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Odd cramping after orgasm and bowel movements
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Avatar_n_tn
Oh and I forgot to add just last month I had forgotten to go in and get my depo shot due to miscalculation and had to go off of it for a month. Magically for that month I did not get the cramps but as soon as i went back on Depo I got the cramps again, Maybe it has something to do with that.
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Avatar_f_tn
That is interesting that you did not get the cramps while not on Depo, however, there are many women on here who have never even been on birthcontrol... Luckily for you though, you may have the option to stop these god-awful cramps by switching birthcontrols.
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Avatar_f_tn
Thank you, ladies, for sharing. The more that stuff is out there about this, the more doctors will begin to take it seriously (or at the very least know about it and not look at us like we're hypochondriacs).

My personal way of dealing with the pain:
- take some Advil with a few big gulps of water as soon as you feel the episode coming on
- do the "downward dog" yoga pose (it helps stretch out the inner muscle that's cramping up, though when you first start the pose it might hurt a little more)
- apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen and lay down in the fetal position
- sip some hot green tea

Unfortunately, that's all the advice I can give. When I had my first episode, I went to the ER because I thought my appendix had burst or something.

One final note: I used to be on my high school's pom squad / dance team, as well as my junior high's cheerleading squad. Thus, I've definitely landed more than once on my tail bone (and pretty hard). So if nerve damage had occurred and is related to this, I could perhaps see that (although it would mean that it could take several years for the episodes to actually onset).


To help any future statistics studies:
1 Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese? on the low end of normal
2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 17
3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 10 years
4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --> (a), though on one occasion (d)
5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? --> (a)
6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> I can't recall any after arousal without orgasm.
7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> There have been prolonged periods (years) where I won't experience it at all. When I do, typically it occurs most just before my period. Some of the worst episodes have occurred on the same day that I start, but I've never had an episode on the second day or subsequent days.
8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> I'm adopted, so can't answer that one.
9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> No
10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> Not a mom.
11 How long does your pain last? --> The lightest episode has been for only a few minutes. The worst episode has been around 40 minutes.
12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? --> I've never tried sex as a remedy. Usually I'm way too doubled over in agony to even consider it a possibility.
13 Describe the pain you feel. --> Extremely bad menstrual cramping. Internal/deep, wave-like (might subside for a few seconds, then come back worse for a few seconds, then subside, etc.), pressure on colon, charlie-horse-like.

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Avatar_f_tn
Sorry, amendment. Just re-read question #12.

Answer: I've never attempted to resume sexual activity directly following or within a few hours of following an episode.

And to add to question #13: On about 1/4 of the episodes, I'll also experience nausea, cold sweats, paleness. (I can literally feel the blood drain from my face and my temperature go down slightly.) Not sure if this is part of the condition, or if it's just my body's reaction to the severe pain experienced.
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Avatar_f_tn
This has been so interesting for me to read.  I have only had two recent episodes of pain after orgasm, and after the second one, I decided it was not coincidental, so I started googling things. I still have more to read, especially about the idea that it's maybe muscle-related.  I am trying to get pregnant, and my worst fear is that these pains are somehow related to a problem that could affect my fertility.  Scratch that...my worst fear after reading these posts is that this may not go away.  

Another thing I am wondering about..... I have been on birth control for many years, and stopped taking it about 5 months ago.  I had three pretty normal cycles and haven't had one since (8 weeks).  I am not pregnant (I even had a blood test to verify), but I am wondering if the pain may be related to the recent change in my hormone levels due to stopping b.c....  I just don't understand why it would come on all of a sudden, after so many years of pain-free orgasms.  I am sad to think that I may never want to have an orgasm again if this kind of pain is the result.
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Avatar_m_tn
I just stumbled across this post while searching for some kind of answer to my severe cramping that I've been having cramps now for the last year or so. I can say that I too have the cold sweats, cramping, vomiting feelings, and deep pains but only right after an orgasm. I too am on depo, although I've been on it for almost 4 years now. It makes me not want to have sex at all because the pains are far worse than the climax is good.
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Avatar_f_tn
Just got back from my new gyn.  She said that she doesn't know what it is either and thought it was the uterine muscle cramping up but didn't know why it happens after exercise too.  She mentioned IBS since I also have bloating and constipation sometimes.  Also, she mentioned hormones causing a lot of issues since my hormones are completely out of whack.  When I was on yaz, my cramps weren't as bad and not as frequent so maybe it is my elevated testosterone/lack of estrogen... no idea.  I'm going back on Yaz soon.  Hope it helps.

Please, everyone keep us updated on anything that helps and/or gets rid of the problem.  I've been to 3 doctors so far and none of them know what could be wrong...
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Avatar_m_tn
it's weird that your doctors' don't know what this is.

after an orgasm, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin (the feel good/love/bonding hormone). oxytocin is also the main hormone that makes your uterus contract during labor and childbirth. uterine contractions after an orgasm is pretty common, but they usually aren't very strong. when you get stronger contractions, maybe because you had a strong orgasm, you can get cramps.

as for cold sweats or bowel movements and what not, those result from the interaction of your "sympathetic" and "parasympathetic" hormonal systems, as both systems are needed for an orgasm. when you're excited, your sympathetic, or "flight or fight" system is activated and you might sweat. when you're relaxed, your parasympathetic or "rest and digest" system is activated, and you may get a bowel movement. now, after an orgasm, which is a mixed experience, both hormonal systems might be on overdrive, trying to balance each other out.

of course, this doesn't happen to every woman or even with every orgasm  in the same woman. other factors like the time of the month, hormonal contraceptives and medications can change the balance of your hormones. i don't usually get cramping but once i did get cramping and cold sweat after an orgasm, and coincidentally i was also on Adderall (adderrall) for ADHD.  it's hard to say exactly what is causing it, but you can try different things to see if it makes a difference. for example, birth control pills make me really tired, but i'm fine as soon as i'm off of them. this doesn't happen to most women.

all in all, if you have specific issues like IBS or menstrual problems or anything else, you should get it checked. but if your doctor can't find anything wrong with you, and cramping after orgasm is your only issue, then it's probably from normal hormonal interactions and not something to worry about.

