This article was medically authored by Dr. William Fox and last reviewed for accuracy on 05/26/2026.

If you're wondering, why does my stomach hurt after sex, and you're female, this post is for you. Experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain following intercourse is upsetting and can make intimacy challenging. Plus, this symptom's confusing: why would your stomach hurt after you're done with intimacy? We totally understand your confusion! So, to get to the bottom of this symptom, in this post we review some common causes of post-coital stomach pain.

Key Takeaways

• If fibroids are the cause, you can relieve this and other symptoms with minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
• Several different conditions that affect women, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis, can cause stomach pain after intercourse
• Sharing your full range of symptoms with a trusted healthcare provider will help diagnose the cause of your post-coital stomach pain

Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Sex: Female Conditions to Consider

We know it's scary when something that's supposed to feel good leaves you in pain. But, before you panic, get armed with information! Here are four possible reasons why your abdomen or pelvis hurts after having sex.

1. Fibroids can make your stomach hurt after sex.

Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors that may cause pain during and after intercourse.

And do you know one common fibroid symptom? These growths can leave you with non-menstrual cramping, sometimes leading to discomfort after intercourse. Of course, they can also make your period cramps torturous. Or they can trigger sharp, stabbing stomach pains.

(For about 30% of women with these uterine tumors, fibroids can also cause additional symptoms, including pelvic pain, back pain and lots of pressure in your pelvic region.)

What to do: We can diagnose fibroids with a pelvic ultrasound or MRI. If you receive a fibroid diagnosis, know that you don't have to have surgery to find relief! Our team of interventional radiologists at Texas Endovascular specialize in UFE treatment, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply. Be sure to discuss all treatment possibilities with your doctor.

2. You may have endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue migrates out of your uterine lining and into other parts of your body. When you have endometriosis of the pelvis, your organs in that area may adhere to each other. So, if deep penetration is painful, this could be the reason why your abdomen hurts after sex.

What to do: Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, so you’ll want to discuss your entire medical history, including your stomach pain, with your doctor. If you have enough symptoms to suggest that endometriosis may be the culprit, you may have to undergo laparoscopic surgery to receive a diagnosis. Afterward, birth control pills or certain other medications can help control your symptoms.

3. You could have a pelvic cyst.

Ovarian cysts are typically harmless, fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on your ovary. And, while they don’t require treatment, pelvic cysts are a different story. These cysts are often a sign of infection or problematic anatomical issues.

What to do: You can diagnose a pelvic cyst via ultrasound. Usually, pelvic cysts are removed via minimally invasive surgery

4. An infection may be to blame.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a type of vaginal infection. It's triggered when bacteria from your vagina spreads to your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. One common PID side effect is widespread vaginal pain that’s mistaken for stomach pain. Unfortunately, untreated PID leads to scarring and lasting stomach pain, even after your infection clears up.

What to do: See your doctor right away. If you catch an infection early on, symptoms can usually be cleared up quickly with antibiotics. If, however, scarring has set in, more invasive treatments may be necessary.

5. Vaginal dryness could be the problem

It may sound strange, but vaginal dryness can make your stomach hurt after sex. Luckily, it's easy to treat this cause without major interventions. At many times in your life, vaginal dryness could be a concern: menopause, the birth control you choose, or even your menstrual cycle can all impact your hormones. If that happens, and estrogen levels get out of balance, you may experience vaginal dryness...and pain in your lower abdomen after sex.

But how could a dry vagina lead to stomach pain? It's pretty simple, explains the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Basically, when you're experiencing vaginal dryness, you may develop irritation and burning after sex. These symptoms can feel like a pain in your lower abdomen following intercourse.

Treating Occurences of Pelvic and Lower Abdominal Pain After Sex

The previously listed conditions are some of the ‘scary’ reasons that you experience abdominal pain after intercourse. Of course, there are some other, less problematic, causes of post-coital stomach pain—it could occur after you’ve tried a new position, or if you’re not using enough lube. But sex should feel good. And stomach pain doesn't. So talk to your healthcare provider right away if pain during or after intercourse is more than a one-off occurence.

Do you suspect that fibroids are the reason that your abdomen hurts after sex? Contact our team of fibroid specialists at Texas Endovascular to request a consultation at one of our seven locations in the greater Dallas and Houston regions. When you come into one of our offices, we can help you explore your non-surgical fibroid treatment options.