Why Does My Cervix Hurt After Sex?

The cervix can become bruised during vigorous sex. This occurs when a penis, dildo or other object hits it repeatedly. Foreplay and sexual positions that allow for shallow penetration can help prevent injury.

Symptoms of a bruised cervix vary by person, but generally feel like cramping and an aching sensation deep inside the body that occurs during and after penetration. If pain becomes severe, see a doctor.

Causes

Pain that occurs during sexual activity can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, if you aren’t using enough lubricant or foreplay, it can cause a painful sensation during penetration. Abnormalities in the uterus can also contribute to this type of pain. These include fibroid growth or if the uterus prolapses (falls) into the vagina. Past surgeries can also lead to this type of pain. Other reasons that your cervix may hurt after sex include psychological issues. For instance, anxiety or depression can prevent you from experiencing sexual arousal, which leads to pain with penetration.

The cervix is a small canal that connects the vagina to the uterus. It can become sensitive and tender after vigorous sex because the penis or other sexual penetration can bump it repeatedly. This rubbing can cause an injury called a cervical bruise.

This injury can feel like intense pain, similar to cramps. It can also feel achy or stinging, and it is common for it to be accompanied by bleeding. The good news is that cervical bruising doesn’t usually mean long term problems.

However, any type of sex injury should be taken seriously. Depending on when the injury occurs, it could be a sign of a serious health problem. For example, if you are postmenopausal and you’re bleeding after sex, it might be an early sign of cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.

Symptoms

A bruised cervix can feel like an internal injury, according to an article published by Bustle. The pain can range from an intense sensation to a dull ache. A bruised cervix can also hurt during penetration, causing discomfort and making it more difficult for your partner to get through to the pelvic area.

Cervical bruising is typically caused by vigorous sexual activity, and most often occurs during deep penetration from the penis or an object like a dildo. It can also occur when you are in the doggy style position during sex, which makes it easier for the cervix to be hit with a deeper penetration.

The pain will typically taper within a day or two, and the bruising should heal within a week. If you are experiencing severe pain, spotting, bleeding that is filling more than one pad or tampon per hour, or quarter-sized or larger clots in your menstrual blood, it’s important to see a doctor for a pelvic exam right away.

In most cases, cervical bruising doesn’t require medical attention or treatment, but it is important to talk to your partner about ways to prevent this type of injury. In addition to foreplay, this could include suggesting sexual positions that allow you both to have more control over penetration and less likelihood of hitting the cervix (such as face up). It’s also important to use lubricant during sex to ensure a smoother passage through the vaginal canal.

Treatment

If you’re experiencing cervix pain, your doctor can recommend a few treatment options. For example, you can try soaking in warm water with Epsom salts to help heal the area and reduce pain and swelling. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or naproxen to ease the discomfort.

The best thing to do if you’ve bruised your cervix is to avoid vaginal penetration until the injury heals. It may take a few days, or even a week, for the pain to go away on its own. However, if the pain persists after a few days or you’re concerned about it, contact your doctor.

Cervical bruising typically only occurs during deep penetration with a penis, dildo, or other object. The risk is especially high for women who have sex in the doggy style position, which makes it easier for the object to hit the cervix.

Sometimes pain during sex isn’t related to a bruised cervix at all, but rather to pelvic floor muscles that are dysfunctional. Physical therapy can help to address these issues and relieve the pain. Likewise, some medical conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS can make penetrative sex painful. Symptoms that indicate a medical issue, such as spotting or bleeding, should be addressed with a doctor right away. If you’re worried about a possible infection, your doctor can recommend STI testing.

Prevention

Your cervix is a cushion of tissue that sits at the top of your vaginal canal and uterus. It’s small and flat, shaped like the end of a pear, and it protects your internal organs during sexual activity. But hitting your cervix too hard during sexual penetration can cause a bruised cervix that hurts when touched.

The best way to prevent a painful cervix is by tuning into your body. Use lubricant during sex to help with penetration, and try different sexual positions that can allow you to control depth and penetration. You can also experiment with foreplay to get your body aroused, which can make you more receptive to deeper penetration.

Bruising your cervix isn’t something to worry about, but it can be uncomfortable until it heals. The pain can be very similar to menstrual cramps, and it might come with spotting or nausea. If the pain lasts for more than a day, or you notice unusual bleeding, you should see your doctor.

The biggest thing to remember is that sex should be pleasurable, not painful. So, take it easy and don’t be afraid to ask for a little more foreplay, or for your partner to slow down if you’re not feeling it. And always use a condom to avoid getting a painful cervix from unprotected sex.