Why Does My Vagina Burn After Sex?

Burning or soreness after sex…

Never a great feeling after having (hopefully) much-needed release and pleasure, to then be met with pain and discomfort. 😖

So, what gives?!

Although sometimes, soreness after sex can just happen, there may be some more definitive reasons why you’re feeling that burning sensation.

And we’re here to get to the bottom of it, together. 👇

In this article: 📝

Is it normal to be sore after sex?

After your first time, or your first time having sex in a while, it’s pretty normal to feel sore down there.

But, if you’re feeling any burning sensations, or soreness after regular sex, there may be something going on.

So, what could be the cause?

8 reasons for vaginal burning or soreness after sex

1. Friction 💧

Sometimes, simply good old-fashioned friction could be the cause of your soreness after sex.

If you’re not lubricated enough down there, this can cause a bit of irritation and discomfort — either during sex, or afterward (or both).

Sometimes, we just need a bit of a helping hand. 🤷‍♀️

Especially when going through the menopause as vaginal dryness is a common symptom that can prevent things from gliding in as easily.

But, be sure that the lubricants you’re using aren’t irritants (more on this below 👇), as they could cause some burning sensations if your skin isn’t compatible with them.

2. Low libido 📉

And, sometimes, we’re just not in the mood.

And that’s okay!

Whatever life stage we’re at, whether that’s dealing with menopausal lack of libido, menstrual cramps or PMS, or infertility challenges, we can sometimes just not want to have sex.

And, there doesn’t need to be a medical reason for not wanting it, either.

Sometimes, it just ain’t the vibe, ain't the time. 🙅‍♀️

But, having penetrative sex when we’re not aroused enough can cause sex to be uncomfortable and painful, both during and after, as our natural lubricating fluids are naturally produced when we are in the mood.

So, listen to your body (and your mind), and know when the time is right to get intimate with your partner.

3. Infections 🦠

Ahhh, the dreaded yeast infection sting…

Thrush can be a pesky little thing.

Especially since you can pass it to your partner, and they can pass it back to you, in a never-ending cycle of itchiness. 🙃

So, yep — thrush is a biggie when working out what could be causing a burning pain after sex.

Other infections can also cause soreness, too, like STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes.

BV (bacterial vaginosis) is also a common cause of burning after sex.

You may also have discharge that has a ‘fishy’ odor.

So, if you suspect you have any of these infections, the best thing to do is get in touch with your doctor or a sexual health specialist, as you may need some treatment to clear them up before you can have sex again.

4. Allergies 🧼

Using condoms and still feeling the burn? 🔥

Anyone allergic to latex could experience itchiness, irritation, soreness, swelling, or burning… or all of the above. 🫣

And the same can be said for lubrication.

Some lubes come in different flavors, meaning they’re likely scented or using chemicals that can cause irritation.

Water-based lubes are best for people with sensitive skin, or hypo-allergenic silicone-based lubes. 💦

Soaps and shampoos can also be the culprit for soreness and irritation down there. 🧼

These can alter the pH levels in your vagina, leading to irritation, which can cause problems like thrush.

(A proper Catch-22, we know!) 🤦‍♀️

Soaps may also cause certain skin conditions to flare up, like contact dermatitis, which might cause skin cracking or ulcers near the vulva.

So, be careful what you’re exposing your vagina to, as that could be the cause of your vaginal burn or soreness after sex.

5. Trauma or injury 🤕

If you’ve had sex after an injury to your vagina (like childbirth, or riding a horse, for example), it can cause soreness and pain afterward.

Vaginal trauma may also occur from having rougher sex than normal, or if something larger than usual is inserted.

This can lead to stinging or a burning pain after sex, as well as some pain and discomfort.

In some more severe cases, vaginal tears could occur, which would need plenty of time to heal and, in some cases, it may need stitches.

Although accidents through lack of lubrication can cause vaginal tears, in some cases, this could be from non-consensual sexual activity.

If you’ve experienced any type vaginal trauma and you need someone to speak to, there are women's support groups who can help.

🩸 Read More: Bleeding After Sex — What Could It Mean?

6. Pregnancy 🤰

Did you know, it’s common to develop a swollen vulva during pregnancy?

(Along with all the other symptoms, sure — why not throw that in the mix, too?! 🙃)

That’s because a growing uterus may block some of the blood flow to your pelvic region which could cause your vulva to swell.

This may feel a bit more uncomfortable and sorer than usual, especially after a steamy session with your partner.

Also, hormonal changes are likely to play a part here, too, especially as they can cause vaginal dryness — which would likely make you uncomfortable or sore after sex.

So, in short, sex when you’re pregnant might cause a bit of discomfort at times.

But, there are other ways to get intimate. 🌶️

Oral sex may be a bit easier for you, as it involves less penetration, or getting in touch with your spiritual side through practices like tantric sex may be a good option, too. 🧘‍♀️

And remember to only have sex when you want to.

7. Vaginal tightening 😬

In some cases, psychology can come into play, causing you pain…

There’s such a thing as vaginal tightening, also known as vaginismus.

It’s when your mind creates a block or a barrier to the idea of having sex, and it physically causes the vagina to tighten up when you try to insert something into it.

It can be caused by:

• Fearing your vagina is too small
• Past sexual experiences causing fear
• Religious or cultural beliefs that sex is wrong
• Painful medical conditions, like thrush

It can be upsetting and painful, as you have no control over it — but there are treatments.

Counseling is the best course of treatment for vaginismus, as you’ll likely need to tackle what’s going on in your mind that’s causing the muscles to tighten (your doctor can arrange this for you).

Pelvic floor, or kegel, exercises are also good to squeeze and release the vaginal muscles, gaining some control back.

8. Sperm burning 🔥

A semen allergy is pretty uncommon, but it could be the reason why you’re experiencing a burning sensation after sex.

It’s a rare allergic reaction to proteins that are found in semen.

You’d likely have itching, redness, burning, or swelling around your vagina, or the skin that the semen has touched.

If you think you have a sperm allergy, be sure to check this over with your doctor as soon as you can.

So, there you have it.

8 reasons why you may be experiencing burning, soreness, itching, swelling… the lot of it… after sex.

But, maybe you want to discuss your symptoms with women who’ve been through it all before?

That’s where your Peanut Community can help — there to chat, 24/7. 🥜

We think you'll fit right in.