my two cents being a medical student.
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Avatar_n_tn
Dr. Oz update:  About March 3rd during the 'Am I Normal' segment, there was a woman who complained of having severe cramps for 15 minutes after every orgasm.  Dr. Oz said that the uterus contracts during and after orgasm, and that in some women the contractions are stronger, causing pain.  He said it was normal and had nothing else to add.  I was extremely disappointed.  You might be able to view this show on his website.
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Avatar_f_tn
Can't believe I'm not the only one! None of my doctors have ever had a clue and even told me I was lying. I don't know exactly when this pain started as I had SEVERE dysmennorhoea from age 13 (I'm now 23), been gradually put on more and more pills and my cycle was stopped 3 years ago in 2007. I've had several lots of swabs ("you're young, it must be clamydia (chlamydia)"), smear test, ultrasounds and a laparoscopy and all came back negative. My pain doesn't just happen after orgasm, anything can set it off even just walking down stairs or getting out of a chair but orgasm and emptying my bladder are very common causes. It's worse if I forget my (progesterone based) pills, even by an hour or 2. I'm now on Brevinor, Cerazette and Miconor every day with no break, plus cocodamol 2x30/500, buscopan, diclofenac and amitriptyline at night. I was on tramadol but the side effects are too much. I've always lumped this pain in with the dysmennorhoea, after reading the posts maybe it's separate. This condition rules my life and I can't describe how severe the pain is and how the last 10 years have been a living hell because of it. I'm doing a PhD in reproductive medicine and my supervisor reffered me to the best gynaecologist he knows and she's putting me in for a mirena coil, pain clinic and some GI clinic in case it's an intestinal thing. Thanks for showing me I'm not alone!
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541234_tn?1266678697
To: all
reposting from FEB ,i see alot of duplicate questions lotsa of reading sooo i think this will be of interest.. i spoke to my neurologist did any of you get an EMG looking for the nerve that is impinged causing  the muscle spasm? we all know scar tissue adhesion attach to everything, soo he said the pudental nerve and sciatic nerve could be part of the issue since all dieases are ruled out,  on most of you, and i would again suggest chiropractic  mine read this article and started making some adjustments to my hips front and back, lotsa vit water and a multi vitamin I dont' take any RX for pain  other then flexerll 2.5 mg 1x week , i break a 10 mg in 4 pcs. having  less issues waiting on the EMG as i don't have any insurence at the moment.
what do ya'll think about this idea?
supposely a fruit called magosteen is suppose to be a great  supplement  cure all , i just bought it on vitamin shoppe  pill or  juice form ,  can't hurt to add this fruit to your diet? my mom  has an  india Dr. he said it was a great fruit, her BP is lower her  GERD is better so  my IBS is better? this fruit supplement  does wonders? or not?  not promoting or advertsing but we are hear to share info  
i also take  a hormone supplement  DHEA 1 x week  5 mg  ask your Dr about this since it supppose to replenish estrogen or testosteron whatever we are lacking?  since i' am perimenopasal ? post menopasol i only have 1 ovary left now.  hope this helps

Pudendal nerve entrapment
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) is a source of chronic pain,
in which the pudendal nerve (located in the pelvis) is entrapped or compressed.[1] Pain is worsened by sitting, and can include prickling, stabbing, burning, numbness, and the sense of a foreign object in the urethra, vagina, or rectum. In addition to pain, symptoms can include sexual dysfunction, impotence, anal and urinary incontinence.

Contents [hide]
1 Causes
2 Treatment
2.1 Physical Therapy
2.2 Corticoids treatment
2.3 Surgical
3 External links
4 References


[edit] Causes
PNE can be caused by pregnancy, scarring due to surgery and accidents. Anatomic abnormalities can result in PNE due to the pudendal nerve being fused to different parts of the anatomy, or trapped between the sacrotuberous and sacrospinalis ligaments. Heavy and prolonged bicycling, especially if an inappropriately shaped or incorrectly positioned bicycle seat is used, may eventually thicken the sacrotuberous and/or sacrospinous ligaments and trap the nerve between them, resulting in PNE.

[edit] Treatment
[edit] Physical Therapy
There are stretches and exercises which have provided reduced levels of pain for some people. There are different sources of pain for people since there are so many ligament, muscles and nerves in the area. Sometimes women do pelvic floor exercises for compression after childbirth. However, there have been cases where the wrong stretches make the constant pain worse. Some people need to strengthen the muscles, others should stretch, while for some people it is purely neurological. There have been cases where doing stretches have helped bicyclists. A helpful stretch for some is bending over and touching your toes. Another stretch includes bringing your knee to your chest on the compressed side while laying on your back. One more possibly helpful stretch for bicyclists include sitting in the lotus position and moving your head to the ground supporting yourself with your hands and keeping your buttocks up. Stretches should not be held long (about 8 seconds) and be spreadout through the day. Acupuncture has helped decrease painlevels for some people, but is generally ineffective.[citation needed] Chiropractic adjustments to the lower back have also helped some patients with pudendal nerve issues.

[edit] Corticoids treatment
Alcock canal infiltration with corticosteroids is a minimally invasive technique which allows for pain relief and could be tried when physical therapy has failed and before surgery.

[edit] Surgical
Decompression surgery is done primarily in Nantes, France; Aix-en-Provence, France; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Phoenix, Arizona; Lake Elmo, Minnesota; Baltimore, Maryland; Santa Monica, California; Houston, Texas; Switzerland; Belgium; Nashua, New Hampshire; and in Egypt. The validity of decompression surgery as a treatment and the existence of entrapment as a cause of pelvic pain are controversial. While certain doctors will prescribe decompression surgery, others will not. Notably, in February 2003 the European Association of Urology in its Guidelines on Pelvic Pain said:

the reality is that pudendal nerve neuropathy is probably only a likely diagnosis if the pain is unilateral, has a burning quality and is exacerbated by unilateral rectal palpation of the ischial spine, and the pudendal motor latency is delayed on that side only. However, such cases account for only a small proportion of all those presenting with perineal pain and the proof of the diagnosis resting on relief of pain following decompression of the nerve in Alcock's canal is rarely achieved. The value of the clinical neurophysiological investigations is debatable; some centres in Europe claim that the investigations have great sensitivity (1,2), while other centres, which also have a specialized interest in pelvic floor neurophysiology, have not positively identified any cases.[2]

Three types of surgery have been done to decompress the pudendal nerve: transperineal, transgluteal, and transichiorectal. The results on pain are very similar (around 60% of cure). Impotence, anal and urinary incontinence can also be cured by these procedures.

