Why bloating after sex is more common than you think and what to do about it

By: Shawn
Have you ever had fantastic sex with your partner only to have discomfort and bloating in your stomach afterwards? You are not alone. Bloating after sex may appear unusual, and it is likely to be embarrassing, when all you want to do is lie there and enjoy that postorgasmic ecstasy. But if you frequently bloat after sex, you're not alone. It's more prevalent than you believe, and there are ways to get relief.

LaylaBird/Getty Images

Before you can find out how to relieve post-sex bloating, you need to know why it's happening. There are a few factors that might be causing it, including (surprise!) your period, a bacterial imbalance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even a retroverted uterus. There is unlikely to be a quick remedy to alleviate your symptoms, but learning more about your anatomy can help you get to the root of your post-sex bloating and provide you and your doctor with a starting point for treating it.

Everyone's body and bloating tendencies are unique, but NA spoke with two ob-gyns to learn about some of the most frequent reasons of post-sex bloating and how to handle it, so you can get back to basking in the afterglow.

Your menstrual cycle and hormone levels might be to blame

Hormones may trigger a lot of changes in our bodies, and if you have a period, it could explain why you feel bloated after sex. "Oftentimes, women will experience bloating before and/or during menstruation, so if they have intercourse around that time of the month, it is likely to play a role," explains women's health specialist Jennifer Wider, MD.

You have a bacterial imbalance

Another possible reason of post-sex bloating is an imbalance or overpopulation of natural bacteria in your vagina, according to ob-gyn and author Anna Cabeca, DO, FACOG. This might result in yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. These unpleasant infections are frequently caused by vaginal semen or lubricants containing artificial substances. Douching can potentially harm your vaginal microbes, according to Dr. Cabeca.

To deal with these issues, Dr. Cabeca suggests include probiotics (fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha) in your diet to maintain your vaginal bacteria healthy and balanced. You should also avoid having semen in your vagina (more on that below) and avoid using personal lubricants that include artificial substances like glycerin, parabens, and various tastes or perfumes.

You have digestive issues

A more significant condition that can cause bloating is the stomach. If you have a history of digestive problems, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or indigestion, Dr. Wider warns that you may have bloating following sexual intercourse. Constipation, cramping, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea are among IBS symptoms to be aware of.

Dr. Wider recommends avoiding foods that cause gas, such as beans and legumes, before sexual intercourse to assist relieve and control bloating, especially after sex. If you still experience bloating, Dr. Wider advises ginger, which has been demonstrated in trials to alleviate stomach discomfort and bloating.

You are having unprotected sex

Having unprotected intercourse with someone who has a penis is another reason you may be experiencing cramps and stomach ache after sex. According to Dr. Wider, if semen penetrates your vagina, the prostaglandin (a kind of lipid) can trigger uterine contractions and discomfort, including bloating. To avoid this, use a condom during sex or have your partner pull out before ejaculating. However, the former is a more safer investment.

You use a condom and have a latex allergy

Unfortunately, for some people, intercourse with a condom might induce bloating due to latex allergies, Dr. Cabeca says. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of a latex allergy include itching, skin redness, hives or rash, and cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing, or a scratchy throat. If you suspect you have a latex allergy, consult a doctor about being diagnosed and treated.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for bloating after sex. It should go on its own within a few hours. If it doesn't, or if it happens on a regular basis, Dr. Wider advises seeing a doctor.

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