Burning After Sex: What It Means and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help.

Burning after sex can be extremely uncomfortable and even discouraging. Burning after sex is extremely common and is definitely something that you shouldn’t push through, and no, it isn’t “all in your head”. A burning sensation after sex is a clue that something in your body needs attention and with the right team, it can absolutely be significantly improved, or eliminated. At Vivid Women’s Health, we help women in Doylestown and Newtown, PA understand their bodies and find relief from pain with compassionate, expert pelvic floor therapy.

Why You Might Feel Burning After Sex

There are several reasons why women experience burning or irritation after intercourse. Some are simple to fix; others may need professional support. Here are the most common causes:

1. Vaginal Dryness
   Hormonal changes, specifically a drop in estrogen—especially after childbirth, while breastfeeding, or during menopause—can reduce natural lubrication. Less moisture means more friction, which can cause that burning or stinging sensation.

2. Tight or Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles
   The pelvic floor muscles need to relax to allow comfortable penetration and intimacy. When the pelvic floor muscles stay tight (often from stress, trauma, or pelvic floor dysfunction), they can cause pain or burning during and after sex.

3. Infections (UTI, Yeast, or BV)
   Burning after sex can also come from a urinary tract infection, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis. These are common and treatable, but it’s important to rule them out with your healthcare provider.

4. Irritation or Sensitivity
   Sometimes it’s things like a scented soap, condom lubricant, or new laundry detergent that can irritate sensitive tissues and create a burning feeling after intimacy.

5. Scar Tissue
   Childbirth, pelvic surgeries, or past injuries can cause scar tissue or tightness that affects how your muscles and tissues move. That restriction can lead to discomfort, even long after the initial healing.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

A pelvic floor therapist can help investigate the reasons you might have a burning sensation after sex. If pelvic floor muscle tension, or scar tissue is the cause of your burning after sex, pelvic floor physical therapy can be the missing link in your recovery. At Vivid Women’s Health, our physical therapists specialize in helping women address the root cause of burning or pain after sex.

We help you:

• Identify and release tight or overactive pelvic muscles

• Improve blood flow and tissue mobility

• Gently address scar tissue or sensitivity

• Rebuild trust and comfort in your body

• Learn relaxation and stretching techniques you can use at home

Our approach is private, supportive, and completely customized to your body and your goals. You deserve to enjoy intimacy without pain—and we’re here to help you get there.

When to Seek Help

It’s time to reach out if:

• You feel burning, stinging, or pressure during or after sex

• You’ve noticed pain with tampon use or pelvic exams

• You’re avoiding intimacy out of fear of pain

• You’ve given birth or had pelvic surgery and never quite “felt the same” afterward

You’re Not Alone. You Don’t Have to Live With Discomfort

Burning after sex is more common than most women realize, but it’s not normal—and it’s very treatable. Whether it’s muscle tension, dryness, or scar tissue, the right care can make intimacy comfortable again.

At Vivid Women’s Health, we help women in Doylestown and Newtown, PA reclaim comfort, confidence, and connection.

If sex has become painful, let’s change that.
Schedule your consultation today and start feeling like yourself again.

To request an appointment call now.