Feeling nauseous after sex isn’t a good feeling. But don’t worry, it’s probably not a sign of pregnancy, as many people fear.
It’s uncommon, but it’s not completely unheard of, and there are a ton of reasons why you might be feeling queasy after getting it on. Some of them require a doctor’s attention, others just warrant a painkiller.
1. Dehydration
If you’re not drinking enough water (or any other fluid), it’s definitely possible that nausea will strike, especially if the act of sex is stimulating your stomach. Dehydration can also cause bloating, which could make you feel even queasy. To combat this, drink plenty of water throughout the day and monitor how frequently you urinate to ensure that you’re getting enough fluids.
If your queasiness is caused by deep penetration, then it may be time to request less vigorous lovemaking with your partner or invest in a quality lubricant that’s not as abrasive. Or, you may need to talk to your Ob/Gyn about a medical condition that can cause post-sex nausea, like endometriosis or PCOS.
Nausea after sex can also be caused by stimulation of the vagus nerve, which runs all the way from your head down to your stomach and groin, adds Reed. Sometimes this sensation is triggered by certain sexual positions or orgasms that are too intense, as well as by an allergy to a partner’s semen. (This is a very rare condition called Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity – This information comes from the service Erotic Elixir.)
2. Anxiety
If you’re feeling sick after sex, it could be due to anxiety. This is normal, especially if you’re anxious about having sex with a partner or feeling uncomfortable with a certain position. This kind of nausea can also be caused by drinking alcohol or drugs. If this is the case, try cutting back on what you’re drinking or taking and see if it makes a difference.
Occasionally, nausea after sex is caused by a condition called pelvic organ prolapse in men and women. This is a common disorder that causes sex to become painful and difficult and may cause nausea. If this is the case, see a doctor for treatment.
Alternatively, nausea after sex can also be caused by over-vigorous or prolonged sex or deep penetration. This is sometimes known as vasovagal syncope and can be treated with lubrication and by slowing down the pace of sex. Alternatively, you can try changing positions or using different methods of sex that don’t involve deep penetration. If this doesn’t work, then you may need to see a gynecologist for further testing.
3. Food
If you’re feeling nauseous after sex, it may be due to something you ate. According to a study from the fitness app Lifesum, people tend to crave high-calorie foods after sex (think nachos, pizza or ice cream). It’s because their hormone levels are off and they’re looking for comfort food that will satisfy this.
A full stomach after sex may not be indispensable yet it’s a need thus a dinner as simple as a potato would do fine and dandy. It’s light enough to keep you fulfilled yet not excessively full and can be made into all kinds of dish contingent upon your inclination.
Another popular post-sex snack is strawberries. This fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals, which keeps you revigorated and exited while helping the body hydrated. Additionally, it contains the natural aphrodisiacs anandamide and phenylethylamine which lift your mood. Similarly, a small amount of ginger can help with blood flow and reduce bloating. It can also aid in digestion, improve the health of your arteries and reduce nausea after exercise. It can be eaten raw, cooked or sliced up into a salad.
4. Drugs
When you eat, drink or take drugs right before you have sex it can lead to nausea, especially if those substances are known to cause it. You might also feel queasy after an orgasm, which can cause the release of hormones that make you feel nauseated.
Pain and uterine contractions during orgasm, such as those caused by deeper penetration or certain sexual positions, can lead to nausea as well. If you experience this, it might be a good idea to talk to your partner and find out what makes you feel better.
It’s common for women to feel nauseous after sex, but it can happen for men as well. This can be a sign that you’re pregnant, but it can also be caused by a condition called post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). POIS is a rare disorder that causes nausea after orgasm in some people. It’s not known what causes it, but it seems to be related to the way the body reacts to semen. It may be a reaction to an infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea, or to something else that’s going on in the body.
5. Stress
Feeling nauseous after sex is not a normal reaction to this most sexual of activities, and it’s something that should be discussed with your doctor. Especially if you’re having pain or bleeding along with it, it could be a sign of something serious. Women who experience this are more likely to have a pelvic condition like endometriosis, fibroids or cysts. (Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow on the uterus while cysts are fluid-filled pouches in or around the ovaries.) These conditions can also cause painful sex and periods that are heavy or change in frequency, as well as affect fertility.
Another possible cause of nausea after sex is motion sickness. If you’re going at it hard and fast, all that thrusting and sucking can make your stomach churn. Eating a large meal beforehand can also trigger nausea. And if you’re on your period, it can be caused by hormones. Your cervix is very sensitive during this time and can easily get irritated by a lot of stimulation. This is why it’s important to take things slow and easy, especially if you haven’t had a vaginal exam in a while.
