Cramping After Sex: 10 Common Causes, Plus What to Do About It

Sex is often an enjoyable experience. But sometimes, your body throws you a curveball with cramping after the fun is over. Cramps happen when muscles tighten or tissues stretch. It can feel like a tight squeeze or dull pain, usually in your lower belly.

Sometimes, cramping after sex occurs when your pelvic muscles get a bit overworked. Other times, it could be a sign of irritation or infection. Occasional mild cramping can often be treated at home. But it helps to understand why it happens in the first place.

What causes cramping after sex?

The answer to why you're cramping after sex isn't always simple. But here are 10 possible causes behind those uncomfortable twinges.

1. Pelvic muscle fatigue or strain

During sex, the muscles in your lower abdomen and pelvis constantly tense and relax. Sometimes, you might overwork these muscles, causing them to cramp up, just like your legs might cramp after running. This can happen to people of all genders.

Pelvic muscle fatigue or strain can cause cramping after sex for a few reasons, Dawn Ericsson, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and medical director at ageRejuvenation, told GoodRx Health. These include:

• Tight muscles: If your pelvic muscles are already tense before sex, they're more likely to cramp up.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make your muscles more prone to cramps during any physical activity.

• Deep penetration: Whether you're on the giving or receiving end, deep thrusting can put extra stress on your pelvic muscles.

• Awkward positions: Sometimes, getting creative with sex positions can lead to your muscles working in ways they're not used to.

2. Vaginal muscle spasms (vaginismus)

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina tighten on their own. This can happen during sex, when using a tampon, or during a pelvic exam.

For someone with vaginismus, sex can be difficult because of these painful muscle spasms. Even after sex, the vaginal muscles might keep tensing. These repeated contractions can cause cramps and discomfort that last for a while.

3. Orgasm

There's more to an orgasm than pleasure. When you have an orgasm, the muscles in your pelvis tighten, Ericsson said.

For some people, muscle contractions don't stop right after orgasm. If they continue intensely, they can cause temporary cramping. Contracted muscles might press on nearby nerves, which can also cause pain. In some cases, this can lead to dysorgasmia - a condition where orgasms are painful.

In men, a similar process happens during ejaculation. The muscles in the pelvic area play a role in pushing semen through the urethra - the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. These contractions can sometimes cause cramping or pain after sex, especially if the muscles are tight or overworked.

4. Ovulation

The timing of sex can be a factor in your cramping. "If ovulation is occurring at the time of intercourse, it can be felt as a cramping sensation," Ericsson said. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary.

This cramping in the lower abdomen that happens with ovulation is called Mittelschmerz. Since ovulation occurs about 2 weeks before your period starts, cramping after sex during this time might be related to your menstrual cycle rather than the physical act of intercourse.

5. Urinary tract infection

Sometimes, cramping after sex might be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Your bladder sits close to your sex organs, so the movement during sex can irritate it, especially if you have a UTI. On top of that, a UTI can cause pain or cramping in your lower belly.

This is true for both men and women, although women tend to get UTIs more often than men. If you think you might have a UTI, it's best to hold off on sex until your treatment is over. Having sex with a UTI can irritate your already sensitive genital area. It might also introduce bacteria to your urinary tract, which isn't helpful when fighting an infection.

6. Semen exposure

Believe it or not, semen can sometimes cause cramping after sex. Kecia Gaither, MD, a double board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in New York, explained that semen contains substances called prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins can cause the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and the uterus to contract. These contractions might feel like cramping in your lower belly. Not everyone experiences this reaction, but it can be the source of those postsex cramps for some people.

7. Sexually transmitted infections

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause problems in your pelvic area. For example, women with chlamydia might experience heavy periods or pain during sex. Men might have pain in one testicle or discomfort when ejaculating.

If left untreated, some STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. "These conditions can create inflammation and scar tissue, which can result in pelvic cramping, especially after sexual activity," Ericsson said. So, if you notice frequent pain or cramping after sex, get checked out by a healthcare professional to rule out any infections.

8. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when the lining usually found inside the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside of it. This misplaced endometrium acts like it would in the uterus, growing and bleeding with your period. As a result, surrounding areas can become irritated, swollen, and inflamed. Over time, you can develop scar formation, which may cause pain.

The inflammation related to endometriosis can lead to cramping pain during or after sex, Ericsson noted. However, people with endometriosis might also experience cramping at other times during their menstrual cycle, not just after sex.

9. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition that can cause cramping after sex in men. It occurs when the prostate gland, a small organ near the bladder, is inflamed or infected.

With prostatitis, the area around the prostate becomes sensitive and uncomfortable. During sex and ejaculation, the prostate and surrounding muscles contract. If you have prostatitis, these contractions can irritate the already inflamed gland, causing pain or cramping in the lower belly, groin, or pelvic area during and after sex.

10. Lack of lubrication

Good lubrication can go a long way when it comes to comfortable sex. It may also help reduce the likelihood of cramping after sex. According to Ericsson, insufficient lubrication during sex increases friction, potentially causing irritation and cramps.

Lack of lubrication or vaginal dryness can occur for various reasons. These include hormonal changes, like those experienced during menopause, and side effects from certain medications. It might also be the result of insufficient foreplay. When your body isn't properly prepared, the increased friction during sex may lead to uncomfortable cramps during and after sex.

How do you treat cramping after sex?

Treating cramping after sex depends on what's causing it. Some causes might need a healthcare professional's help. But for mild, short-term pain, you can try some home remedies first. Tamara Guichard, MD, a gynecologist based in New York, suggests these methods to help ease postsex cramping:

• Rest: Give your body a break by avoiding sex for a few days to allow any irritation or soreness to heal.

• Heat therapy: Apply a heating pad to your lower belly for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. But don't fall asleep with the heating pad on to avoid injuries. A warm bath can also help relieve cramps.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief: Try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications help reduce prostaglandins in your body, which can lessen cramping.

What can you do to prevent cramping during or after sex?

Nobody wants cramping to spoil the afterglow. You can't always prevent postsex cramping. But Ericsson offers some tips to reduce the discomfort:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water can help relax your muscles, which may reduce cramping later.

• Use lubrication. A water-based lube is a great choice because it's safe to use with condoms and easy to clean up.

• Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises can help ease tension and relax your pelvic muscles.

• Experiment with positions. Try different angles and depths to find what works for you. Some positions with less muscle contraction or shallower penetration may reduce cramping. You can also try a positioner or spacer. These tools help you maintain comfortable sexual positions.

• Take it slow. Just like any workout, sex needs a good warm-up. Spend time on foreplay to boost natural lubrication and help your muscles relax.

• Stretch regularly. These include a routine of pelvic and lower body stretches to help keep your muscles flexible.

• Consider using condoms.They can reduce exposure to prostaglandins in semen that might cause cramping. Plus, they can decrease the risk of STIs.

• Talk about it. Share any discomfort you're feeling with your partner. Together, you can find new techniques to reduce postsex cramping.

When should you see a healthcare professional about cramping after sex?

Occasional mild cramping after sex can be managed with at-home treatments. But if cramping becomes a regular occurrence or is severe, it's time to talk with a healthcare professional. This could mean there's an underlying issue that needs attention, Gaither pointed out.

For women, your gynecologist is often the best place to start. Men experiencing postsex cramping should consider scheduling an appointment with a urologist. These specialists can help determine what's causing your discomfort and recommend appropriate treatments. Ericsson said treatment might include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in some cases, surgery.