You’ve done the deed, may have gotten off a few times, and are feeling blissfully post-coital. Except that now it feels like fire ants have crept into your lady crawl space and set up residence. You’re experiencing post-sex irritation.
Irritation can mean itching, burning, and/or feeling raw and inflamed, usually as a result of some action. And no organ does this better than the gorgeous mucosal regalness of the VAGINA!
Most of us complain of an itch, dryness, or discharge in the cooch at some point in our lives. Irritation after sex is common, and there can be a variety of reasons for it. It can be acute (Where the heck did this come from?) or chronic (Why is this still so damn painful?) But it’s no fun and makes the next romp nerve-wracking because … will it happen again!?
What causes post-sex irritation?
Aside from infections–yeast, BV, or even herpes—post-coital rawness can be related to the use of contraceptives and condoms made from latex (fun fact: bananas and avocados can also cause allergies due to having similar proteins present). Some women also have allergic reactions to semen.
Vaginal dryness is another cause of post-sex irritation in women, especially as my millennial ladies and beyond start to experience peri-menopause. Death Valley vagina is due to the loss of female hormones that start lubrication.
Excess friction can occur during (consensual) rough sex or when people have sex for an extended period of time. So if you tend to irritate easily, try not to go for the world record (isn’t that held by Sting anyway?).
Great, so how can I prevent it?
Prevention post-sex irritation will depend somewhat on the cause, so here’s my general guidelines to stop the “vag-fire.”
– Use a GOOD lubricant before sex and make sure you’re “warmed up” properly. No foreplay means your nether regions haven’t had time to lubricate or stretch appropriately (don’t you always stretch before a workout? So should your vag).
– Dump the douche. Seriously, it jacks up your pH. Douching seems like a good idea, kinda like wearing that jumpsuit to the bar. But it’s no good. If you’re allergic or sensitive to latex condoms, switch to other brands or types of condoms.
– If your partner has facial hair and goes down on you (and you’re sporting hardwood floors), persistent rubbing will cause some rashes. Grow out the pubes a bit or clean-shave your partner as part of foreplay right before they go to town.
Please don’t put perfumey “Midnight with Bartlett Pears in the Garden” glitter spray down there. I know it smells pretty, but there’s most likely alcohol in it, which can dry out your skin, or a bunch of chemicals that can cause little microtears that then cause tears. Your own natural vagina-ness is great enough. Keep it natural, sis.
If you find that post-sex irritation is happening frequently or it’s not improving after the above suggestions, please, my darling, see your gyno.
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