Causes of Nausea After Sexual Intercourse

Fireworks, dazzling lights, and complete satisfaction—these are what you expect to feel after having sex. However, when you feel nauseous instead, it's understandable to be concerned. Nausea after sexual intercourse can affect anyone and, surprisingly, there are many reasons why it can happen.

Continue reading to learn more about why you might feel sick after sex and when you should see a doctor.

1. Possible Causes of Nausea After Sexual Intercourse

Nausea after sex can result from both acute and chronic conditions. Some causes include:

• Dehydration
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Dizziness

If you frequently feel nauseous after sex, you might want to talk to a doctor to understand the underlying causes. Here are some other potential reasons:

Vasovagal Syncope (Vagal Shock)
People who feel nauseous after penetrative sex may experience a vasovagal syncope episode. This can happen when your partner penetrates very deeply, touching your cervix. Your cervix has many nerve endings that can trigger a vasovagal response. A vasovagal response is when the body stimulates the vagus nerve. This leads to lower heart rate and blood pressure, which can make you feel faint and nauseous. You may have a similar reaction after seeing blood or when trying to have a bowel movement. A vasovagal episode is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you find yourself having these episodes frequently during sex, you may need to ask your partner to penetrate less deeply next time.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. This can result in cramps, bleeding, and pain during sexual intercourse. Some people with this condition also report feeling nauseous due to pain or discomfort after having sex. Having endometriosis does not take away your ability to have sexual intercourse.

Helpful tips include taking over-the-counter pain relievers at least an hour before sex
Trying different positions, and checking if sex is less painful at different times of the month.

Allergic Reactions
Although rare, you might have an allergic reaction to your partner's semen or certain components in it.

In a documented case in 2007, a woman with a severe allergy to Brazil nuts experienced an allergic reaction to her partner's semen a few hours after he ate some Brazil nuts.

Besides nausea, signs of an allergic reaction to semen include:

• Fatigue
• Itchy skin, especially in or around the contact area
• Difficulty breathing, ranging from mild to severe
• Swelling of the genital area

If you know you are allergic to certain foods, it is important that your partner does not eat them before sexual intercourse—or ask your partner to wear a condom—to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to those foods.

You may also be allergic to other substances, which can cause similar allergic reactions. Consider getting an allergy test even if you experience persistent but non-life-threatening symptoms.

2. When to See a Doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience respiratory issues after sex along with any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Itching
• Swelling of the genital area

2.1. Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS):

According to an article in the journal Translational Andrology and UrologyTrusted Source, Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) is a medical condition that typically affects men but can occur in a small percentage of women. This condition causes a person to experience symptoms immediately after ejaculation or orgasm. These symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Fever
• Mood changes
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty concentrating

Some people with POIS report feeling like they have the flu right after orgasm, which can sometimes lead to nausea.

Doctors are not exactly sure why some people experience POIS after orgasm. Currently, they believe it may be due to an autoimmune condition in which a person's body negatively reacts to their own semen.

2.2. Anxiety or Stress

Sometimes, the cause of nausea after sexual intercourse is not physical. Anxiety and nervousness can lead to feelings of nausea and stomach pain. Occasionally, you might feel uncomfortable during sex or with a particular partner. All of these factors can potentially cause nausea.

2.3. Sexual Aversion Disorder

There is also a condition that doctors call Sexual Aversion Disorder. This is a mental health condition where a person experiences severe anxiety and fear related to sex. Both men and women can suffer from this disorder.

Sex is supposed to make you feel good. If you feel the opposite, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional or your doctor. Even if you feel embarrassed, don't let that stop you from getting the help you need.

2.4. Nausea After Anal Sex

Sometimes, people report feeling nauseous and experiencing cramps after anal sex. This is especially true if you have a history of digestive issues, such as:

• Anal fissures
• Crohn's disease
• Hemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis

These conditions can make your intestines more sensitive and lead to stomach discomfort and nausea.

It's hard to predict when this might happen. If you use water-based lubricants beforehand, it can reduce some of the risks for you. However, you should communicate with your partner to stop if you feel uncomfortable and if you experience significant pain.

3. Does Nausea After Sex Mean You're Pregnant?

A common misconception is that nausea after sex means you're pregnant or have conceived. Because people often experience morning sickness during pregnancy, it's easy to think you might be pregnant if you feel sick after sex.

However, feeling nauseous after sex does not mean you have conceived at that moment. It takes more time for sperm to fertilize an egg and implant in the uterus.

While you cannot get pregnant during sex, when conception occurs, you should not have an immediate reaction that makes you feel nauseous.

Both women and men report feeling nauseous after sex. If you are one of them, talk to a healthcare provider about potential underlying causes. With time and treatment, you can help ensure that sex is enjoyable and nausea-free.

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