When you’re in the throes of passion, you’re primarily focused on the pleasure. But what about pain? (And not the good kind.) Sure, you might be burning up with desire towards your partner, but that doesn’t mean that you want to your vagina to burn after sex. If you’re wondering why your lady parts are feeling fiery, these are some explanations why — and how to fan the flames so you can enjoy the experience
Although it might not give you much comfort when you’re feeling uncomfortable, feeling the burn after you just had sex is fairly typical. “Burning after sex is pretty common for many women,” says Dr. Lauren Demosthenes, M.D., a Senior Medical Director with Babyscripts. “It can be attributed to many things, but ultimately, it’s a result of penetrative sex.”
Read on to find out why your vagina might burn after sex and how to stop it.
Your Vagina Might Loathe Latex
If you’re practicing safe sex via condoms, that’s certainly a good thing — unless you’re allergic to latex. “There could be an allergic reaction to the condom or lubricant,” explains Dr. Faina Gelman-Nisanov, M.D., FACOG, an OB-GYN at North Jersey Gynecology Associates. While you could take an antihistamine to help avoid an allergic onset, you might want to grab some non-latex condoms the next time you’re cruising down the birth control aisle instead. Plus, there’s an added benefit to using non-latex condoms: they tend to be made from a thinner substance and feel like skin, which can make sex, well, sexier.
You Could Be Allergic To Semen
Yes, mutual orgasms are awesome, but as it turns out, ejaculation might also increase your chances of having burning down there. “Like vaginal itching, feeling a burning sensation after sex could be a result of irritation due to the presence of semen,” explains Gelman-Nisanov. And it can happen prior to the Big Moment, meaning that even if your partner has pre-ejaculate, that could be enough to bring on the burn, depending on how severe your allergy is. Condoms can be a quick cure, but you might want to speak to your doctor to explore other options.
You Could Have An STD
STDs are a challenge in and of themselves but add on vaginal burning and sex becomes even more bothersome. Not all STIs cause vaginal burning, but it’s important to know which ones could be the culprit, according to Gelman-Nisanov. “When you’re having burning after you just had sex, it might be an STD such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes,” she says. When you suspect that an STD is to blame, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get a panel done so that you can potentially rule it out — or find out if you actually have a sexually transmitted disease.
That said, other issues— like an exacerbation of pre-existing yeast or bacterial vaginosis (BV) — aren’t technically STDs but can be triggered by sexual relations.
You Might Low Estrogen
You might think about your estrogen levels as you go about your daily business. Thing is, estrogen (or lack thereof) can play a role in role play…and sex. “Sometimes postmenopausal women with low estrogen will have vaginal irritation and a feeling of dryness or burning after sex,” says Demosthenes. “This can often be remedied by lubricants or topical or systemic estrogen.”
You Might Have Tears In Your Vulva
Rough sex might be sensational, and yet, the power of penetrative sex isn’t always the best for your vagina. “Intense sex may cause little tears in the vulva which can lead to burning, especially after the friction that occurs after intercourse,” adds Demosthenes. “It is best to have a medical professional look at the vulva to see what is going on.” Treatment with topical creams may be the solution or you can give your lady parts a little time to adapt before really roughing it — literally.
When you’re craving a quickie, be mindful of how your body reacts after your intimate moments. If you feel a burning sensation in your vagina that doesn’t go away, address the issue by going to the doctor. It can make sex much more satisfying and smoldering…in all the right ways.
Experts:
Dr. Lauren Demosthenes, M.D., a Senior Medical Director with Babyscripts
Dr. Faina Gelman-Nisanov, M.D., FACOG, an OB-GYN at North Jersey Gynecology Associates