[edit] External links
PNE web forum and community
Pudendal Help
Pudendal.com by Groupement Européen de Périnéologie
Society for Pudendal Neuralgia
Pudendal.info: PNE Web Community
Treatment and Diagnosis of Pudendal nerve clinical syndromes
Living with Pudendal Neuralgia Book
[edit] References
^ Filler, AG: Diagnosis and treatment of pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome subtypes: imaging, injections, and minimal access surgery Neurosurgical Focus DOI: 10.3171/FOC.2009.26.2.E9.
^ European Association of Urology, most recent guidelines (downloadable PDF on Chronic Pelvic Pain is the first item in the list).
Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2003 Jun;82(6):479-84. (PMID 12820792)
Eur Urol. 2005 Mar;47(3):277-86 (PMID 15716187)
Clin Exp Neurol. 1991;28:191-6. (PMID 1821826)
BMC Surg 2004, 4(1):15 full text
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudendal_nerve_entrapment"
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Avatar_n_tn
The pains are not causing infertility.  I started with these pains when I was 25 and had a child at 29 and 39.  The pains continued throughout the pregnancies. I was also on several forms of birth control and even no birth control and still have the cramps.
My cramps are improving.  I have been doing a lot of yoga, and going to alternative medical practitioners. I have been doing a lot of work to release the tension in my lower abdomen, mainly meditation. When I say they are improving I mean that after my period my cramps are almost non-existent.  I don't have to run to the bathroom and although the cramps are dull, the pain is about a 2 on the scale.  Even when I am later in my cycle the cramps aren't as bad as they were, maybe a 5 instead of a 9.
I do have weak pelvic floor muscles and incontinence. My sacral muscles are always tight. My yoga is helping me in this area and also see a cranio-sacral therapist.  Has anyone had internal trigger point manipulations?  My C-S doesn't do it, but there are some that do.  Just curious.  That's where I am headed next on my list.
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541234_tn?1266678697
hi, TRigger point is part of my chiropractic therapy he/she will use an activator which he/she uses on the trigger points , speedy therapy while you can have a massage therapist  do accupressure and trigger point massage, i bought 2 books on half ******* on trigger point self help might work, i bought my massage table for 120.00 on Ebay ******* so lucky for me my friend is my personal assistant in these areas i keep posting this is a NERVE impingement  in our low back and hips which is the purdental nerve, that affects our rectum and uretheral areas.and uterus!   our shoes our posture all  are part of this, being a HHA i kept buying sneakers and shoes going to the chiropractor finally I told him about  this purdental nerve and he started a new therapy and i can go 2 -3 days feeling good then my JOB aggravates my low back and its BACK,  so now My neurologist is going to look into  female purdental nerve for an EMG, i have to wait my insurence lapsed,  as with a man with purdental nerve he says he electrodes his Penis OUCH! to find the impingement so  we are making progress if people seek alternative therapy,  drugs are not the answer for me, alot of insurence will cover chiropractic soo i am also swollowing MANGOSTEEN fruit supplement and L carnitain its an amino acid  for metabolism and fat build up ,  so perhaps we are Mineral defiiecent with all of our periods! another idea to explore!
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Avatar_m_tn
The pain you are describing is either Levitor Ani Syndrome or Proctalgia Fugax (depending on whether you get it at night and how long it lasts). My physical therapist is the one who diagnosed it. Not a lot of health professionals seem to know that it exists: my doctor looked at me with puzzlement when I first described it to her, and other physical therapists that I saw did not know what it was either.

The pain and cramping after sex, a bowel movement (even, for me, biking)--yep, that's it, to a tee.

However, I don't describe the pain as being in my abdomen--it feels exactly like it is my colon that is spasming.

I find that it is a muscle and muscle-alignment problem, but that eating foods I am allergic to will bring on the pain as well. Please let any and all know about these conditions. There are a lot of people who have this pain that have never been told what it is.
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Avatar_m_tn
Kim, and others:

What's the result of doxycyclene at this point? In March you posted that after the 1st week of treatment, you were having orgasm without pain. Is that still true? Did this treatment provide ongoing relief or have symptoms returned?

Hello everybody,
I'm a man!! My wife of 7 yrs (she's 31 now) has just recently started experiencing intense cramping afer orgasm. She describes it as just like menstrual cramps, but more intense. Over the past 7 years I would say her orgasm has been getting more intense. This past year has been the most intense ever. Then, just 2 months ago, the first little symptoms of cramping after orgasm started. Now it happens everytime. Last night she had the cramps all night and was still uncomfortable this morning!! It only happens after orgasm. She never had menstrual cramps at all until around 2 yrs ago, when she first started being more uncomfortable during menstruation. Now she has menstruation cramps the first couple days of her period each month. They are uncomfortable, but not nearly as strong as what happens now after orgasm.

Has anyone else had any success with any therapies? Anyone using Magnesium successfully?

