Sex is not a battle, don't overdo it: Women experiencing these 4 types of discomfort after intercourse, beware of impending illness.
A harmonious intimate relationship can be a lubricant for emotional bonds, but at times it can also serve as a "barometer" for one's physical health.
For women, due to their unique physiological structure, some minor injuries or underlying health issues during intimacy may manifest as physical discomfort afterward.
Occasional, mild discomfort may not warrant excessive concern. However, if certain symptoms recur or are severe, it is far from trivial—these could be crucial warning signs from your body signaling an underlying illness.
Abnormality one: Persistent severe abdominal pain, beware of ovarian rupture.
Mild abdominal discomfort after intercourse is relatively common, but if sudden, severe pain occurs on one side of the lower abdomen, persists without relief, or is even accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a sensation of rectal pressure, it is highly important to be alert for possible corpus luteum rupture.
During the second half of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation), the ovary forms a corpus luteum. During intercourse, intense activity or a sudden increase in abdominal pressure may cause this vascular, fragile structure to rupture and bleed.
This is a gynecological emergency. If the bleeding is significant, it can lead to hemorrhagic shock and become life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
Abnormality two: Abnormal bleeding, alert to the "cry for help" from the cervix.
The appearance of a small amount of blood in the vaginal discharge after intercourse may be related to minor mucosal injury due to rough handling. However, if contact bleeding occurs after every intercourse, regardless of the amount (scant or more) and the blood is bright red, it absolutely must not be taken lightly.
This is often a classic signal of cervical abnormalities. Cervical polyps, severe cervical erosion, and cervicitis can all cause bleeding. Most alarmingly, it may be the only symptom of early-stage cervical cancer.
When tumor tissue becomes fragile, it is prone to bleeding upon contact. Therefore, if recurrent postcoital bleeding occurs, it is essential to undergo cervical TCT and HPV testing as soon as possible. This is a necessary step to rule out malignant lesions.
Abnormality three: Unbearable burning pain, possibly a urinary tract infection
Many women experience a burning or stinging sensation in the urethra when urinating after intercourse, sometimes accompanied by frequent and urgent urination. This is typically a sign of an acute urinary tract infection.
The female urethra is short and straight, with its opening located near the vagina and anus. During intercourse, bacteria can easily be pushed into the urethra, leading to an ascending infection that may cause cystitis.
If such infections recur frequently, not only do they cause discomfort, but they may also retrogressively impair kidney function. Urinating promptly after intercourse and maintaining hygiene beforehand are effective preventive measures.
Abnormality four: Foul-smelling discharge, indicating vaginitis or pelvic inflammatory disease
If you notice a sudden increase in vaginal discharge within a few days after intercourse, with a change in color to yellow-green or grayish-white, a thin or cottage cheese-like consistency, and accompanied by a strong foul odor or itching, this is typically a sign of vaginitis.
Intercourse can alter the vaginal environment, promoting the rapid proliferation of latent pathogenic bacteria.
If, in addition to abnormal discharge, symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, sacral pain, or even fever are present, one should consider whether pelvic inflammatory disease has been triggered.
Inflammation may spread upward along the reproductive tract mucosa, infecting the endometrium, fallopian tubes, and other structures. If left untreated, it can lead to adhesions and blockages of the fallopian tubes, which are the primary causes of female infertility.
【How to Build a Healthy Protection Net for Marital Life?】
Communication First: Couples should engage in adequate communication; actions should be gentle and considerate, avoiding coercion and violence.
Personal Hygiene: Pre-event cleaning is a shared responsibility for both parties, effectively reducing the chance of pathogen transmission.
Good Post-Coital Habits: Women should urinate immediately after intercourse and wash the external genitalia with clean water to help flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
Regular Check-ups: An annual gynecological exam is essential, including a vaginal discharge routine, cervical screening, and pelvic ultrasound. This is the most effective way to nip serious illnesses in the bud.
The signals our bodies send are worth listening to with care. Intimacy should be a beautiful experience, not a source of pain.
When discomfort becomes a pattern, when pain outweighs pleasure, please let go of shyness and wishful thinking, and give your body the utmost respect and care.
Seeking timely help from a gynecologist to identify the underlying cause is the truly responsible attitude toward yourself, your partner, and your family.