A Tricky Problem: Why Bloating Can Follow Sex and How to Avoid It

Why, after an orgasm, do you look like you’ve eaten all the canned beans in the house, and is it dangerous for your health? Let’s talk about everything in order.

The first obvious cause of bloating is bowel problems. Does your digestive tract work like a Swiss watch? Another trigger may be the retroversion of the uterus – its non-standard position tilted towards the spine. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this feature occurs in 25% of women.

Another reason is the menstrual cycle, which plays an important role in how our body reacts to sex. “It’s common for women to experience bloating before and/or during their period,” says Jennifer Weider, MD, gynecologist and sex therapist.

If you also dismiss that reason and keep mumbling under your breath, “What is this? then grab another one. It could be sperm: one of its components is prostaglandin, which, once in the vagina, can cause uterine contractions, which in turn lead to bloating and spasms.

If you understand that the matter is in the semen, then everything is simple – use condoms. Retroversion of the uterus is diagnosed during a gynecological appointment or by ultrasound, and until physiotherapy, special massages and gymnastics do not work, it is better to use postures that prevent deep penetration .

If you associate bloating with digestive problems, avoid erotic games after eating foods that cause gas. The FODMAP diet will help you completely prevent bloating. Is it menstruation? Choose a day in the cycle when intercourse will not be accompanied by discomfort and pain.

“There are many organs in the abdominal cavity: intestines, bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries,” explains gynecologist Adeti Gupta. “Infection or inflammation of any of them can cause pain during or after sex.” If bloating occurs after every night of a storm, she advises seeing a doctor to find and fix the cause of the problem.