Why Does It Hurts When Pee After Sex

Peeing after sex isn't just a good idea, it's an important thing for men and women alike to make sure they do.

Sometimes, you may experience painful urination and/or a burning sensation in your vagina or penis when you pee after having sex. When that happens, it can be not just physically uncomfortable, but downright scary.

In many cases, vaginal or penile burning results from insufficient lubrication or friction.

Although neither of these conditions is life-threatening, the discomfort they cause can certainly put a damper on things.

Dyspareunia — pain associated with penetrative sex — is common.

Dysuria,

the medical term for pain and/or burning during urination, may be caused by STIs like genital herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia, but is most commonly a symptom of a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, i.e., a UTI. This condition is fairly common among women, and more common in women than in men.

Important note: While most causes of painful urination after sex can be easily diagnosed and treated, it's important to see a doctor so you can get tested as soon as possible in case medical treatment is necessary.

Common causes of painful urination and burning in your vagina or penis after sex:

Insufficient lubrication

Not having enough natural lubrication can increase skin irritation and sensitivity. This can lead to a burning sensation.

In some cases, the medications that you’re taking can cause dryness. This includes antihistamines, decongestants, and diuretics.

Other times, a lack of foreplay, trouble relaxing during sex, or other sex-related concerns can lead to insufficient lubrication.

If possible, talk to your partner about how you both can work to make sex more comfortable and less likely to cause burning.

You can also try water-soluble lubricants. These shouldn’t affect condom use and can enhance overall sexual pleasure.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs are the most common cause of painful urination in women. In the most basic terms, a UTI is defined as "an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra." There are three types of UTIs:

Cystitis: an infection of the bladder. This is the most common type, and is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 20-50.

Pyelonephritis: an infection of the kidneys, also known as an upper urinary tract infection.

Urethritis: an infection of the urethra.

UTIs can be the result of a bacterial infection or inflammation introduced during sex or from improper wiping after using the toilet. As the urethra is shorter in women than in men, there is less distance for bacteria to travel in order to reach the bladder. When you wipe from back to front rather than from front to back, "Bacteria from the large intestine, such as E. coli, can sometimes get out of your anus and into your urethra. From there, they can travel up to your bladder and, if the infection isn't treated, can continue on to infect your kidneys."

It stands to reason that if there is lingering bacteria in the area before you have sex, the act of penetration serves to move that bacteria further inside your urinary tract.

Rough stimulation or intercourse

Vigorous stimulation or penetration can create too much friction and result in unwanted burning.

It’s important that you and your partner are on the same page about the activities you’re trying, as well as the overall pace.

Speak up if what’s happening is too rough, hard, or fast for you.

Talking to your partner about how you feel is the only way to prevent further irritation and discomfort.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sometimes it will hurt to pee because of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), most commonly genital herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Certain STIs can cause pain and burning during intercourse. These include:

• chlamydia
• herpes
• trichomoniasis

Sometimes, pain during or after sex may be the only symptom present.

If other symptoms are present, they may include:

• itching or swelling in the affected area
• blisters, bumps, or sores on the vagina, penis, or anus
• unusual bleeding from the vagina, penis, or anus
• unusual discharge, likely yellow, green, or gray in color
• pain the the lower abdomen
• pain in the testicles

Chlamydia and trichomoniasis are both curable with prescription antibiotics.

There isn’t a cure for herpes, but prescription medication can help reduce the frequency and overall severity of symptoms.

Allergic reaction to products used during sex

While some people can use condoms, lube, and toys without issue, others may find they’re really sensitive to them.

For example, you may be sensitive to the latex present in many condoms. This can lead to redness, swelling, and irritation that makes sex painful.

Scented or fragranced products can also contain dyes and perfumes that some find irritating and painful.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to know what you will and won’t have an allergic reaction to until after it has already happened.

Hormonal changes

Imbalanced hormones can cause traces of blood to cross paths with your urine stream or may increase vaginal dryness.

