Vaginal Or Penile Burning After Sex: 17 Causes, Other Symptoms ...

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What Causes Burning After Sex?

Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on May 23, 2019

General causes
If you have a vagina
If you have a penis
See a doctor

Is this usually cause for concern?

In many cases, vaginal or penile burning results from insufficient lubrication or friction.

Although neither of these conditions is life-threatening, the discomfort they cause can certainly put a damper on things.

Dyspareunia — pain associated with penetrative sex — is common.

It may affect up to 20 percent of cisgender women in the United States, as well as up to 5 percent of cisgender men in Australia.

It’s also treatable. After reviewing your symptoms, a doctor or other healthcare provider can recommend therapies that will help you get back to business, pain-free.

Here’s what to watch for and when to seek medical attention.

Common causes that affect everyone

Burning usually results from dryness, an allergic reaction, or an underlying infection.

Insufficient lubrication

Not having enough natural lubrication can increase skin irritation and sensitivity. This can lead to a burning sensation.

In some cases, the medications that you’re taking can cause dryness. This includes antihistamines, decongestants, and diuretics.

Other times, a lack of foreplay, trouble relaxing during sex, or other sex-related concerns can lead to insufficient lubrication.

If possible, talk to your partner about how you both can work to make sex more comfortable and less likely to cause burning.

You can also try water-soluble lubricants. These shouldn’t affect condom use and can enhance overall sexual pleasure.

Rough stimulation or intercourse

Vigorous stimulation or penetration can create too much friction and result in unwanted burning.

It’s important that you and your partner are on the same page about the activities you’re trying, as well as the overall pace.

Speak up if what’s happening is too rough, hard, or fast for you.

Talking to your partner about how you feel is the only way to prevent further irritation and discomfort.

Allergic reaction to products used during sex

While some people can use condoms, lube, and toys without issue, others may find they’re really sensitive to them.

For example, you may be sensitive to the latex present in many condoms. This can lead to redness, swelling, and irritation that makes sex painful.

Scented or fragranced products can also contain dyes and perfumes that some find irritating and painful.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to know what you will and won’t have an allergic reaction to until after it has already happened.

However, if you experience an allergic reaction once, it’ll probably happen again.

To avoid this, toss any new products or toys that you think could have caused your symptoms.

Allergic reaction to semen

It’s possible that be allergic to your partner’s semen. There are proteins naturally present in sperm that can trigger symptoms.

In addition to burning, you may experience:

redness
swelling
hives
itching

The symptoms can appear anywhere that came into contact with semen, including:

hands
mouth
chest
vaginal canal or labia
shaft or area above the penis
anus

Most of these symptoms begin within 10 to 30 minutes of exposure. They may last anywhere from several hours to several days.

It’s possible to have a symptom-free encounter with one partner and experience an allergic reaction with another, so consult a doctor to be sure.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI can affect more than your ability to pee — it can also cause irritation and painful sex.

This condition occurs when excess bacteria builds up in the urinary tract and causes inflammation.

Symptoms may include:

burning during urination
passing cloudy urine
urine that appears red, pink, or cola-colored
urine that smells foul or strong
pelvic pain, especially around the pubic bone

UTIs are treatable with prescription antibiotics.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Certain STIs can cause pain and burning during intercourse. These include:

chlamydia
herpes
trichomoniasis

Sometimes, pain during or after sex may be the only symptom present.

If other symptoms are present, they may include:

itching or swelling in the affected area
blisters, bumps, or sores on the vagina, penis, or anus
unusual bleeding from the vagina, penis, or anus
unusual discharge, likely yellow, green, or gray in color
pain the the lower abdomen
pain in the testicles

Chlamydia and trichomoniasis are both curable with prescription antibiotics.

There isn’t a cure for herpes, but prescription medication can help reduce the frequency and overall severity of symptoms.

Urethritis

Urethritis is a bacterial or vial infection of the urethra. This is the long, thin tube that carries urine from the bladder to the opening where you pee.

It’s usually caused by an underlying STI.

In addition to burning, urethritis may cause:

painful urination
frequent urination
itching at the site where urine comes out
unusual discharge from the urethra, such as cloudy urine, mucus, or pus
pelvic pain

Urethritis is treatable with prescription antibiotics.

Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes bladder and pelvic pain, which can make sex painful and uncomfortable.

The condition can closely mimic that of a UTI, but it won’t cause a fever or other symptoms of infection.

Symptoms can include:

pelvic pain, especially between the vagina and anus or scrotum and anus
frequent need to urinate, even though you produce less urine each time you go
pain as your bladder fills and relief when it empties
accidental urine leakage (incontinence)

Doctors can treat this condition with prescription medication and nerve stimulation techniques. Sometimes, surgery is required.

