Feeling nauseous after sex may seem like a huge turn off, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. It’s most likely due to something you ate or drank beforehand, dehydration, or certain medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications.
Nausea can also be triggered by emotional issues, such as depression or anxiety or past trauma, Reed explains.
Causes
Feeling nauseated after sex can be a real pain, especially when it happens frequently. Thankfully, it is usually not caused by a serious problem, and can be solved with self-care or by speaking to your GP.
The most common reason you may be feeling nauseous after sex is that deep penetration has been done too forcefully and is irritating the vagina. This can also happen when you are on your period, as the cervix is more sensitive at this time of the month.
Other causes of post-sex nausea can include eating or drinking alcohol or drugs just before sex, as these substances can make you feel queasy. Getting dehydrated can also cause this sensation, so drinking plenty of water before and after sex can help to prevent it.
Psychological factors can also contribute to this sensation, such as stress or anxiety. These can be caused by a number of factors, including new experiences in the bedroom or sexual trauma, as well as feelings of pressure to perform for your partner. Medications you take to treat mental health conditions can also have side effects that can trigger nausea, including antidepressants and some antipsychotics. These medications are usually taken during the day, so the effects can be more noticeable at night when you are trying to sleep. If you are taking any of these, it might be worth speaking to your GP about changing your dose or medication.
Symptoms
If you’re feeling nauseated after sex, it’s worth checking in with your GP, particularly if the symptom is accompanied by pelvic pain or blood in your urine. This could indicate a pelvic inflammatory disease like endometriosis or a urinary tract infection, says Dr Lakhani.
For those who are trying to conceive, nausea after sex may also be a sign of pregnancy. This is called morning sickness and kicks in around two weeks after ovulation. If you’re not trying to conceive, then the symptom is more likely to be caused by other issues such as fibroids or cysts.
Nausea after sex can also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections. If you’re nauseous after sex and you have recently had sex, it’s important to get tested for an STI.
Depending on the cause, nausea after sex can range from mild to severe. In most cases, it’s not a serious symptom and will pass. But, if it’s severe and persistent, you should visit your doctor. They’ll perform an evaluation and prescribe you the right treatment. In the meantime, you can try drinking more water, avoiding spicy foods and ramping up your foreplay to see if that helps. Nausea isn’t the most common side-effect of sex, but it can happen and it can be uncomfortable. Just don’t let it spoil your enjoyment of intimacy with your partner.
Treatment
When you’re feeling nauseous after sex, try taking some deep breaths and lying down to help with your symptoms. You can also drink water to keep hydrated and avoid foods that are known to make you sick. In addition to this, avoiding positions that allow for deeper penetration can be helpful. If you’re unsure of the cause, speak with your gynaecologist for further advice.
Feeling nausea after orgasm can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as anxiety or a stomach issue. If you’re nauseous after orgasm and you have other signs, such as pain when passing urine or blood in your urine, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Nausea after penetrative sex is common as well and usually isn’t a cause for alarm, says Dr Lakhani. The reason behind this is that sex can stimulate the vagus nerve in your cervix and lower your heart rate.
In rare cases, feeling nauseous after sex can be a sign of a serious illness such as an infection or a tumor. If you’re experiencing this symptom and have other symptoms, such as fever or swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately. It’s also recommended that you use a condom during sex to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The key is to find a healthy and comfortable relationship where you can talk about any issues that may be contributing to the nausea and work on them.
Prevention
Feeling nauseous after sex can be uncomfortable and distressing, but it is usually not a sign of any serious medical issues. Those who experience this sensation can usually prevent it by taking simple steps like using a condom to ensure that direct contact with semen does not occur, and getting tested for STIs as soon as possible.
Nausea after sex can also be a symptom of pelvic conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, which can cause pain and pressure on the cervix, particularly around the time of menstruation. Often, these symptoms will also be accompanied by a change in your regular period, such as heavy, painful periods or bleeding between the sheets.
If you’re unable to find the root of your nausea, a visit to your GP or gynaecologist may be necessary. They’ll be able to check on your general health and can also perform diagnostic tests if required.
Another way to reduce the likelihood of feeling nauseous after sex is by making sure that you’re well hydrated. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day, particularly during hot weather and before sexual activity, can decrease the likelihood of nausea, as it will keep you from becoming dehydrated. Keeping yourself hydrated can also help ease other symptoms that may be causing you discomfort, such as fatigue and light-headedness.
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