Thanks!
Steve
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541234_tn?1266678697
did you/she  try DHEA supplement? its a hormone stabilizer  buy at walmart. 5 mg daily . try a womens mult vit/mineral supplement this may rule out some thing?
did you try chiropractor maybe nerve is pinched in Hip/back we do have a sexarobic work outs at times! can't hurt to try?
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Avatar_f_tn
AAAARRRGGHHH!!! I AM REALLY GETTING TIRED OF THIS! Today I took a 3 hour nap, had an erotic dream, then had instant menstrual type cramps. Had to have several bowel movements as well.Cramps lasted about 20 minutes. I am not due to start my period for 15 days. I wish I could get this problem fixed, its controlling my life. This is very frustrating.
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541234_tn?1266678697
Did you try anything we suggested? TRY DHEA at walmart? try chiropractor? a pinched nerve will cause you grief, i broke coccyx tip off chiroprator helped me!
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Avatar_m_tn
I've had cramps after sex, just like period pain but stronger, for years. Not every time, but I have learnt that there are things I can do to reduce the incidence.
Always have sex with an empty bladder.
When my husband goes in side of me I get him to pause for 10 secs while I wait for my muscles to relax. Slow movement at first so my muscles don't cramp. Only tense my muscles to orgasm when I know I am relaxed.
This has helped dramatically, going from every second time to once in a blue moon.
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Avatar_f_tn
This started happening to me about 6 days ago and i just thought it was a one off then it hapend everytime since, i didnt think it was a commen thing but obviously it is
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Avatar_n_tn
Hey, I have a bit of an update, I went to my doctor told him about it and he does think it is a big problem, so he sent me for a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound and everything's normal, I have another appointment with him next friday because he is going to send me to a gyno. He did however give me a muscle relaxer to take just before intercourse, I have not tried it yet but plan to next time. I am going to attempt to print out this whole chat and give it to him and my new gyno when i go to see him/her hopefully they will think of something, I will get back to you all after my next appointment. Keep being strong ladies!!!
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Avatar_n_tn
I am 21 years old and have been sexually active since I was 14. About 2 years ago I started to experience severe cramping after having an orgasm and a bowel movement. It used to happen only once in a while but now it happens every time, penetration or not. It makes me want to curl up in a ball the pain is so bad. I have never been pregnant but the pain to me can be described as a contraction. It usually lasts for up to 20 min. and sometimes I even just get them out of the blue so I try and go to the restroom but it never helps. I have also been on the pill for 7 years and was wondering if this has something to do with it PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME! I am only 21 and I dont even want to have sex anymore due to the pain I am in!
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Avatar_m_tn
Wow I had no idea so many people had this problem! Thanks for mention the doctor OZ episode, I lan to try and watch it. Well I have this issue for over a year and it started about 6 months after the birth of my son. I am not and have not been on any birth control, so to the others I do not think that is related.The pain seems to have gotten worse and more frequent. About 95% of the time after orgasm, only on my lower left side for about 20 min. The pain is STRONG and seems to pulsate like contractions. Seriously it keeps me from enjoying sex because i know the pain is coming. I went to my OBGYN and she thought it might be a cyst, but after 2 ultra sounds she said I looked text book normal. This is soo frustrating and I wish i knew what was going on!!!! I need help to deal with this. I just found out I am pregnant again and I an afraid that it   my a miscarriage, since i have had one already since this pain started. I am interested  in what was said about a chiropractor since I have always had back troubles. Also I might try Yoda as some suggested. If anyone can help please do, especially with pregnancy advice  and get the pain to subside so I can enjoy sex again. Thanks ladies!!
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Avatar_f_tn
take supplements of calcium, magnesium, B complex and lots of vitamin E (short term), plus drink lots of water
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Avatar_f_tn
I take a magnesium, calcium, zinc with vitamin D supplement as well as B-complex and still have the cramps. haven't tried vitamin E.  

Is there a particular reason why you recommend these? have they worked for you or have you read something about them?
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541234_tn?1266678697
i suggested DHEA supplement esp. if your lacking in estrogen or testosterone this may help,i found my diet of WHEAT free  gluten free and avoid alot of acidic foods and drinks tomatoe base ,sodas, i'm better, and use moist toilet paper.. public paper scratches.. me then i found body wash w/ micro beads etc SCRATCH me.. i use sitz bath pan w/ baking soda, i am good again, push gatorade type drinks help me with leg cramps and orgasm spasms, also i take multi vit and xtra L carnitin supplement, bm pain ibs- mine was  linked to food allergys (allergies)... get tested, i feel better on GF try eatting oatmeal potatoes rice poultry for a week see if you feel better worked for me! 45 yr mother of 2 boys! thyroid goitors! hypothyroid symptoms on synthyroid!
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Avatar_f_tn
I have been having cramps similar for the past year. I usually have them in the middle of the night or early morning. I am usually awakened with them and they last approximately 15-20 minutes. It is the worst pain I have ever felt. It feels like a stabbing pain in my right ovary, always the right. Often if I pee the pain will decrease. I have also noticed them during an orgasm that did not include penetration but never from orgasms from penetration. My gyno has run all types of blood tests and done a vaginal ultrasound but can not come up with an answer. I am going to a urologist next.
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Avatar_f_tn
@jamiesadler - when you wake with these cramps, are they from erotic dreams? the cramps that I get when waking up are the worst ever.  and they always last exactly 15-20 mins.  I get less of those waking cramps when I'm on the pill (yaz/progesterone).

@jmbirds - I'll look for it at walmart. I know I have slightly high levels of testosterone but don't know if I'm lacking estrogen but mb it's worth a try at least.
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Avatar_f_tn
Hi all,
Does anyone experience problems after drinking caffeine?? I only drink tea - but afterwards I get the same terriable cramps I get after an orgasm or during my period. I have endometriosis but are taking nothing for it (after years of being on every drug under the sun I've had enough). I also take Magnesium, and B12 but for other issues. I would appreciate any comments on caffeine as it appears to be a major trigger for me.
Karen
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Avatar_f_tn
Gosh I posted on this thread a couple of years ago. I just checked back because I will be seeing a gyn specialist soon (mom was just diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer). I'm amazed at the number of women posting that they have this horrrible problem. Alas, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction doesn't really seem to describe what I have... But maybe I'll disover some new info with this round of gyn stecialists. I'll stay connected here and post about anything new I might learn.

Keep the faith, everyone!  There've got to be answers somewhere.
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Avatar_f_tn
I am so glad I have finally found a forum where people have the same problem as me - although I am sorry for you all that you too are suffering from it!!

I have had the pains you all describe for about 15 years now, and am now about 99.9% sure that the cramping, (which used to be right-side only) is actually bowel cramps.

Have had:
laproscopy (x2)
appendectomy
endoscopy
sigmoidoscopy
been on food exclusion diets for months / years (when I thought it was IBS)
all in the search for a reason, and all to no avail :((

So basically been through the mill and back with this one (and this post could get very long-winded if I am not careful!)

