Post-Sex Bloating Happens at the Worst Time — Here's What Causes It
Nothing ruins the mood quite like bloating after sex. Those who've experienced it firsthand know it tends to strike at the worst times, leaving you with pain and discomfort instead of pleasure. But although it might seem strange to bloat after sex — and even a bit awkward — it's not entirely unusual. In fact, bloating after sex happens more often than you might think. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate some of these unpleasant symptoms.
In order to successfully treat post-sex bloating, you must first understand why it happens. There are a few common culprits that may be behind it, including (shocker) your period, a bacterial imbalance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even certain allergies. There likely won't be a quick fix, but understanding some of the potential causes may help you get to the bottom of your bloating.
That said, everyone is different, and you should always check with a healthcare professional for the best personalized medical advice. To give you (and your doctor) a jumping off point, we asked ob-gyns to break down some of the most common causes for bloating after sex. Ahead, they share their best tips for managing post-sex bloating and preventing it before it even happens — read on to learn more and get back to enjoying a pain-free afterglow.
Editor's note: We at PS recognize that not everyone who has a vagina is a woman. For this particular story, the experts we interviewed referred to people with vaginas as women.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Jennifer Wider, MD, is a women's health expert, author, and radio host.
Anna Cabeca, MD, DO, FACOG, is an triple board-certified ob-gyn and author specializing in sexual health and functional medicine.
Causes For Bloating After Sex
Bloating after sex can happen for a myriad of reasons, some of which are more serious than others. Here are some of the most common causes to consider, according to experts:
- Menstrual cycle and hormones: Hormonal changes affect the body in a multitude of ways ("hormonal belly" is a prime example). If you're on your period, for instance, there may be a relatively simple explanation as to why you're bloating 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," says women's health expert, Jennifer Wider, MD.
- Bacterial imbalance: Another potential cause might have to do with an imbalance or overgrowth of the natural bacteria in your vagina, says ob-gyn Anna Cabeca, MD, DO, FACOG. This could cause issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. These types of irritating infections are sometimes triggered by semen in the vagina or lubricants with artificial ingredients. Douching can also negatively affect your vaginal bacteria, Dr. Cabeca says. To help, she recommends incorporating more probiotics (aka fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha) into your diet to keep your vaginal bacteria healthy and balanced. You may also want to avoid getting semen in your vagina (more on that below) and steer clear of personal lubricants that use artificial ingredients, such as glycerin, parabens, and any kinds of flavors or fragrances.
- Digestive issues: A more serious issue that can cause bloating involves the gut. If you have a history of digestive issues — such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or indigestion — Dr. Wider says you may be prone to bloating after sexual intercourse. Symptoms to look out for include constipation, cramping, stomach pain, and diarrhea. If you have trouble with digestion, Dr. Wider recommends avoiding foods that tend to make people gassy, like beans and legumes, before sexual intercourse. If you still experience bloating, Dr. Wider also suggests consuming ginger, as studies have shown it can reduce gastrointestinal pain and bloating.
- Unprotected sex: Having unprotected sex with someone who has a penis can also cause cramps and stomach pain after sex. According to Dr. Wider, if semen enters your vagina, the prostaglandin (a type of lipid) found in semen can cause uterine contractions and discomfort, which may include bloating. You can avoid this by using a condom during sex or by having your partner pull out before ejaculating. That said, condoms are generally a much safer bet.
- Using a condom with a latex allergy: Unfortunately, sex with a condom can also cause bloating for some people, Dr. Cabeca says, as latex allergies can result in inflammation and bloating. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of a latex allergy may include itching, skin redness, hives or rash, and cold-like symptoms (such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing, or a scratchy throat). If you think you might have a latex allergy, speak to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
While these tips can help, there still isn't an immediate fix for bloating after sex. The good news is that the bloating should dissipate on its own after a few hours. If it doesn't, or if you experience it consistently, Dr. Wider recommends consulting a healthcare provider for more personalized medical advice.
— Additional reporting by Maggie Ryan, Alexis Jones, and Chandler Plante
Tamara Pridgett was an associate editor with PS Fitness. She's a NASM-certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition level 1 coach, and was a Division 1 All-American sprinter.
Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her passions and areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.
Maggie Ryan was an assistant editor at PS. A longtime runner and athlete, Maggie has nearly four years of experience covering topics in the wellness space, specializing in fitness, sports, nutrition, and mental health.
Chandler Plante (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the Health & Fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.