Here's Why You May Get Cramps After Having Sex
Although sex should be pleasurable, it's not without its downsides — and we're not just talking about the possibility of STIs, UTIs, and unwanted pregnancies. A proper roll in the hay, if unprotected, can lead to stomach problems and, even if you use protection, you might find yourself bent over in pain afterward with some major cramping. As much as the oxytocin that's released during sex is beneficial in dozens of ways, when it comes down to it, engaging in penetrative sex can put the body through the wringer.
Trying to pinpoint the reason you may be getting cramps after sex isn't easy, because it really could be anything. From a displaced IUD and vaginal dryness, to where you are in your menstrual cycle, to more complicated issues like endometriosis and fibroids, cramps can be the result of a whole slew of things. Even orgasms can cause cramping after sex! "Before and during an orgasm, your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and breathing increases," OB/GYN and women's health expert Sherry A. Ross, MD told Business Insider. "The muscles everywhere in your body, especially in your pelvic area, can become tense, spasm and cramp."
If you know you can rule out infections and reproductive organ-related conditions as reasons for your cramping, then your next step is taking preventative action to limit those cramps. If that doesn't work, then you'll want to consider seeing your doctor because while cramping is common, it doesn't mean it's okay — and it certainly doesn't feel good.
How to manage post-sex cramps
When it comes to post-sex cramps, think of OTC pain relievers, like ibuprofen and Tylenol, as your first line of defense. While taking them after you have sex is helpful, if you can get them into your system before sex, even better.
In addition to pain relievers, applying heat to the crampy area helps too, such as "taking a nice, hot bath or using a heating pad," reproductive endocrinologist Janelle Luk told HuffPo. "Because we're trying to calm the contractions and tension, you may also want to try some natural remedies like stretching or deep breathing to promote relaxation in that area." Luk also suggested sticking to positions that "lessen the pressure on your cervix and body" and, if you know you're prone to cramping, avoiding rough intercourse. It may feel phenomenal in the moment, but if you know you're going to be suffering afterward, just skip it.
You also want to have some electrolytes on hand. According to a 2019 study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, while water may increase cramping in dehydrated muscles, ingesting electrolytes prevents this. So if you're not a big water drinker but you're getting cramps after sex, this is a great opportunity to make electrolytes part of your sexy routine. In general, sex always demands optimal hydration.
When to see a doctor
What's important to understand about post-sex cramping is that, while it's common, it doesn't mean it should be ignored. "Any pain is not normal — although that doesn't mean something dire is happening, it just means you may need an evaluation," OB-GYN Felice Gersh, MD told Cosmopolitan.
If the cramps aren't all the time, then you'll want to consider keeping a diary about each sexual experience detailing the cramping and its effect on you. This will help you and your doctor find a pattern, making a diagnosis easier if it's something serious. "When a chronic pain problem is present, it can be a challenge to see the progress on a day-to-day basis," Heather Jeffcoat, doctor of physical therapy who specializes in sexual dysfunction, told HealthCentral . "It can be hard for those with chronic conditions to see any progress unless their own words are staring back at them confirming it."
Ultimately, if you are experiencing post-sex cramps there's a reason and there's management for the pain. It's just a matter of listening to your body, not pushing it when things don't feel right, and seeking medical help when the cramping becomes something that you no longer think you can handle on your own.