Understanding the intimate aftermath: normal reactions and when to see a doctor

Women's bodies can react differently to sexual intercourse. Sometimes, you may experience burning, itching, pain or notice a few drops of blood on the sheets. Each of these reactions is normal, but sometimes it's a good idea to consult a doctor about them.

Although sex should not be a taboo subject, we still feel ashamed to talk about our intimate lives and about the problems we experience after intercourse. During such intense physical activity, the body can react in various ways. Don't blame yourself for this, and don't panic. Many of these are natural responses of your body.

One of the things you may feel during or right after sex is pain in the lower abdomen. In some cases, this pain is mild and resembles a dull ache, but it manifests as cramps for some.

Dyspareunia, the term for this condition, involves the release of oxytocin during sex, which can lead to uterine contractions. If the pain occurs rarely and isn't severe, you shouldn't worry about it. Still, if you feel similar cramps after every sexual encounter, it's worth booking a gynaecological appointment and consulting a doctor about it.

Mild burning or stinging after sex, which might occur while urinating, doesn't necessarily indicate a urinary tract infection. Usually, it goes away after a few hours and is due to overactivity of the pelvic floor or swelling of the vaginal tissues. To prevent it, urinate before and after sex. Irritations or skin abrasions are usually harmless and should go away. They especially appear when hair is present on one or both partners. However, if the irritation doesn't subside, consulting a doctor might be a good idea.

Skin reactions may also result from using new lubricants, condoms, or sex toys. If changing products doesn't help, it's worth contacting a doctor – perhaps you have developed an allergy. Mild itching usually goes away independently, but if you notice a rash or swelling, don't hesitate to call the gynaecologist.

There's no reason for concern if you see a few drops of blood on the sheets. Regular bleeding after sex, however, requires verification for sexually transmitted diseases or other health issues.

During sex, bacteria can enter the urethra and lead to, for example, bladder inflammation. Therefore, remember to use the bathroom and urinate after intercourse. Then, take care of the hygiene of your intimate areas. You don’t need to wash your body quickly and thoroughly right afterwards. Lightly cleansing a little later is sufficient.

It's good to reach for appropriate products designed for intimate areas. Remember also that the vagina is equipped with a natural microbiome, meaning it can clean itself, so gently clean the areas around it. Don't forget to wash your hands, which during sex can wander to various places.