Most recently (3 years ago), I followed a gut feeling to go and see an endocrinologist (as I noted that the pains were every day (7 or 8 times a day) EXCEPT from during my period (and also had NO pain whilst on Dianette contraceptive for 8 years). Blood tests showed I had very low progesterone levels in the luteal phase, combined with v high oestrogen levels, and also, very very low levels of vitamin D (no known reason for either though).

Doc perscribed vitamin D drops (5 a day of Oleovit) and progesterone (vaginal suppositories - yuk!) for days 18 to 28 of my cycle.

This didn't cure me completely, but made it much more bearable within a couple of months (didn't wake me in the night any more). Whilst on this medication, I also became pregnant although interestingly, the cramps continued for the first 4 months of pregnancy and only returned once I had stopped breast feeding (when my little boy was 9 months old).

Frustratingly, the pains continue to this day, and I am TTC number 2 at the moment, although again have been found to have very low progesterone levels (could this be the cause full stop???)

to get to the point: in my experience, this is 100% hormone related, and has for me, been best managed by an endocrinologist. All other docs were clueless, and to be fair, the endo guy is not 100% sure what it is, but is at least coming up with more useful (and successful) treatments.

good luck to you all



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Avatar_m_tn
I am a women's health P.T (as well as an R.N. with my nursing background in maternal child nursing).
I developed and run a hospital based women's health program though we treat men and children with pelvic dysfunctions including all types of pain and urogenetal and bowel issues. As many of the respondents here have noticed, there is often significant overlap of these issues.
I just came across your forum while preparing a presention to some fellow W.H. providers. I see post orgasm pain in the lower quadrants and can typically resolve it as I have always found it to be musculoskeletal. We also have great success treating painful intercourse (dyspareunia) in most cases. Not all P.T.s treat these problems, but there are specially trained P.T.s around the country who are skilled in treating these problems. I would caution though, just like in any other field of practice, there are different skill levels and different techniques used in treatment. I collaborate with a number of skilled treaters here in Michigan...as a matter of fact a group of about a dozen of us met today to discuss treatment protocols etc. I would also say that I am not aware of many therapists who specifically know how to treat the post orgasm pain issue. I teach beginning and advanced courses re: women's health treatment to PTs and do include this information and the treatment protocol I've developed.

Happy to entertain questions if you have any.

Bruce
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I can't believe so people have this problem, I thought it was some kind of menopausal thing (I am 48 never had kids, never been pregnant) but I experience the same thing, after orgasm, after strenous exercise (running and biking).  My doctor said it was normal, (wow, Cosmo never mentions this!!)  and it is a hormonal release in the uterus.  She recommended Motrin before sex.  I haven't tried it yet, because I am trying to avoid sex all together, the pain isn't worth it!   But I thought I would throw this out there, thanks for the relaxation exercise and yoga recommendations, anything is worth a try to stop these horrible contractions.
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Hi. I am happy to know that i am not the only experiencing this problem.I am happy to find the site. I am 29, no kids yet and i have never had a orgasm during sex. About 6 years i started having orgasms in my sleep which awakes me up with intense pains on both sides of my abdomen/pelvic. I can actually feel myself having the orgasm in my sleep but what i find that i am actually doing is squeezing my legs together.

My pain is more like an intense burning and i am wash with cold sweat, feeling very weak and bowel movement. Sitting on the toilet does help. What really help for me is drinking water and plenty of it. Pains usually last for about 15-20 mins. I usually lie back in bed, moaning and crying until it is finish which i am fine afterward. It is the worst feeling ever to have.

My episodes are not as frequent like most of you ladies. I had an episode about three weeks ago which i have not had in a long time and i believe it was due to me getting sexually aroused from discussions sex with my boyfriend over the phone.

I would really love if someone could find a solution for these problem.  
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I've been dealing with these same symptoms for almost 5 years now. I started seeing a new doctor and an acupuncturist just trying to do anything to help. There was a 2-3 week period where the pain was MUCH less and then it came back. And I couldn't figure out why. Well...I thought it was the acupuncturist that helped...but I realized something today. Around that time when the pain lessened I was diagnosed as having severely low Vitamin D levels. LIke a 6...which is the lowest the Dr. had ever seen. I was taking the supplements she prescribed but then started to forget, etc. And guess what, the pain came back.

I'm back on the Vitamin D and can't wait to see if they dissipate again.

Doing some research online I've found what severe Vitamin D deficiency can cause...bone pain, muscle cramps, pelvic pain, neck pain, sciatica...all of which I have as well.

I'm so hoping this is it. After all of the doctors, the exams, the ultrasounds, the bloodtests, the operations...that this is it.

I'll report back!
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I have been having these horrid, horrid cramps for about 10 years now. I never even thought about looking on the internet. I also get the bowel movement with this as well.
I have been single for 3 years and am basically avoiding any sort of relationship as it worries me. I occasionally use toys and this does the same thing, as well as orgasms in dreams are bad too.
I havent been to a doctor about this either as im afraid and also embarrassed about the condition. I never realised there would be so many people with the same problem!!!

I have been on the depo injection for 7 years and have just recently changed to the implant. The cramps have not changed with the change of the birth control.

