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Why Do I Get a Stomachache After Sex?
When S. Nicole Lane of the website Giddy reached out to me for my opinions on the causes and solutions for women who get a stomachache after sex, I was glad to contribute my thoughts. Here is a brief synopsis of the article along with a link to the full article below.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Do You Get a Stomachache After Sex?

Having heavy cramping may be a sign of a more serious condition

Walking side-to-side may seem like a sexual feat to Ariana Grande, but for me, hobbling home with a sore stomach is not the post-sex feeling I'm chasing after. And this type of pain is much more than a little achiness after aggressive thrusting, something typically attributed to a lack of lubrication or pulling a muscle. Right after orgasm, I curl up in a ball and wait for the intense throbbing to pass. It feels similar to menstrual cramps, lasting up to two hours along the lower region of my abdomen and up toward my belly button.

It wasn't until recently that, while twisting in bed feeling frustrated, I decided to dive into WTF was going on with my gut (and beyond). I took to Instagram to ask my community if they've ever felt a stomachache after sex—22 people responded with a resounding, "Yes!"

One person, Macy, 28, an artist in New Jersey, said they usually get a stomachache after sex whether through masturbation or penetrative sex, although it doesn't happen every time. Macy's libido has recently evaporated as well, although they aren't sure if it's linked to their pain. "It feels like a menstrual cramp but, honestly, worse in some ways because instead of just hurting, it also makes me a little nauseous as well," she explained. After 15 minutes, Macy said, the pain subsides, "but those moments feel like forever."

Approximately 10 minutes after orgasm, North Carolina resident Lina, 30, said she experiences a stomachache. Like Macy (and me), it doesn't happen every time she has sex and she's noticed it with different partners—that's right, dick size doesn't matter. "I just recently started tracking my cycle with the pain to see if there is any correlation," she explained, but so far she hasn't noticed anything substantial other than a link to orgasms. Lina, who has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that causes cysts, has always assumed the two were linked but has never visited a doctor about the correlation.

Pain after sex is not normal," said Heather Jeffcoat, D.P.T., a California-based pelvic therapy expert and author of "Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve."

Jeffcoat said when she sees patients with this type of issue, there is "either pelvic floor, hip or low back muscle overactivity or connective tissue restrictions to blame."

While it's difficult to diagnose, there could be a few reasons—beyond a lack of lube—for what's causing a stomachache after sex or after an orgasm.

Still wondering why you get a stomachache after sex? Learn more about the issue by reading the full article here.

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I was hopeful but frankly skeptical when the doctor treating me for Interstitial Cystitis recommended that I go to Heather for physical therapy. Medication and diet helped control my IC symptoms, but I had never heard of physical therapy being used to treat IC. The education and treatment I received from Heather was a revelation. She explained that the pain I experienced with IC had helped create a cycle of muscle guarding which affected the entire pelvic area. I had no idea of the amount of tension being held there. No wonder my husband and I had not been able to have sexual intercourse for years!

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A personal journey and testimonial from one of my patients:

I was diagnosed with vaginismus 4 years ago. I never heard of such medical condition until after I got married. At first my husband and I didn't know what to do, we didn't know what the issues were or how to overcome it. Being born and raised in Armenia and being Christian I wasn't that open about talking to sex with others and so it wasn't easy to seek help. But eventually I went to an Ob-Gyn and luckily she knew about the medical condition (not many doctors know). She referred me to a physical therapist and I couldn't believe it and thought it's something I can handle myself. I ordered a kit from vaginismus.com and started practicing with dilators. There was some small progress but wasn't much helpful.

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Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) has honestly changed my life. Before receiving treatment at Femina, I was going doctor to doctor to try and find the answer to my pelvic pain. It has taken me YEARS to find someone that can help fix this. It wasn't until my gynecologist recommended your clinic that I finally felt relief. My pelvic pain is almost gone, and granted I still have a lot more to work on with Laureen (my PT), my original problem is nearly cured. I am so grateful to her.

What is even better is she gave me practical exercises to do at home that were not tedious and provided instant (and lasting) relief. Although I mainly work with Laureen, my interaction with the owner (Heather) has been great. She is very generous, kind, and committed to her business.

It hurts to know there are women out there suffering who will never know or have the opportunity to work with women like Laureen and Heather because this issue is hardly talked about and this field is so rare. I hope more doctors and physical therapists see the value in this work and can relieve more woman of their pain.

-- Julie T., 12/4/16 via Yelp!

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I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me for the past 19 months. I literally could not have reached my goals without you and your practice. You gave me the courage to keep moving forth with my treatment no matter how afraid and anxious I was. You were always there to answer questions and made this whole process so much easier than I expected it to be.

It's because of you that my marriage is on the right track, that I can get pregnant and that this part of my life is finally over. I really feel that Fusion Wellness is a team of people you can call family and are there to root for you and cheer you on until you reach your goals. There is nothing better than knowing I accomplished this with you guys by my side and as calmly and patiently as I needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there and helping me reach my goals.

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Heather is the best! I saw her today for terrible hip/groin pain. I was so impressed with the safety measures in place and felt completely safe . Thanks for the healing hands.

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