Bruising the cervix is a common issue with sexual activity, but it’s not usually a huge deal. Make sure you are properly aroused for the most pain-free penetration, and use plenty of lube to minimize friction.
Pain and spotting may also accompany the injury, so take ibuprofen for relief.
Dry Vaginal Walls
Normally, the walls of your vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid that helps reduce friction during sex. The hormone estrogen helps keep this fluid and the lining of your vagina healthy. When estrogen levels drop, the tissues in your vagina may become dry. This can lead to irritation and pain during sex.
If your vulva is sore after sex, you should apply a little extra lubrication before sex to help cut down on friction and keep things comfortable. This is especially important during rough sex or when you’re getting more deeply penetrated, and for women who have a condition called vulvodynia, which can cause chronic pain in the vulva.
Entry pain is normal, but if you have deep pain during penetration or after sex, it could indicate something more serious like a pelvic infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or another problem in the area, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts, Dr. Alexander says. Your doctor can do a pelvic exam and remove cells from your vagina and cervix for a Pap test to help diagnose these problems.
Rough Sex
Rough sex is a popular BDSM activity that can be intense and satisfying. It can lead to loud orgasms that last all night, leaving you gasping for air on top of sweat-soaked sheets.
Rougher sex can be painful, however, and it is important to discuss sexual boundaries before engaging in rough sex. It’s also important to use a safe word so that either partner can stop the action at any time.
During rough sex, friction and pressure can cause injury to the vaginal mucosa and vulva. This can lead to bleeding that can happen right after sex or even a day or two later. Adding extra lubrication to the area can help reduce the amount of friction and pressure. Taking a bath with Epsom salts can also help reduce pain and swelling around the vulva. This is especially helpful if the pain is caused by an infection like thrush or a sexually transmitted disease (STI) like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Penetration
Sometimes a woman can bruise her cervix during penetration, especially with a dildo or penis. This is most likely to occur during rough sex or deeper penetration. If this is a regular occurrence, a gynecologist should be seen to determine whether or not an infection is the cause.
It can also be caused by the position of your uterus in relation to the vaginal opening, as well as how aroused you are. The cervix is lower and harder to reach when unaroused, so it’s important for couples to spend time on foreplay and get turned on before engaging in sexual activity.
A bruised cervix will feel differently for everyone, but it typically results in a deep aching sensation inside your body. This can be painful during and after penetration, but it will likely disappear over time, just like any other bruising. If the pain persists, see a doctor for a pelvic exam and over-the-counter pain medication. This injury won’t cause any long-term damage, but it’s certainly not something you want to deal with regularly!
Semen
Some semen inevitably leaks out of your vagina when you move or change positions. This semen, which is actually sperm (tadpole-shaped microscopic cells that fertilize an egg to create a baby) travels through your cervix into the uterus and down your fallopian tubes. During sexual activity, the sperm is rubbed against the wall of the cervix, which is made of more delicate cells than the cells of the vagina.
If your vaginal opening and cervix are close together or you’re not adequately aroused, it may be easier to bump or bruise your cervix during penetration. Also, your cervix shifts its position during your monthly cycle, tilting in one direction a week before and after your period.
If you want to prevent cervical bruising, try getting more arousal and using extra lubricant. Experimenting with sex positions that help conception and taking it slow are also helpful. And, as always, make sure to use protection against STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. This will not only prevent infection, but it will also protect your vulva from sex injuries.
Cysts
A bruised cervix feels like being poked on the inside with a red-hot poker, and can cause cramps that are worse than your worst period pain. Women with low pain tolerance may experience more severe symptoms.
A cervix can be bruised by violent sexual activity, particularly during deep penetration with a penis or dildo. It’s also more common to bruise your cervix when you use an improper position, such as doggy style during penetration.
Bruising your cervix can also be caused by hormonal changes, especially during the week before ovulation when your cervix usually tilts downward, softens, and opens slightly for sperm entry. The cervix also becomes softer and more susceptible to injury during pregnancy and labor.
A cyst is a solid or fluid-filled bump that develops slowly under the skin, often when something blocks a gland or irritates it. Cysts can occur anywhere on the body, including the cervix. For example, a Bartholin’s gland cyst (sometimes called a Nabothian cyst) occurs when one of the cervix’s mucous glands swells and builds up a fatty lump or pus-filled sac.