I really need help to sort this problem as its ruining my life x
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I have the exact same problem! I get bad cramps both after orgasm and bowel movements, and they are painful. Again, doctors are clueless. The last post about calcium and ATP has me wondering about nutritional approaches to a "cure" or at least a reduction of cramps. My post is 2 years after the last one, but more comments would be great.
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i cant beleive there is so many other women that this happens to. i was sick with worry thinking had bowel cancer or something. Mine is exactly the same as everyone is describing/ Last night i woke up from  an erotic dream in absolute agony and had too sit on the toilet for about 15minutes with bowel movements. i get it every time i orgasm (intercourse or other), and it only started about a year ago. im 24 and have been on dianette for 2yrs, so not sure whether that could be a factor. i also suffer alot from cystitus and kidney infections, (i think from sex).( not sure if that has anything to do with it) but the pain after orgasm is sooo painful, i think im going to die. i feel weak, light headed, and like im goin to get sick if its really bad...
im sooo glad im not the only one with this problem, i really was worried goin to the doctor, thinking the worst. im goin to get checked anyway. hopefully someone will find something that can cure us all ...
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I am almost thirty years old and have had the severe cramping after every orgasm for the past ten years.  I have been to several different doctors and all have been clueless.  They have told me to take over the counter pain meds half an hour before sex and I have tried that but the pain is too intense for the meds.  I have also been told I have a very sensitive uterus.  But over the years the severity of the cramps have become worse and lasting longer.  They now last twenty minutes each time.  I had a baby almost two years ago so I have experienced labor pains.  The cramps I experience after an orgasm are as severe or worse than labor contractions.  At least with contractions you get a break between them.  But those twenty straight minutes of cramping are total HELL.  It is ruining my life and my sex life with my husband.  About two weeks before my period are when the cramps are at their worse.  And like other people have posted, anything can set them off - dancing, a fast movement, emptying my bladder, but the worse cramps are the ones that occur right after an orgasm.  I avoid all sex to keep from having an orgasm.  But I tend to have orgasms in my sleep and I wake up with the horrible twenty minute cramping.  Almost all the time I feel like I need to have a bowel movement - sometime I can, sometimes I can't.  I've thought for a while I might have endo, but every doctor has said that is not a symptom of it.  I know what myself and all you others out there are experiencing are NOT normal.  It's not because we have a sensitive uterus.  It is a bigger problem.  I stumbled upon another website with all these women writing in who have similar symptoms.  It was as if I wrote the complaints myself.  The majority of all the women have been diagnosed with Endo.  There was one lady who hadn't had endo but had fibroids instead.  I'm having surgery Dec 2nd to look for endo and have it removed if possible.  I hope it is my problem because I cannot live my life like this anymore.  Over the past ten years the pain has gotten worse.  I'm young... I cannot imagine it getting worse for the rest of my life.   Like others have said it was so nice reading other people share my pain, I feel for them... but it's nice to know I'm not alone with this unfair problem.

Here is the other website I found.  

********
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I have been having cramps after orgasm for about 6 months now. I had a vaginal ultrasound and pap smear with no findings. The doc thought maybe I had a tubal pregnancy but that was negative. I take continuous birth control so I never get my period. I am 38 years old and never had a pregnancy because I am dutiful with my birth control. I have just been diagnosed with IBS. It seems like after the cramping I have a small bowel movement that relieves the pain. NO DOCTOR knows anything about this and they are very dismissive about it.
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Also, I do not have endo or uterine fibroids.
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Well I am in the same exact boat that many of you are. (24 years old) The pain started occuring around three years ago and has progessivly gotten worse. I used to get extreme constipation and abdominal pain two weeks before my period and the day I got my period it would stop and i would be pain free. ( i would get cramps but one advil on the first day would make them go away). This was obviously uncomfortable but what has really affected my life was the severe pains after orgasm and the need to have a bowel movement. It used to happen every once and a while but now it occurs every time.

I finally came to the point where I decided I could no longer ignore it and do something about it. My general doctor assumed it was IBS and i tried different diets with fiber and nothing seemed to work. I finally decided to go on birth control four months ago and the pain before my period went away!  I thought life couldn't be better but the pain after orgasm still happens! I actually am going to see a gastrointestinal doctor next week to see what he has to say. I will be more than disappointed if he doesn't know what to do about it. I hope I do not have endo but that will be my next investigation.

so my suggestion is birth control if you have not tried it. if I find out anything else i will share.

Lauren
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I also have similar issues but if I orgasm, my cramps last all night and all day. I'm having that issue now and have been feeling like poo all day. The Vitamin D interested me. I am 33 years old and have been diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome. I went to a sleep specialist who did blood tests and found that my Iron is at 21, normal is 51-200; Vitamin D is 23 and my vitamin K is also low. Anywho, she wants me to take 1000-2000iu of  Vit. D, Vitamin C  and 325mg of ferrons sulfate. Now obviously these two issues aren't related but considering my Vitamin D is so low, I'm curious if it will help the cramps. I don't drink a lot of milk, at all...in fact I hardly drink any. Days like these where tea and soda are big...maybe it would do all the ladies good to get specific blood work on vitamin D, iron, B12 and so on and see if there is a common factor. I'd be curious to know if many of us are deficient in Vit. D. I will begin my Vit. D supplements soon and will try to give an update to see if it helps.
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I am so glad to have found this discussion.  I am 32 years old and I am suffering from these same symptoms for about 15 years.  I have severe cramping after every orgasm, during exercise, after a sexual dream, or sometimes for no reason at all.  The cramps last from 20-40 minutes starting out mild and growing in intensity.  The cramps are so severe I can barely stand it, having a bowel movement seems to help.  It is very hard to have a sexual relationship with my husband.  I am a mother of 3 and the cramping wasn't as intense during pregnancy, it seemed to go away after the first trimester.  I had no cramping whatsoever during breastfeeding.  These cramps make labor pain seem like a piece of cake.  Previously to having children, I was on continuous birth control and that seemed to inhibit the cramping, however after having my children I thought that going back on the continuous birth control would help.  I have been on the birth control for almost 2 months now, and I am still having cramps.  I went to the doctor and he said I had a cyst on my left left ovary and that he believes I have fibroids.  
I am wondering if the Vitamin D has worked with anyone.  I am at my wits end and I am even willing to have surgery if that would help the pain.  Since I am done having kids I am considering a hysterectomy.  Has anyone had a hysterectomy and if so did it help your pain?  Any information would be great!  I am planning on seeing my doctor next week to see about scheduling a laparoscopy.  I hope to find some answers.  
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Peeps - do tell us how you go with the Motrin - I did some research and it basically does the same thing as asprin, which is the only thing that has worked for me thus far. And actually if I can preempt it by 5-10 mins it does work. I tried it last night before sex, and thank goodness, there were warning pains, but nothing eventuated like it usually would without the asprin.

On the flip side, I went back to the dr today and she is sending me off to have my thyroid tested, she says it can cause wayward periods...
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I am not alone!!! Thank you all, and I'm sorry to you all who are suffering with this. I have had severe cramps after orgasms for as long as I can remember. Like some of you, I avoid sex because it's just not worth the pain. This in turn means I avoid relationships. I'm 42 and single, and will probably be that way forever. I can get these cramps from exercising, or sometimes out of nowhere. Sometimes the pain wakes me up. Worse, if I get the cramps after an orgasm (even an accidental one, like if I'm asleep), I'll get "aftershock" cramps for days and days after.

