5 REASONS YOU HAVE A SORE VAGINA AFTER SEX AND HOW TO FEEL BETTER NOW

What is the cause of a sore vagina after sex? What can an individual do to feel better during sex? This article explains why one can have a sore vagina after sex and feel better afterward.

Sex should be a mutual enjoyment even though some women experience pain during or after sex. It is not normal for you to assume unless it is your first time having sex. There are different reasons why some women have sores after sex. But despite that, one needs to know exactly where they have a sore. Individuals should know if the pain is external or internal. This knowledge will help one to know what they are dealing with. Discover those reasons that cause the sore in the vagina after sex and how to feel better after that.

Infection

There are different types of infections. Eyre et al. (2018) explained that infections show their signs early, like candidiasis, because after a few days, one will feel itchiness. Some infections take months before you notice you have them. But when you engage in sex, you can get a clue through the pain you experience after sex while urinating or vaginal itchiness. It is because having sex triggers the symptoms and includes;

Urinal Tract Infection 

Results from bacteria in your skin or anus that gets to your vulva, then transmitted to your urethra through the urinary tract and multiply. When you have sex, the pressure inserted on the vagina’s internal walls will increase the soreness after sex.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

According to Mitchell et al. (2019), vaginal pain increases when sex. It is because the pressure used by your partner during sex induces pain in the already inflamed tissues. After sex, you will still experience the pain because the pain is triggered. It is a growing symptom of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

Yeast Infection

An imbalance of the vaginal PH causes it. Though it causes some itchiness and swelling, the deep penetration during sex will irritate you more even after sex. Infections have been common and do not necessarily mean your man is unfaithful. Normally, the rate at which pregnant mothers tend to have infections due to changes in their immune system or out of masturbation is high. Rabaan et al. (2017) stated that infections are sexually transmitted, but you can contract infections in different ways like holding urine for a long time and dehydration.  

How To Feel Better Now

individuals should not assume that they have a yeast infection, yet in a real sense, it is a bacterial infection, and go to the over-the-counter for some prescription. You will be given the wrong prescription following the wrong information you have given them. Instead, go for a check-up and be screened to determine which infection you have. The doctor will prescribe the right medication. It will cure the pain. Also, avoid douching to prevent vaginal PH imbalance.

Sensitive To Latex Condoms, Lube, Or Sex Toy

According to Chatsiproios et al. (2019), most condoms are latex as a latex condom causes burning, dryness, and pain after sex, mostly to allergic people. However, one is trying to prevent pregnancy or infections. Allergic people are also sensitive to some lubes and sex toys because of the ingredients used to make those lubes and sex toys. 

How To Feel Better;

Try to switch to an alternative condom non-latex, such as polyisoprene or any other non-latex condom. Also, try to soothe the vulva with an ice pack. Place the icepack externally above your pants.

Had A Rough Sex

Rough sex can result from sexual abuse or a lack of self-control. Normally, the vagina self-lubricates itself when a woman arouses. In the case of sexual abuse, it means the man penetrated the woman's vagina forcefully without letting her get wet. The force tightens the vaginal muscles and causes pain.

Due to the menstrual cycle in women, the cervix angle changes all the time until you find that the angle used to perform the doggy style a few days ago will not be enjoyable the next time you target the same angle. The penetration can be so deep that the penis comes across the cervix, causing discomfort and friction.

Ballester-Arnal et al. (2019) explained that with the materials used in manufacturing sex toys, any improper use of sex toys also causes pain after sex. When using them, the friction will be too much because the sex toy is not lubricated enough for smooth penetration. The pain can also be through forceful fingering with long nails, which tears the vagina mucosa.

How To Feel Better;

Use an ice pack on the outside of your pant to relieve the pain. Also, an individual can take an oral pain killer. Lastly, put on a cotton pant that allows your vagina to breathe comfortably.

Lack Of Enough Lubrication.

Natural lubrication differs in every woman due to birth control, age, medications, water, and alcohol intake, among other aspects. Your partner could have taken a humble time in foreplay. The woman is turned on, but she has not produced enough lubrication for sex. The vagina will get dry before you reach orgasm. It will cause increased friction with much pain due to vaginal tears.

How To Feel Better;

Lube has a smoothing effect. Applying it will moisturize the vagina. You check first if your partner has any allergies and buy suitable lube that will not cause infections and pain.

Medical Condition

Some individuals have some medical conditions that can be a result of sexual intercourse, and they include;

Vaginismus

Pacik & Geletta (2017) explained that the shrinking of the pelvic floor muscles is involuntary. It is more painful when the penis penetrates your vagina, and you will feel pain in the vagina after sex. Some of these things, such; as prior surgeries, fear, and trauma, can cause vaginismus. 

Vulvodynia

Though the real cause of vulvodynia is not yet confirmed, it is possibly caused by irritating the nerves at the vulva and the changes in the hormones.

Ovarian cyst

Mostly results from the menstrual cycle. Large cysts cause pelvic pain, while some heal without seeking medication. 

Uterine fibroids

Though not confirmed, these are growths at the lower back pelvis caused by hormone and genetic changes. 

Endometriosis

The outside growth of the vagina tissues causes pain after sex.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

A condition caused by delayed treatment of the bacterial infection which spreads to the uterus from the vagina.

Vaginitis

Is the inflammation of the vagina caused by a fungal or bacterial infection?

How To Feel Better;

Individuals can take some antibiotics to reduce the pain before seeking treatment, seek hormonal treatment to balance the hormones in the vagina, and can also get therapy to wipe away the memories of sexual abuse that causes fear.

Conclusion

When you experience pain after sex, breathe and find something to relieve the pain, either using an ice pack or an antibiotic. If it persists for two or three days, see a doctor or a gynecologist, and know the real cause. It will be easier to cure it with the right medications.

References 

Ballester-Arnal, R., Nebot-Garcia, J. E., Ruiz-Palomino, E., Giménez-García, C., & Gil-Llario, M. D. (2021). “INSIDE” project on sexual health in Spain: sexual life during the lockdown caused by COVID-19. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 18(4), 1023-1041.

Chatsiproios, D., Schmidts-Winkler, I. M., König, L., Masur, C., & Abels, C. (2019). Topical treatment of vaginal dryness with a non-hormonal cream in women undergoing breast cancer treatment-An open prospective multicenter study. PloS one, 14(1), e0210967. 

Eyre, D. W., Sheppard, A. E., Madder, H., Moir, I., Moroney, R., Quan, T. P., ... & Jeffery, K. J. (2018). A Candida Auris outbreak and its control in an intensive care setting. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(14), 1322-1331.

Mitchell, C. M., Guthrie, K. A., Larson, J., Diem, S., LaCroix, A. Z., Caan, B., ... & Reed, S. D. (2019). Sexual frequency and pain in a randomized clinical trial of vaginal estradiol tablets, moisturizer, and placebo in postmenopausal women. Menopause (New York, NY), 26(8), 816.

Pacik, P. T., & Geletta, S. (2017). Vaginismus treatment: clinical trials follow up 241 patients. Sexual medicine, 5(2), e114-e123.Rabaan, A. A., Bazzi, A. M., Al-Ahmed, S. H., Al-Ghaith, M. H., & Al-Tawfiq, J. A. (2017). Overview of Zika infection, epidemiology, transmission, and control measures. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 10(2), 141-149.