When the penis or vulva burns during and after sex, it may be a sign of a medical condition. If the burning is severe and accompanied by green or foul-smelling discharge, itching or fever, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Friction during sex can also cause pain and burning if there wasn’t enough lubrication – This section is the result of the website’s editorial analysis Captivating Desires. He recommends using a water based lubricant before and during sex to reduce friction.
Causes
Burning in the penis, urethra or vagina after sex isn’t normal and may be a symptom of a medical condition. It can be caused by infection, physical trauma or irritation of the genitals. Depending on the cause, it can be mild or severe and may need to be treated with medication.
Infections like Yeast infections (including vulvar) or Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) can cause pain with urination and sex and burning in the outer genital area. STIs can also cause pain with sex and urination as well as itching.
Other causes of burning during or after sex include lack of arousal, not using enough lubrication and having rough sex. Some people may have a problem with a particular type of lubricant or an allergy to it. The skin in this area can be sensitive to certain fabrics, soaps and lotions as well.
For women, a change in hormones during perimenopause or menopause can cause the vagina to dry up and lose its elasticity. This can make sex painful as it creates friction against the vulva. In addition, some women have a type of skin condition called lichen sclerosus or lichen planus that can be irritated by rubbing against clothes and bedding as well as contact with other people. The symptoms of this can get worse during sex, especially if the woman is wearing tight clothing.
Treatment
Sex is supposed to be pleasurable, but it can become painful for a number of reasons. Burning that affects the penis, urethra or vagina after sexual activity is not normal and is usually a sign of some sort of medical condition that needs to be treated.
In the case of men, it could be caused by an inflamed urethra or from certain sex positions that hurt the penis. In women, it could be a sign of an infection or even a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as herpes, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. These diseases can cause a burning sensation and are more likely to occur in cases of condomless sex or with casual partners.
Other causes include lubrication and allergic reactions to lotions or soaps used on the vulva, as well as irritants such as alcohol or spicy foods. In addition, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, which may also cause a burning sensation after sex.
If the burning after sex is only happening occasionally and doesn’t happen in conjunction with other symptoms, it may not require immediate medical attention. However, if it’s occurring regularly, you should make an appointment with your doctor or sexual health clinic to identify and treat the problem. Otherwise, your sexual life may be compromised, which can have serious implications for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Prevention
The good news is that a burning sensation after sex can often be avoided, especially for women. A few simple changes can make a big difference.
Vaginal dryness is a common cause of burning during and after sex. This can be caused by hormone contraceptives, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and can also be a side effect of certain medications. A change in pH level and various bacterial infections can also cause vaginal pain during sex, including thrush and BV.
When a woman is aroused, the body produces its own natural lubrication, which helps to reduce friction during penetration. But if this doesn’t happen, it can lead to pain and burning.
To prevent this, Kanani recommends using a water based lubricant pre and during sex. “They are less irritating and help to reduce friction.” He also suggests avoiding rough sex as this can cause abrasions and dryness. There are also anaesthetic gels that can be applied ten to fifteen minutes before sex to numb the pain and discomfort.
In some cases, a burning feeling can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs such as herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea may all cause a burning sensation during and after sex. If this happens, it’s important to see a doctor as quickly as possible. You should also see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as fever, intense pain or bleeding.
Diagnosis
The pain and burning you experience during and after sex are not normal. If you experience them regularly, you should consult a doctor. They can help you figure out the cause, which may be a simple problem like not using enough lubrication, or more serious and potentially infectious such as an STI.
STIs, such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, can cause pain during sex in men and women. STIs can also make it painful to pee, and cause a cottage cheese-like discharge from the penis or vulva. These infections are treatable and usually don’t affect fertility.
A yeast infection can also cause a burning sensation in the penis, vulva, or vagina, and make it painful to pee. Yeast infections are usually caused by overgrowth of Candida yeast, and treatment with prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medications can often relieve symptoms.
If you are a woman and you experience pain or burning during sex, try using a water based lubricant before and during sex, Kanani advises. This can help reduce friction, and there are also anaesthetic gels that you can apply ten to fifteen minutes before sex to numb the pain and avoid burning. You should also drink lots of water to stay hydrated, as this can also help with lubrication and reduce irritation. If your symptoms don’t subside, talk to your GP.