Possible causes of cramping after sex include muscle strains, urinary problems, sexually transmitted infections, and more. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Other possible causes include deep penetration, ovarian cysts, prostatitis, and more.

It is important to contact a doctor if a person regularly experiences cramping after sex. The doctor can help determine the cause of dyspareunia (pain associated with sex) and advise on suitable treatments.

Read on for more information about the potential causes of cramping or pain after sex and when to contact a doctor.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

There are many potential causes of cramps after sex.

Muscle problems

Similar to during exercise, straining the pelvic and abdominal muscles during sex can sometimes lead to cramping.

Tight muscles, dehydration, or working the muscle in an awkward position can all cause cramps. These cramps usually dissipate after a few seconds to minutes.

Orgasm

An orgasm can also cause cramps. An orgasm involves the involuntary contraction of the muscles in the pelvis and pelvic floor.

If these muscles continue to contract intensely, they may cause temporary cramps after sex.

Bowel issues

Issues with the digestive system can cause abdominal cramping. Constipation and gas are two possible causes of stomach pain after sex.

Other bowel problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can also cause cramping.

Urinary problems

Problems with the bladder or urinary system can also cause pain after sex. The bladder sits right in front of the uterus, and intercourse can sometimes irritate it.

This is particularly true if someone has a urinary tract infection.

Sexually transmitted infections

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, may cause abdominal cramping, including after intercourse.

Many STIsTrusted Source do not cause any symptoms, so it is best to get tested regularly. Some STIs can also cause discharge from the penis or vagina, as well as pain during urination.

Anxiety and depression

A 2020 study on female sexual pain found that anxiety and depression can cause dyspareunia. Pain associated with sex may also cause or worsenTrusted Source mental health problems.

Learn more about the causes of dyspareunia.

The following explains some possible causes of cramps in females.

Deep penetration

Deep penetration could cause dyspareunia. A person may feel this with pelvic thrusting, but the pain may persist after intercourse.

Ovarian cysts

The ovaries are two small organs located on either side of the uterus. A cyst sometimes grows on or in the ovary.

Ovarian cysts can cause pain and cramping, particularlyTrusted Source if they pull on the ovaries and cause them to become twisted. A person may also feel pain during or after sex.

Learn more about ovarian cyst pain.

Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz refers to ovulation pain that some people experience during days 7 to 24Trusted Source during their menstrual cycle. This can include abdominal pain and cramping.

Some people may find that sex worsens ovulation pain.

Fibroids

Fibroids are growths that occur in the wall of the uterus. They are usually benign, or noncancerous.

They can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and abdominal pain, as well as pain or cramps after sex.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal muscles involuntarily contract when a person attempts to insert something.

It can happen during penetrative sex and vaginal medical exams, as well as when a person tries to use a tampon.

A person may need to see a sex therapist who can help them manage anxiety and recommend relaxation exercises.

Pelvic floor exercises may also help treat vaginismus.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection in the female reproductive system. It may cause pain and cramping during and after sex.

STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause PID. It can also occurTrusted Source after medical procedures, such as the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the growth of tissue, similar to that which grows in the uterus, in places outside of the uterus.

It can cause pain and cramping both during and after sex. Other symptoms of endometriosis include heavy bleeding during menstruation and extremely painful periods.

Tilted uterus

In some people, the uterus tilts backward instead of leaning forward. The medical term for a tilted uterus is a retroverted uterus.

In people with a retroverted uterus, the penis may put pressure on the uterus during intercourse, which can cause pain and cramps.

Prostatitis can cause cramps in males during or after sex.

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in the low pelvis. It adds important seminal fluid to the ejaculate during sex.

If the prostate becomes inflamed, either suddenly or gradually, it can cause pain or cramping during and after sex.

Treating or preventing cramps after sex depends on the underlying cause.

If the cramps are due to a particular position or act, it may be necessary to stop or change positions to something more comfortable.

If there is a physical or emotional cause for the pain, medical treatments may help. Treatments will depend on the cause but may include:

  • antibiotics to treat an infection
  • therapy or counseling for anxiety or depression
  • surgery to remove fibroids or a cyst
  • hormonal pills to prevent ovulation or treat an ovarian cyst

A person should speak with a doctor if their cramps are severe or occur frequently.

They should also seek medical advice if cramping occurs with additional symptoms, such as:

  • a fever
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
  • severe pain or discomfort

The doctor will review the symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may recommend some tests to determine the underlying cause of the pain and help develop a treatment plan.

Cramping after sex can be due to muscle problems, bowel or urinary problems, STIs, orgasms, or anxiety and depression.

In females, possible causes can also include deep penetration, ovarian cysts, fibroids, vaginismus, pelvic inflammatory disease, mittelschmerz, endometriosis, and a tilted uterus.

In males, prostatitis may cause cramping during and after sex.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. A person should contact a doctor for advice if they experience severe or frequent cramping, or if cramping occurs alongside other symptoms such as bleeding or discharge.