Do you often wonder what happens after having sex for the first time? It is seen that many changes take place in the body, especially for females. However, these modifications may differ from person to person. These are not necessarily always side effects; rather, it can be said that these are supposed to be the aftermath of sexual activity.
Sometimes, these consequences can be as adverse as sexually disseminated infections or maybe an unexpected pregnancy afterward. But you may think there can also be other physical and psychological impacts. Yes, you are right! We have compiled the following physical as well as other changes faced during and after sexual activity.
1. Physical Changes
1.1. During Sexual Intercourse
First, we will discuss the physical changes you might feel at the moment and later.
- Discomfort: Pain is a thing of concern during sex. However, the pain you feel might be because of the penetration that has to go beyond the hymen. The hymen is a skin covering that can be broken easily. It breaks due to heavy exercise or sports and, obviously, intercourse. If your hymen has not been broken before, you might feel a little uncomfortable and bleed due to the tear in the hymen.
- Swelling: While having sex, the clitoris might seem to swell; however, it returns to its original size after the activity. This swelling happens due to the sudden blood flow towards the pelvis.
- Exhaustion: You might feel tired because of an increase in your heart rate and breathing rate. It is like exercise, so it is okay to be drained of energy.
- Increased Blood Flow: Increased blood circulation may cause you to blush from head to toe.
- Itchiness: You could feel itchy for various reasons, such as friction caused by rubbing, pubic hair, or being allergic to the lube.
1.2. After Sexual Intercourse
The following are the changes you might see after sexual activity.
- Wetness: Immediately after intercourse, penetrative vaginal or anal, when there is an ejaculation, you might feel wet as the ejaculation may leak.
- Odor: You might notice a change in the odor of your genitals. As the ejaculation alters the PH levels of the vagina, you might note a change of odor.
- Swelling: Another major change that you will come across after sex is that the nipples and clitoris dilate. The dilation of the nerve endings in the nipple might lead to a swelling in the breasts.
- Soreness: There can be sore muscles after sex. Mostly, the muscles of your arms, glutes, and core are affected by sexual activity.
- Burning Sensations: After your first intercourse, you might feel a burning sensation while passing out urine. This is also quite normal since the vagina and urethra are close enough, and the stretch in your vagina could lead to a burning sensation.
- UTI: Females are more likely to come in contact with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Any action that spreads bacteria around the urethra is more likely to cause UTI.
- Pregnancy: Unplanned sexual activity can always lead to untimely pregnancy. However, it is possible to reduce the risk by using the proper barrier or contraceptive methods.
- STI: Sexually transmitted infections are hard to notice; you never know if your partner has STI or not. So, to be safer, it is necessary to get tested. Using adequate protection methods is equally important.
- Vaginal elasticity: After sex, the vaginal walls become aware of spreading and getting you ready for arousal. The elasticity hence increases.
Now, you might be clear about the physical changes that might occur while and after having sex. However, if these problems persist, it is advised to consult a specialist. Apart from these, there are also many emotional and psychological effects of sex.
2. Emotional Changes
Let us, in this part, discuss the emotional transitions during sexual activity.
2.1. During Sexual Intercourse
- The emotional part of sexual activity depends on several factors, including your cultural upbringing, your level of trust in your partner, and how attracted you feel towards your partner, physically and emotionally.
- If you are positive about the above-mentioned factors, you might feel ecstatic, thrilled, and even full and warm.
- However, if you are negative about the factors above, you might be unsettled, contemptible, and sometimes even guilty.
- While having sex, oxytocin is produced. This hormone is responsible for happiness and bonding and is the reason people feel connected to each other after sexual activity.
2.2. After Sexual Intercourse
- These emotions include satisfaction, joy, ecstasy, and sometimes vulnerability and embarrassment.
- Sexual activity also might help increase sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
- Hormonal changes take place in your body, too. The happy hormones, oxytocin, and endorphins are released in your brain, making you happy.
3. Summing Up
The above-listed changes are the major kinds of changes seen in females after intercourse. These are pretty normal, and now that you are aware of these things, you know what to do. However, it is always advisable to consult specialists who can properly guide you and tell you some of the other changes and consequences of intercourse.
In addition, it is equally important to take care of your and your partner’s hygiene. Make sure to be completely clean and tidy before indulging in any type of sexual activity.
It is also equally important to contact a good gynecologist if you have concerns about any unusual symptoms or changes.
Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Annanya Chakraborty