One doctor told me it was IBS. Another doctor told me I was "insane." My gyne said I'm not insane, but no tests show anything wrong.

I've tried Advil and emptying my bladder and everything folks here have mentioned. I find that my birth control pills help tremendously...they prevent most of the "random" attacks, but not the post-orgasm ones.

How do we fight this? How do we prevent this? Are we doomed to suffer for sex for the rest of our lives? One thing is for sure...if this affected men, there would be drugs as good as Viagra to prevent it!
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This is the only forum that I've come across in 7 years that has helped. Finally, I know I am not alone! I've spoke to several doctors about this problem and it has not gotten me anywhere. Like some of you, I also suffered from a tailbone injury. It was not until years later that I started experiencing these pains.

To help any future statistics studies:

1 Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese? Normal

2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 20

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 7 years

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --> I've experienced this pain after all,  rarely after urinating

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? It is the worst after orgasm

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> I have had pain after arousal occasionally. Almost always after orgasm unless I'm on my cycle.

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> I experience the pain all month long. Oddly enough, I do not experience these pains following orgasm when I am on my cycle. I also don't experience menstrual cramps since I'v been on birth control. I'm been on birth control pills faithfully for 12 years. The pains started 7 years ago.

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> Not that I know of

9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> No

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> Not a mom.

11 How long does your pain last? --> The lightest episode has been for only a few minutes. The worst episode has been around 30 minutes (I guess). I'm in so much pain I've never timed it.

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? --> It usually is not painful for me to resume sexual activity after the pains subside. I have never had another orgasm following the pain though. I have noticed that I am tender in my pelvic region for a few days following a bad episode.

13 Describe the pain you feel. --> Immediately after orgasm the pain starts off light and builds quickly. It feels like a horrible menstrual cramp/spasm that will not subside.  At its worst, I feel it through out my entire pelvic region into my back. It makes me naseous. It also makes me feel like I have to go to the bathroom and does help to have a bowel movement.

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1 Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese? Obese, 5'3" 182 lbs

2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 38

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 6 months

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above -- after sexual arousal and after Orgasm

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? It is the worst after orgasm

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> I have had pain after arousal occasionally. Almost always after orgasm. I have no cycle because I am on continuous birth control.  I definitely do not have fibroids or endometriosis.

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> I experience the pain all month long.

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> Not that I know of

9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> No

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> Not a mom.

11 How long does your pain last? --> The lightest episode has been for only a few minutes. The worst episode has been around 45 minutes

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? -->Not sure, I never tried.

13 Describe the pain you feel. --> Immediately after orgasm the pain starts off light and builds quickly. It feels like a horrible menstrual cramp/spasm that will not subside.  At its worst, I feel it through out my entire pelvic region into my back. It makes me naseous. It also makes me feel like I have to go to the bathroom and does help to have a bowel movement.
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I am 35 years old and I have been suffering with severe uterine contractions after orgasm off and on for about 2 years. The pain comes on within 5 minutes after I orgasm. It can be either with intercourse with my husband or masturbation. I have severe uterine contractions that make me feel like I need to have a bowel movement. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't. The pain is so severe that I feel like I need to give birth even though I'm not pregnant. It is a tightening in my lower abdomen and radiates to my butt. The severe pains last about 5 mins and then slowly subside, but my stomach continues to hurt for up to 45 minutes later. It has been so severe before that it's awakened me from a sleep. I am a mother to 3 children who are now teenagers. I have had a tubal ligation and endometrial ablation surgery 6 years ago for heavy menstrual bleeding. I am height/weight proportioned and have no known medical problems aside from high blood pressure, which is being treated with a prescription.
I went to my gynecologist a year ago and told him about my pains which was a quite humiliating experience. He explained the process of orgasm and told me that when we orgasm, our muscles to contract and although the extremely painful ones are not common, they're not abnormal. I seem to disagree. Although it doesn't happen every time after orgasm, because I never know when it's going to strike, I fear sex. Any feedback would be appreciated.
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I have this same issue and am going to have a Laparoscopy done soon.  OB seems to say it's normal....but my husband ...not so much.  Crying after sex is not normal.  And it's not just after sex....wild dreams, reading erotic books, anything that gets me stimulated and then I get the cramps.  I'm only 37 and have two kids and do not plan to have anymore.  This seems entirely a uterus issue so debating on a hysterectomy.  
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Woke up around 6 am with ovaries aching. I had an erotic dream. I haven't been having a lot of orgasms during sex for the past 2 years or so and read something interesting about it possibly being a problem of having too few orgasms and being similar to a guy's blue balls. My next plan is to try to have more frequent orgasms to see if it truly is a "congestion" issue. Thoughts?
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This pains started for me around 4 years ago, I have been on depo for 6yrs , not sure if thats related.
Ended up having a Laparoscopy done in june last year, they thought i might of had endo..
It really gets to me that they put me through all of that , only to find out there is nothing wrong with me.
I had no official follow up just a appointment with a pain releif team wanting me to take paracetamol for 6months and a low dose of an anti depressnt to knumb the nerve.
He was confused  and said it may be overactive nerves.
I did not like the idea of my liver being affected from the drugs so I never went back.
These days I dont tell my partner of 6 years it s happening, I have no choice but to deal with it..
All im saying is dont think it serious like cancer or something that will make u infertile.. I did and they treated me like i was making it uo to get attention..
any way whos know, its very frustrating  ?#!*
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I HAVE AN ANSWER TO THE CRAMPING!!  I just had sex last night for the first time in 10 years absolutely PAIN FREE.  I took a pill called levsin (hyoscyamine) which is an antismasmodic drug usually used to help irritable bowel.  It stopped the cramping completely. It is known to stop involuntary abdominal and bladder cramping and effects in the uterus were unknown.  I took one sublingual pill an hour before sex, then took another one right after sex.  It works relatively quickly since it dissolves on your tongue, however I had best results from taking it an hour early.  I tried taking it a half hour before sex and still had cramps, but not as severe.  I was researching women in other countries that had this problem and they were using a drug called buscopan, which is not available in the US, so since I am a pharmacist I looked up other drugs similar to that one.  If anyone has any questions feel free to email me at ***@****.  I hope that this drug will help other women as much as it has helped me.  I was starting to become depressed and looking into having a hysterectomy before I tried this medication.  There is hope for all of you!  
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After exploratory Laparoscopy and Hystocopy, OBGYN found large fibroids in my uterus. She determined that my uterus is trying to push them out, like a baby, and contracting during any stimulation.  Additionally she found several fibroids on the outside of my uterus near the bowl which might explain the pain after bowl movements.  Scheduling a hysterectomy(uterus only) soon.  Will let you know if this helps.  For me it's an easy fix as I already have two beautiful kids and am 37.  For those of you out there who have this and don't have kids....i pray that there is a cure.
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So, I've been following this discussion for a very long time now.  I discovered recently that I have a strong family history of postmenopausal ovarian cancer. I decided for my own peace of mind to have a hysterectomy, with removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries and Fallopian tubes. My surgery was on 1-10-11. I got the pathology report back this week. All my parts were normal and nothing out-of-order was discovered inside me.

