The vagina is one of the delicate organs a woman has that can be prone to diseases especially during sexual intercourse. Sex is meant to be a pleasurable experience and not an unpleasant experience. However, for some women, during sexual intercourse they begin to experience discomfort due to vagina itching, burning, soreness and dryness during or after sex. This can after their sex life and that of their partner which may require medical help.
A burning or itching sensation during or after sex is referred to as dyspareunia. While dyspareunia itself is not a sexually transmitted diseases it can be very uncomfortable. Although itching or burning after sex might not be something to worry about except you start to experience smelly discharge and the itching becomes persistence, then this could be a sign of an infection that may require immediate treatment.
Possible causes of itching and burning after sex
- Bacteria Vaginosis: When your vagina has a fishy-smelly discharge especially after sex it is likely you have bacterial vaginosis. However, this can cause soreness and burning sensation after sexual intercourse. Bacterial vaginosis can go on its own without treatment but if you find it uncomfortable you can seek medical help. Bacterial vaginosis is common with women, but some are un aware that it can be contagious. It is important your partner seek medical help too.
- Urinary Tract infection: Urinary tract infection (UTIs) can be very painful and irritating especially when you are have sexual intercourse. UTIs can cause inflammation around the lower urinary tract and when penetration occurs during sex can trigger burning feeling and itching around the inflamed area. Urinary tract infection UTIs are not considered contagious, it is unlikely that you can pass it to your partner through sex.Make sure to treat yourself and let all infection clear up before you engage in sex.
- Sperm allergy: When there is seminal plasma sensitivity, this a rare allergic reaction to sperm-especially with the protein present in the semen (which is the ejaculatory fluid that carries sperm). Symptoms may appear 10-30 minutes after sexual intercourse and they include; itching, burning sensation, pain, redness or discoloration and swelling.
- Latex allergies: This is a reaction to the presence of protein found in the latex. If you are allergic to latex you may experience a reaction after coming in contact with a latex products like condoms. Symptoms includes; itching, redness, rashes or hives, running nose, sneezing, scratching throat, watery eyes, coughing and wheezing and trouble breathing. Try non-latex condom if you are allergic to latex condom like polyurethane and lambskin condoms.
- Vigorous or prolonged sex: If you are having long or prolonged sex than usual you may start to experience discomfort after sexual intercourse. Because of extra pressure and friction this can cause inflammation around the vagina area. Some sex toys also trigger a painful response. You can lubricate toys before you use them to avoid friction.
- Vaginismus: This is when the muscle of the vagina tightens involuntary during sex when penetration is attempted. This can make sexual intercourse painful and discomfort may also occur after sex.
- Contraceptive: Some contraceptive pills or rings can cause vaginal dryness which can lead to painful sex. This is because these method of contraception reduce your natural production of hormone which can thin the skin around the genital area. This can lead to inflammation and irritation leading to pains, itching and burning during or after sex. An intrauterine device that has move can also can also cause burning, itching or pains during sex.
- Douching: Cleaning the vagina after sexual intercourse can lead to infection. This is because there is a disruption of the natural balance of bacteria that helps to protect the vagina from harmful bacteria. Some infection that may occur as a result of douching includes pelvic inflammation diseases, bacterial vaginosis and STIs.
Tips on how to prevent vagina itching and burning after sex
- Use mild soap with warm water to wash your vagina
- In case of sperm allergies use condom to avoid direct contact with sperm
- Avoid douching, it affects the natural pH balance of the vagina
- Avoid using scented sanitary products or feminine hygiene products
- Use water lubricants to avoid having sex with dryness or increased friction
- Make sure to urinate at least 45 minutes after sex to flush out bacteria
- Change your underwear after sex or at least once per day
- Drink a lot of water after sex to flush out bacteria
- Use vaginal dilator to loosen the muscle around the vagina
- Allow air into the genital area by wearing loosed fitted clothes.
Home remedies to avoid after sex itch or burning
- Add few drops of coconut or tree oil to warm water and place the pelvic area in the water. Avoid using too much drops of tree oil to avoid burning or irritation
- Eat probiotic or yoghurt both can help to reduce vaginitis infection because they contain lactobacillus according to scientific research
- Avoid sugary food
- Practice safe sex.
Bottom line
Sex is meant to be pleasurable and enjoyed but when the vagina is having troubled and feeling itching and burning sensation during or after, it can lead to discomfort and affect the pleasure that is meant to be enjoyed during sex. Although when the vagina itch or burn after sex there might be nothing to worry about, except these feeling becomes persistent after sex, then there is need to treat an infection.
