Pain and burning after sex isn’t normal and needs to be addressed. The cause can range from lack of lubrication to severe friction, or it could be an indication of an infection.
Kanani says a good way to reduce the burn is by using a water-based lubricant pre and during sex. He also recommends switching positions if one causes pain or irritation, and trying different lubricants.
Vaginal dryness
During sexual intercourse, the vulva produces its own natural lubrication to reduce friction and pain during penetration. When this lubrication is reduced due to vaginal dryness, it can cause discomfort, pain and even burning during sex. This can happen in women of all ages, but it is more common with age. The genital changes of menopause are one reason for this, as estrogen levels drop and the vaginal tissues thin and lose elasticity. These symptoms are known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause and can have a significant impact on libido and sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, talk to your doctor about treatments that can help. There are vaginal moisturizers and lubricants available without a prescription that can help ease the irritation and provide extra lubrication for sex. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, hormone therapy can also relieve the discomfort, although it may take several months to get full relief.
Some medications can affect the amount of lubrication produced by the body, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you’re taking anything new. Vaginal and vulvar irritation can also be caused by clothing, soaps and lotions, so be careful about what you’re using. Washing the vulva with certain products or soaps can also upset the balance of bacteria and pH levels, leading to irritation.
Irritation
The burning you feel when you pee after sex (known as dysuria) may be caused by irritation from rough sex or lack of lubrication. But it could also be a sign of an infection like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections or even an STI such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. If you experience dysuria, talk to a doctor about the possible causes and treatment options.
Vaginal and vulvar irritation can happen for a variety of reasons, including the use of soaps or products that interfere with your natural pH balance, abrasive condoms, an allergy to a particular lubricant or antibiotics. Even the wearing of tight clothing or certain types of thongs can lead to vaginal irritation, especially during sexual activity.
If you’re experiencing irritation, try switching to a different type of lubricant or using non-latex condoms. Some people also report that wearing cotton underwear helps reduce irritation and discomfort.
Women can also experience burning in their vulva and penis due to hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. This is called hormone-related vulvodynia and can be relieved with over-the-counter oral estrogen, or with low doses of oral contraceptives, which contain estrogen but not sperm-blocking hormones. If you’re taking a low-dose birth control pill and are experiencing this symptom, ask your doctor about changing to a different brand or type of birth control.
STIs
Painful burning that affects the penis, urethra, or vagina after sexual activity can be a sign of an STI, such as chlamydia, herpes, or gonorrhea. If a person experiences this, they should seek medical attention. This can help them get treated and reduce the risk of passing the STI on to their sexual partners.
A doctor will ask personal questions about sex history and conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of the problem. They may also take a sample of fluid from the penis or vagina. A blood test can show whether or not an STI is present, as well.
People can manage a burning sensation in the penis or vagina after sex with the right treatment. They should try to find what causes the burning and then make changes accordingly. For example, they should use lubrication and avoid sex positions that cause friction. If they are allergic to a specific lubricant, they should switch to another one. They should also drink more water to keep the body hydrated. In addition, they should seek couples therapy if the pain and burning are due to problems in their relationship or sex life. This can help them talk about the problem openly and find solutions together. They can also learn about STIs and how to protect themselves from them.
Infections
If you’re feeling pain, itching, or burning in the penis, urethra, or vagina after sexual intercourse, it might not be normal. That’s because it can be a sign of an infection. Infections can be caused by things like rough sex without enough lubrication, allergies to lube or condoms, and even an unprotected sex that leads to an STI. These infections can affect the genitals in many different ways, and they can be painful for both partners.
For example, if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), bacteria can enter your bladder or kidneys and cause pain when you pee. And since women have shorter urethras than men, they’re more likely to get UTIs. Bacteria that enters the penis and the vagina can also cause a painful burning sensation when you urinate or ejaculate.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to help you find the right treatment. You may need to switch lubricants or use an ice pack to ease the pain. They might recommend antibiotics if you have an infection, or suggest things that can help prevent future infections. In addition, they might advise you to avoid sex until the infection clears up.
See Also:
