Burning sensations after sex: causes, treatments and when to seek medical help

Burning after sex can occur sometimes and is not always a cause for concern. However, if it keeps happening, it should not be ignored. It may be useful to see a healthcare provider to identify the cause of burning after intercourse.

Continue reading to learn about the possible causes, preventative measures and when to see a doctor.

Vaginal dryness is when the body doesn’t produce enough natural lubricant. This may cause symptoms like burning or soreness during and after sex.

In women, it often occurs when your body does not produce enough of the hormone oestrogen. This can be due to changes in your hormone levels caused by:

• menopause
• breastfeeding
• taking certain medicines (e.g. contraceptive pills or antidepressants)
• surgery to remove the ovaries
• receiving cancer treatments

You can also experience vaginal dryness if you:

• are not aroused during sex
• use hygiene products in and around the vagina (e.g. perfumed soaps, washes or douches)
• have medical conditions (e.g. diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome)

Depending on the cause of vaginal dryness, you may be able to use vaginal lubricants to help. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe oral or topical medicines to treat the condition.

A urinary tract infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract. This causes inflammation of the bladder and urethra, resulting in a stinging or burning sensation when urinating. While males can get UTIs, they are more common in females.

Having sexual intercourse increases the chance of bacteria getting into the bladder, causing cystitis.

Learn more about cystitis

Prevention tip :

• Peeing as soon as possible after sex may help to flush out bacteria that have entered the urethra during sex, potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Remember to also rest and drink plenty of water. If the infection doesn't clear up on its own, you may need a course of antibiotics.

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as thrush, is a condition caused by the yeast Candida albicans. It is a common fungal infection that primarily affects women, but may also occur in men.

Thrush can cause thick white discharge, irritation, itching, redness, and a burning sensation in the genital area. Itching, stinging, and burning can worsen when urinating or during sex.

Most people need an antifungal to get rid of thrush. This is available as an oral capsule, a pessary (a tablet you insert into the vagina), or a cream. If you think you might have a yeast infection, you should avoid sex until you fully recover.

Start your online consultation for thrush

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection that occurs due to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. It is the most common vaginal condition that occurs in women aged 15-44.

BV can cause burning during sex and when urinating. Other symptoms include a strong fishy vaginal odour, itching or irritation around the vagina, and an unusual vaginal discharge.

BV is treatable and curable. It is best treated with antibiotics and lifestyle advice to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Learn more about bacterial vaginosis

Prostatitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the prostate as a result of bacteria from the urinary tract entering the prostate. This condition may affect men of any age.

Prostatitis can cause a burning sensation or pain when urinating, or after sexual intercourse. If you notice symptoms, consult your doctor for the right treatment.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis you have. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics as well as lifestyle changes, such as avoiding products that irritate the bladder (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, acidic and spicy foods).

When there's not enough lubrication during sex, friction increases, which can lead to burning, soreness, or pain for either partner. While this tends to affect women more often, men may sometimes be affected.

Some common causes include hormonal changes, side effects of certain medicines, or simply not being fully aroused at the point of penetration.

To help prevent vaginal burning, take your time with foreplay. This gives the body more time to warm up and allows natural lubrication to build, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable.

Quick tip :

• Use a water-based lubricant and take more time for foreplay to help prevent vaginal burning. This gives the body more time to warm up and allows natural lubrication to build, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable.

Research suggests that a number of things that may cause an allergic reaction and burning during sex, such as latex condoms, lubricants, or spermicides. These allergens may irritate the genitals of either partner, causing a burning sensation after sexual intercourse.

If you think you may be allergic to latex condoms, try switching to a condom made from other materials.

If you suspect you may be allergic to one of the ingredients in your lubricant, check the ingredients before using it and consider trying a different brand.

Spermicides are a type of birth control that contains chemicals to stop sperm from reaching an egg. Some people may be allergic to spermicides, leading to reactions like itching, burning, or redness. If this affects you, try changing brands or switching to a different method of birth control.

Use our interactive tool below to find out which birth control method is right for you.

What contraceptive method is best for me

Rarely, some people may be allergic to proteins found in semen. While this allergy does not affect fertility, it can cause pain, burning, and itching after sex. If you have a semen allergy, you should avoid unprotected sex and use a condom to prevent contact with semen.

Pain or a burning sensation during intercourse can also be a sign of STIs such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. STIs may occur in both men and women and can occur anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Depending on the type of infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or antivirals to treat or manage the symptoms of STIs. Our doctors can help you find the right treatment option.

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Many sexually transmitted infections don't show symptoms. If you have multiple or new sexual partners, regular testing is essential to protect the health of yourself and others'.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Your mental state can have a big impact on your love life. Research shows that in men, stress, depression, anxiety, and performance anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the persistent inability of the penis to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.

What is erectile dysfunction?

In women, a poor mental state can lead to tension, which may cause a person to unconsciously tense up. Tightening creates more friction, which can make sex uncomfortable and result in a burning sensation.

Talk openly with your partner if you feel anxious while you're together. If necessary, you can also seek professional help.

Sometimes, having passionate sex or multiple sexual partners can result in experiencing a burning sensation afterwards.

Rough sex, especially without enough lubrication, can lead to increased friction between you and your partner. During intercourse, pleasure may outweigh the pain. However, you may feel the painful effects straight after.

Longer intercourse can also increase the risk of burning or discomfort, especially if natural lubrication runs low. To increase comfort, consider using a gentle lubricant.

Some other causes of burning after sex can include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - This is an infection of one or more of the reproductive organs (e.g. the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries). It is often the result of untreated STIs. Burning or discomfort when peeing can be a symptom of PID.
• Interstitial cystitis - This is a chronic bladder condition that can cause bladder pain, burning, and going to pee often.
• Chemical irritation - Products like douches, scented soaps, or bubble baths can disrupt the vaginal pH and cause burning.
• Skin conditions - Eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions affecting the genital area can lead to discomfort after sex.

If you occasionally feel mild burning or pain after having intercourse that goes away quickly, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

But if the pain lingers, worsens, or you’re worried about a possible infection, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional.

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of burning and pain during or after sex:

Maintain vaginal hygiene

A healthy vagina is the key to avoiding infections. Avoid over-cleaning and using anything harsh or fragrant around the genital area. In terms of underwear, choose cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics. When menstruating, change your pad, tampon or cup regularly as directed.

Use more lubricant

Dryness increases friction, so always keep lubricants in the bedroom. If you experience irritation or sensitivity, consider water-based products.

Try different sex positions

If certain positions cause discomfort or friction, experiment with new ones. If penetrative sex causes you pain after sexual intercourse, you can focus on other types, such as oral sex.

Empty your bladder after sex

Women should go to the toilet as soon as possible after sex, as peeing reduces the risk of developing UTIs. When going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back.

Use condoms

Condoms protect you from the spread of STIs. If you suspect a condom allergy, try switching to a non-latex condom.

Treat any infections fully

If you have a genital infection, make sure it’s fully treated before having sex. Regular STI checks are also important, especially before starting a new relationship.

Communication

Some people may feel uncomfortable talking about sexual pain. However, communicating openly with your partner makes it easier to find what works for everyone involved. Sex therapy or other forms of counselling may also help.