Soreness after sex is something that many men find both repulsive and distressing. While mild discomfort is a part of the experience of sexual activity, severe or chronic discomfort can be indicative of a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. In this article, we’ll cover the causes of a sex penis, the treatments available, and the best times to consult a doctor.
Understanding Normal Soreness
We need to understand what’s normal before we talk about what makes you sore. When having intense sex, you might occasionally experience a little discomfort or tenderness in your penis. This can be explained in many ways, for example:
Friction: The friction that arises with the natural movement of sex can leave a tiny scratch or bump on the skin of the penis. Insufficient lubrication can worsen the friction, creating discomfort.
Session Time and Intensity: The more a session lasts or is intense, the more sore it may be. The muscles and tissues of the erection may wear out and cause a temporary sensation of pain.
Inexperience: For younger men or those just starting out, the body isn’t yet used to the feelings and effort that comes with sex, which causes achy.
Insufficient Arousal: Insufficient lubrication, increased friction can cause an unnatural feeling between you and your partner.
Some pain is okay, but you must know when it becomes an issue.
Common Causes of Soreness
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma is one of the simplest causes of a sore post-sex penis. Sex can be intense and even the smallest bruises are painful. Common forms of trauma include:
Friction: While having sex or masturbating, friction can irritate the skin of the penis. This is especially common when the lubrication is poor, which results in friction and blistering.
Positioning: Some sexual positions can overexert the penis, which can result in discomfort. When a position is awkward or uncomfortable, you might want to experiment with alternatives.
Extra Long Session: A lengthy sex session causes discomfort due to excessive genital use. Like any muscle in the body, the penis can wear out after too much use.
Trauma: Traumatic trauma — for example, bending or rubbing the penis while sexing — may cause bruises or more serious damage, such as penile fractures.
Infections
Other causes of post-coital penile soreness include infections. There are several infections that cause pain:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes cause the penis to itch and become inflamed. Such infections often come with symptoms like dripping, itching or blisters.
Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans (the head of the penis) is often caused by bacteria or fungal infections. It can cause redness, swelling, and irritation — particularly after having sex.
Yeast Infections: Though typically found in women, yeast infections also occur in men. The symptoms can be itching, redness, and soreness – especially following sex.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Though, UTIs occur more frequently in women, they can happen in men. Urinary discomfort and genital pain are common symptoms that can occur after sex.
Allergies and Sensitivities
In some cases, post-sex aches and pains can be caused by allergies or sensitivities to the products you use in your sex life. Consider the following:
Condoms: Latex allergies are very prevalent, causing irritation, itching, and swelling. For men who are intolerant to latex, you can opt for non-latex condoms.
Lubricants: Some people might be sensitive or allergic to specific ingredients in lubricants or other personal care products and experience sensitivity.
Spermicides: These, which are often combined with condoms to prevent pregnancy, sometimes result in irritation or allergic symptoms.
Psychological Factors
Even if physical causes are the most predominant, psychological reasons can also contribute to post-coital pain. Stress and anxiety over sexual activity or sex can create muscle tension and, consequently, pain.
Performance Anxiety: if men are anxious about performing sexually, their muscles can contract and they may experience sex pain.
Emotional Stress: Relationship problems or emotional stress can manifest physical, affect sexual functioning, and cause pain.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions cause sex-related soreness. Some common conditions include:
Peyronie’s Disease: This leads to a fibrous scar tissue that builds up inside the penis and produces curvy and painful erections. Having sex can aggravate the unpleasantness of this disorder.
Phimosis: In this condition, the foreskin is hard to retract, making it painful during erections and sex.
Hypospadias: This birth defect affects the opening of the bladder, causing pain during intercourse.
Treatment Options
How to heal a swollen penis after sex varies from one person to the next. Here are some common treatments:
Boost Lubrication: Water- or silicone-based lubricants will eliminate friction and avoid soreness. Be sure to test for allergies before using a new product.
Care With Care: If the site feels swollen, wait for it to rest. You can clean it with mild soap and water to prevent irritation.
Medical Consultation: If soreness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like spotting, sores, or significant discomfort, see a physician immediately. They can administer tests to detect infections or other problems.
Stay Away From Irritants: If you are worried about an allergic reaction, switching to hypoallergenic or seeing an allergist can help.
Relieve Preexisting Conditions: Treating any long-term medical condition, like diabetes or hormone dysfunction, will also help relieve symptoms.
Prevention Tips
Anticipating soreness after sex involves actively working to minimize the risk factors. Some ideas:
Use Lubrication: Lubricate well while having sex to minimise friction. Lubricants made of water or silicone may also work.
Try Different Positions: If you feel uncomfortable at certain positions, experiment with other ones that might feel more comfortable.
Safe Sex: Use condoms to prevent STIs that may cause pain. Choose non-latex varieties if you are allergic to latex.
Keep It Clean: Cleaning the genitals and drying them can prevent infections and stings.
Talk to Your Partner: Talking about your likes, dislikes, and comfort zones with your partner can make sex more enjoyable and less painful.
When to Seek Medical Help
Men should visit a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:
Continuous or severe soreness after sexual contact.
An infection is discharge, redness, swelling or fever.
Massive changes in the shape or function of the penis.
Painful erections or ejaculation.
Conclusion: What Causes A Sore Penis After Sex?
Although post-sex soreness can occur, it’s important to know what might be causing the problem and how to deal with it. Most of these problems can be fixed or avoided if cared for and treated accordingly, making it easier to have an easy, fun sex life. For sexual health and wellbeing, seeking medical help is essential if soreness persists or comes with other worrying symptoms.
