pain during urination, etc.

Vaginitis

Inflammation occurs due to a change in the balance of natural bacteria present in the vagina.
This is called vaginitis which causes vaginal itching and vaginal discharge.
Apart from this, this pain can remain in the vagina or labia without any sexual touch.
While having sex this pain can be increased or noticed.

Urinary tract infection

When you have a UTI, you feel more than pain during urination.
Also, it causes pain in the vaginal area and around the pelvis.
You may experience additional irritation and inflammation if you have sex when you have a urinary tract infection.

Vulvar pain

Sexual touch, friction, and pressure can cause pain in the vulva.
In case of having pain before sex, then it’s been better to consult the doctor as it could be a symptom of a condition like vulvar cancer.
If vulvar irritation persists for a few hours or days, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Lack of lubrication

Whenever a woman is excited about sex, her body releases lubrication in the vagina which is a natural process.
But in some cases, this lubrication is not enough.
If your sexual arousal is low or you rush without giving yourself much time, then you may feel more friction than usual.
Microscopic tears can occur in the vagina due to friction which results in pain and discomfort.
In some cases, it can also cause infection.

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Is vaginal pain after sex a cause for concern?

If you are feeling pain in your vagina or its surrounding area after having sex, then it is important that you find out where this pain is starting.
This will help in finding out the possible cause and best treatment.
The muscles of the vagina are long, a canal that runs from the vulva to the cervix.
Vulva has labia, clitoris, vulva, urethral opening.
Labia Lips or folded skin which is at the place of vulva.
Vagina is called by many women instead of vulva.
If you feel pain in the vulva or vagina after sex penetration, then there are many reasons for its occurrence.
Whereas in very rare cases it is a sign of an emergency.

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What is the treatment of sore vagina after sex?

Lubrication

Use a lube if you want help reducing friction.
For this, using a water-based lubricant helps to reduce skin irritation of the vagina and vulva.
The material of oil-based lube can break the condom which can lead to tearing.
Lube can be reapplied if tearing or tugging is felt.

Antibiotics

Take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to treat UTIs, some STIs and PIDs.

Surgery

In cases of uterine fibroids or Bartholin cysts, surgery may be required.
In cases of cysts, the gland is removed by draining.

Allergy-free products

If you are allergic to latex, avoid the material made from it.
Do not use if vulvar sensitivity is due to Lube.

Hormonal product

Some people benefit from hormone replacement therapy.
This causes menopause by adjusting the body over time.
In addition, it can restore natural lubrication and reduce the pain of sexual penetration.

Pelvic floor exercise

Pelvic floor muscles can be relaxed by doing reverse kegel exercises.
This not only helps in reducing the pain after sex but also helps in making penetration more enjoyable.

Ice therapy

The pain due to friction or pressure gets better on its own within a few hours.
In such a situation, vulvar discomfort can be relieved by applying ice.
Compressing with ice for 5 to 10 minutes at a time gives relief.
Be careful not to apply ice directly to the vulva.
Ice can be applied by keeping a cloth or cloth.
Apart from this, you can buy ice packs and use them.
In case the discomfort persists after applying ice, seek medical help immediately.

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