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I have severe pain running down the backs of both legs (from my sitting bones down hamstrings) & knees after having sex. When I sit, it's dull & not as bad, but when I'm up it is awful! It starts within minutes of finishing sex and lasts at least half a day. Have never had this problem before. I am pregnant if that makes any difference, but haven't had this issue with past pregnancies. It's taking the fun out of having sex with my husband. Is there anything I can do to avoid or at least ease the pain?
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Leg pain can be from many causes:
- "Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time"
- "Sciatic nerve pain (radiating pain down the leg)"
- and many others...
However, since you are pregnant, and have had pregnancies (plural) before, you probably know that not every pregnancy is the same. For one thing, you are older this time! (sorry!) :-)
To avoid or ease the pain:
"If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:
* Rest as much as possible.
* Elevate your leg.
* Apply ice for up to 15 minutes. Do this 4 times per day, more often for the first few days.
* Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles.
* Take over-the-counter pain medications" (with the OK from your doctor during pregnancy)
You may also try a heating pad (again, with the OK from your doctor), a pre-natal massage, or yoga. It's difficult to suggest much more, as I am not sure what your current physical activity level is, and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Try a few stretching exercises, and I would recommend some different sexual positions that don't include causing leg pain. There are all different types of aches and pains during pregnancy, as tendons and ligaments are changing, and you may need to relax more during sex, or find a more comfortable position that does not put so much strain on your hamstrings.
(source: MedlinePlus)
July 12, 2009 - 8:29pmThis Comment
Thank you so much for taking some time to help me out:) Some of those things I have tried. I haven't iced or tried any meds. My OB wondered if I was low on elecrolites so I've been drinking gatorade more consistently. It doesn't seem to make a difference although it's funny to have an "after sex gatorade" with my husband. We haven't been using any strenuous or extreme positions & none of them cause any discomfort.
July 13, 2009 - 10:27amI am 28 and am 6 1/2 months pregnant. I also am an aerobic instructor so I've been consistent with staying active & stretching; although I don't have the stamina I had before (obviously) and I don't push myself quite as hard. Nor do I stretch myself to the limits since everything IS more loose due to pregnancy.
If nothing else I can at least consider myself lucky that this is the only strange side effect I've had with being pregnant. Thanks again for helping & hopefully if anyone else is having the same issues they'll be able to read this & use some of your suggestions:)
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