If your hormones are changing due to pregnancy, medications, birth control, menopause or other factors, this may be the cause.

However, if you experience an allergic reaction once, it’ll probably happen again.

To avoid this, toss any new products or toys that you think could have caused your symptoms.

Allergic reaction to semen

It’s possible that be allergic to your partner’s semen. There are proteins naturally present in sperm that can trigger symptoms.

In addition to burning, you may experience:

• redness
• swelling
• hives
• itching

The symptoms can appear anywhere that came into contact with semen, including:

• hands
• mouth
• chest
• vaginal canal or labia
• shaft or area above the penis
• anus

Most of these symptoms begin within 10 to 30 minutes of exposure. They may last anywhere from several hours to several days.

It’s possible to have a symptom-free encounter with one partner and experience an allergic reaction with another, so consult a doctor to be sure.

Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes bladder and pelvic pain, which can make sex painful and uncomfortable.

The condition can closely mimic that of a UTI, but it won’t cause a fever or other symptoms of infection.

Symptoms can include:

• pelvic pain, especially between the vagina and anus or scrotum and anus
• frequent need to urinate, even though you produce less urine each time you go
• pain as your bladder fills and relief when it empties
• accidental urine leakage (incontinence)

Doctors can treat this condition with prescription medication and nerve stimulation techniques. Sometimes, surgery is required.

Douching or other pH Disruption

Douching introduces irritants (such as perfumes) into the vagina, altering the pH balance.

This can irritate and inflame the vaginal tissues, making sex painful.

It can also increase your risk of infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

Your symptoms should subside when you stop douching.

If you’re concerned about vaginal cleanliness or odor, take a look at our guide. We go over where to wash, what to use, and what to avoid.

Hormonal Birth Control or other Imbalance

Hormones play a major role in how thick your tissues are, as well as in creating and releasing lubrication.

If your estrogen levels are low, you may vaginal dryness. This can lead to painful sex.

Other signs of low estrogen include:

• frequent UTIs
• irregular or absent menstruation
• hot flashes
• tender breasts

If you suspect that low estrogen is behind your symptoms, consult a doctor. They may prescribe an estrogen pill, shot, or suppository to help alleviate your symptoms.

Some people who take low-dose birth control pills may also experience a condition called provoked vestibulodynia (PVD).

PVD occurs when the body senses the low hormone doses and begins to suppress hormones like estrogen. This can result in pelvic pain and vaginal dryness.

Talk to your doctor about switching to a pill with more estrogen or to a different form of contraception.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

A yeast infection occurs when there’s too much Candida fungus (yeast) in the vagina.

The vagina naturally contains a mix of bacteria and yeast. If this balance is disrupted — with douching, for example — it may cause the yeast cells to multiply.

This can cause itching or irritation, leading to burning after sex.

Other symptoms may include:

• painful urination
• swelling around the vagina
• white or gray discharge
• watery, clumpy, or cottage cheese–like discharge
• rash

Yeast infections can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is caused by a bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.

This usually results from a change in vagina pH, which may be caused by a change in sexual partners or douching.

This can cause itching or irritation, leading to burning after sex.

Other symptoms may include:

• painful urination
• itching around the vagina
• unusual discharge, likely yellow, green, or gray in color
• strong-smelling odor that gets worse after sex

BV is treatable with prescription antibiotics.

Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis causes your vaginal tissues to become thinner and dryer.

This can cause itching or irritation, leading to burning after sex. You may also experience light spotting afterward.

Other symptoms may include:

• painful urination
• frequent need to urinate
• accidental urine leakage (incontinence)
• frequent UTIs

Although this condition is more common in those experiencing menopause, it can occur any time there’s a substantial decrease in estrogen.

This may occur for a number of different reasons, including breastfeeding, hormonal contraception, and pelvic radiation therapy.

If you suspect that atrophic vaginitis is behind your symptoms, consult a doctor. They may prescribe an estrogen pill, shot, or suppository to help alleviate your symptoms.

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