Common causes that affect the vagina

Some possibilities are specific to your individual anatomy.

A result of douching or other pH disruption

Douching introduces irritants (such as perfumes) into the vagina, altering the pH balance.

This can irritate and inflame the vaginal tissues, making sex painful.

It can also increase your risk of infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

Your symptoms should subside when you stop douching.

If you’re concerned about vaginal cleanliness or odor, take a look at our guide. We go over where to wash, what to use, and what to avoid.

A result of hormonal birth control or other imbalance

Hormones play a major role in how thick your tissues are, as well as in creating and releasing lubrication.

If your estrogen levels are low, you may vaginal dryness. This can lead to painful sex.

Other signs of low estrogen include:

frequent UTIs
irregular or absent menstruation
hot flashes
tender breasts

If you suspect that low estrogen is behind your symptoms, consult a doctor. They may prescribe an estrogen pill, shot, or suppository to help alleviate your symptoms.

Some people who take low-dose birth control pills may also experience a condition called provoked vestibulodynia (PVD).

PVD occurs when the body senses the low hormone doses and begins to suppress hormones like estrogen. This can result in pelvic pain and vaginal dryness.

Talk to your doctor about switching to a pill with more estrogen or to a different form of contraception.

Vaginal yeast infection

A yeast infection occurs when there’s too much Candida fungus (yeast) in the vagina.

The vagina naturally contains a mix of bacteria and yeast. If this balance is disrupted — with douching, for example — it may cause the yeast cells to multiply.

This can cause itching or irritation, leading to burning after sex.

Other symptoms may include:

painful urination
swelling around the vagina
white or gray discharge
watery, clumpy, or cottage cheese–like discharge
rash

Yeast infections can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV is caused by a bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.

This usually results from a change in vagina pH, which may be caused by a change in sexual partners or douching.

This can cause itching or irritation, leading to burning after sex.

Other symptoms may include:

painful urination
itching around the vagina
unusual discharge, likely yellow, green, or gray in color
strong-smelling odor that gets worse after sex

BV is treatable with prescription antibiotics.

Atrophic vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis causes your vaginal tissues to become thinner and dryer.

This can cause itching or irritation, leading to burning after sex. You may also experience light spotting afterward.

Other symptoms may include:

painful urination
frequent need to urinate
accidental urine leakage (incontinence)
frequent UTIs

Although this condition is more common in those experiencing menopause, it can occur any time there’s a substantial decrease in estrogen.

This may occur for a number of different reasons, including breastfeeding, hormonal contraception, and pelvic radiation therapy.

If you suspect that atrophic vaginitis is behind your symptoms, consult a doctor. They may prescribe an estrogen pill, shot, or suppository to help alleviate your symptoms.

Common causes that affect the penis or prostate

Some possibilities are specific to your individual anatomy.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is responsible for creating the fluid that transports semen through the penis.

Although some cases are result from an underlying bacterial infection, others may have no known cause.

In addition to painful ejaculation and burning, prostatitis may cause:

bloody urine
cloudy urine
painful urination
frequent need to urinate, even though you produce less urine each time you go
fever or chills
muscle aches

If you suspect that prostatitis is behind your symptoms, consult a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or medications to help relax your bladder.

When to see a doctor or other healthcare provider

In many cases, burning will subside if you increase the amount of time spent on foreplay and use added lubrication.

If sex continues to be painful, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare provider.

You should also make an appointment if you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as unusual discharge or a four odor.

Your provider will review your symptoms and advise you on any next steps. Many underlying conditions can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Does your vagina burn during sex? (n.d.).https://www.healthywomen.org/content/ask-expert/1380/burning-sensation-during-intercourse
Dyspareunia. (2014).https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1001/p465.html
Endometriosis symptoms: painful sex (dyspareunia). (n.d.).https://www.endofound.org/painful-sex-dyspareunia
Facts about vaginitis and vaginal infections. (n.d.).http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/vag.htm
Pitts M, et al. (2005). Prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain in a nationally representative sample of Australian men. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2007.00784.x
Seehusen DA, et al. (2014). Dyspareunia in women.https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1001/p465.html
Urethritis. (2018).https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/54
When sex is painful. (2017).https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/When-Sex-Is-Painful?IsMobileSet=false

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Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on May 23, 2019

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Sexual Health

Is this usually cause for concern?

Common causes that affect everyone

Insufficient lubrication

Rough stimulation or intercourse

Allergic reaction to products used during sex

Allergic reaction to semen

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Urethritis

Interstitial cystitis

Common causes that affect the vagina

A result of douching or other pH disruption

A result of hormonal birth control or other imbalance

Vaginal yeast infection

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Atrophic vaginitis

Common causes that affect the penis or prostate

Prostatitis

When to see a doctor or other healthcare provider

How we reviewed this article:

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