What It Means If You Have Cramps After Sex

Sometimes after reaching the big "yes, yes, yes!" moment, pleasure can be accompanied by cramps. While the big firework moment releases the love hormone (oxytocin), boosts your mood, and reduces pain, Medical News Today shares it can also lead to cramps regardless if you're male or female.

"Before and during an orgasm, your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and breathing increases. The muscles everywhere in your body, especially in your pelvic area, can become tense, spasm and cramp," points out obstetrician-gynecologist Sherry Ross (via Insider). More discomfort can also be felt for men, especially after ejaculation, if the prostate is inflamed (which is a medical condition known as prostatitis). Believe it or not, that's not the only culprit of cramps after sex.

Some other culprits across genders are muscle strains, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and bowel problems (per Medical News Today). Muscle strains can happen from awkward positions, tightening of muscles, and dehydration. On the other hand, abdominal cramping after sex can be due to gas or constipation.

What causes cramps in women?

When it comes to women, there are even more reasons why cramps after sex may happen. One potential culprit is vaginismus, a condition that causes the vagina muscles to involuntary spasm when something tries to enter (via Insider). Not only do the involuntary spasms happen during and after intercourse, but they can also be caused by tampons, vibrators, and more.

Other conditions that can lead to cramps after sex include fibroids and endometriosis, shares Medical News Today. Fibroids occur when there's abnormal tissue growth inside the uterus, while endometriosis occurs when there's abnormal tissue growth outside the uterus. Ovarian cysts and a tilted uterus can also cause pain after sex.

Sherry Ross adds that while uterine contractions are a normal sexual response to orgasms, deep penetration and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can intensify the cramping or lead to irritation (via Insider). Deep penetration may be hard on the vagina, especially if the cervix is being hit, points out Ross.

Emotional trauma can contribute to cramps during or after sexual activity. Mayo Clinic shares that psychological issues or a history of sexual abuse can influence pain during or after sex.

Ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy may lead to more instances of cramping, since orgasms tell your uterus that it's safe to contract (per Healthline).

If you develop a fever, feel severe pain or discomfort, or experience abnormal penile or vaginal discharge or bleeding, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.