Your online search of “why does my body hurt after sex?” indicates that soreness and discomfort is not about the genital region, but instead felt throughout a significant portion of your body such as the lower back, hips, and neck. It is not entirely uncommon to also experience the same in the legs and arms. You may have ignored it at first, but it has become burdensome of late. More troubling, is that it weighs on your mind before and during sex, knowing that despite the pleasure of intimacy “post-session” aches and pains are certain to follow. Given that abstinence doesn’t sound all that appealing you’re not only looking for insight into why you feel the way you do, but are wondering if there is a way to correct it. If the issue is musculoskeletal in nature (most likely) vs some underlying medical disease you can find peace of mind in knowing that physiotherapy can help. Read ahead to learn more.
Note: If your intended query does instead relate to musculoskeletal pain in genital regions your issue may be pelvic floor dysfunction (men and women) or Dyspareunia (men and women). If so, you can learn more about how physiotherapy will help right here.
Non-Medical Reasons Why Your Body Hurts After Sex and What You Can Do to Feel Better
Why Does My Body Hurt After Sex (Women)
While the reasons for overall muscle and joint soreness after sex can overlap for both men and women (more on this below) women who have given birth may experience aches and pains beyond the pelvic region.
After childbirth (months or even years) a woman’s body may experience post-coitus pain because it has undergone significant physical strain during labor. Muscles and ligaments all over the body will have stretched and then contracted back to “normal” size, which can manifest later as painful cramps and discomfort in the back and even shoulders due to postural changes (that were never corrected) while breastfeeding or caring for a baby.
Women (mothers or otherwise) also experience unique hormonal changes that can significantly impact the musculoskeletal system, primarily by affecting bone density, muscle mass, and joint health. This may explain why after-sex pain and discomfort recently started as one of the initial symptoms of hormonal changes.
A physiotherapist and chiropractor will perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the concern/s and will prescribe an effective treatment plan that can make “apres sex” the relaxing and fulfilling experience that it should be.
Why Does My Body Hurt After Sex (Men)
The above mentioned overlap regarding muscle and joint soreness in men and women relate to underlying injuries and postural issues that anyone of any age may experience when they have not seen a physiotherapist or chiropractor over the last year. However, men also experience unique hormonal changes that impact the musculoskeletal system. The natural decline in testosterone levels with age is the culprit, which leads to a decrease in muscle mass and strength in addition to potential bone density loss that comes from testosterone’s anabolic effects on muscle and bone tissue. If you’re reaching the age of andropause, you may have identified the reason for overall body pain after sex.
Whatever the musculoskeletal concern may be, a combined assessment and treatment plan from a physiotherapist and chiropractor will put your body back on track in the bedroom, or anywhere else you enjoy post-coitus downtime.
Be Pain-Free After Sex Through Physiotherapy
(Burnaby and Vancouver residents)