Somewhere in this long thread, a woman posted that a hysterectomy had stopped the cramping. I've been dealing with this problem for many years. I've got my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed in hope that my surgery has somehow fixed the problem for me. I won't be cleared foe intercourse (when I usually experience the cramps) for a few more weeks. I'll come back and post once I'm sexually fully active again to let everyone know if I'm fixed or not.

My heart goes out to the really young women dealing with this problem. I was in my thirties before it started (I'm 55 now). I can't imagine being in the early period of learning about myself sexually and having to experience these awful cramps!  While the doctors I've discussed the problem with have been sympathetic, every one has been baffled about what might be causing the pain.  If I get relief from having all my parts removed, it will be a happy day for me and my husband. But for you younger women, having a full hysterectomy to be able to function well sexually seems like a pretty extreme solution!
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Has anyone else tried the Levsin that Addy2006 talked about?  It sounds like a miracle drug, but I don't know how to go about trying it out.  I wonder if I should go to my GP and complain of IBS symptoms, or should I just ask my Gyn to write me a prescription based on what I've read in this forum?  
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Finding this forum has been an eyeopener & a blessing.
I am 22 years old & have been experiencing these symptoms for about 2-3 years now. Your posts could have been written by me. I get intense 'contraction' pain after orgasming or after a bowel movement..sometimes it seems like the pain is causing the bowel movement. I've never had children but I can't imagine the pain of labour being any more intense than these contractions..I've been to the ER 5 times, once in an ambulance..I thought my appendix had burst or that something ruptured. Doctors tell me again and again that I just have 'over active' muscles and that exercising and Advil will help, even though morphine at the ER did not help the pain. Ultrasounds, scans, checks reveal nothing..blood tests the same..I am a 'normal, healthy' girl.
I have the same problems with erotic dreams as well, sometimes I won't even remember the dream but I will wake up in intense pain.
The first day of my period I feel INTENSE cramping for up to TWO hours straight time, no breaks...this is painful contractions followed by vomitting, body sweats, diaherra (diarrhea), and sometimes fainting. I often have to turn on a cold shower and lay on the bottom of the bathtub while cold water runs over me just so I don't pass out from the pain, I often wonder what the people in the apartment next to me think when they hear random humming and moaning coming from next door..I am 22 years old and can not function for around 4-5 days out of the month.
Doctors don't take this seriously, one specialist even told me to put a condom on a popsicle and see if that stops the contractions. Could you imagine??? HA! During this pain I don't want anything up there, let alone some frozen popsicle.
The things I found have taken the 'edge' off the pain:
I will take a muscle relaxer (extra strength) at the onset of pain, followed by NAPROXIN (seems to be the only med that can dull the 'sharpness' of the contractions)..after the pain wears off around 2 hours later I am exhausted but will usually take a sleeping pill so I can sleep the rest of the minor contractions off. As I mentioned, a cold shower sometimes helps..I can not do the heat pads as my body sweats and gives off so much heat during the pain it becomes unbearable..I find extreme cold can sometimes numb it a bit.
It makes me sad to hear that some women have had it for 15 years, I could cry. It takes the enjoyment out of life when you are afraid to even use the bathroom out of fear 'the Pain' will strike.
If I didn't want children later on in life I would tell doctors to remove everything..the pain is not worth having my ovaries..but I am too young to make such a decision.
I hope we find the answers we are desperately searching for.
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I am having the same severe pain after orgasms that the others are describing. Mine is on the lower right side. I am over 50, have had 2 c-sections, and a couple of years ago, I had an appendectomy. My gyno is puzzled, but suggested that he remove my ovaries. He told me that a women's ovaries are very sensitive, in the same way that a man's testicles are sensitive. I think I have scar tissue that pulls on the right ovary during orgasm. Also, I am suffering from moderate to severe bloating of my abdomen. I have had a colonoscopy and both internal and external pelvic sonars done, all come back normal. I'm beginning to think there is also some scar tissue affecting my digestive tract.

I'm scheduled to have my ovaries removed this week. I have a strong family history of cancer (father - brain cancer, mother - breast cancer, brother - testicular cancer), so sometimes I feel like a ticking time bomb. From what I hear, ovarian cancer is the worst, and I'm not willing to take the chance.
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Just wanted to give you an update on using the Levsin to control my cramping.  I have been using it for about a month now, taking one tablet an hour before intercourse and one tablet immediately after.  I take the sublingual tablets because they work faster.  I do sometimes experience some cramping after having an orgasm, but no where near the same intensity.  I would say on a scale from 1-10, my cramps at the worst are a 6 when before they were a 10.  I either have no pain at all, or it takes the edge off, which is much better than before.  I have no side effects from the drug other than sometimes I find it more difficult to have an orgasm.  I feel like I am finally able to have a sex life with my husband again.  I hope this information helps, and if anyone tries it and it works for you let me know.  
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This might help - I've just had pain again recently after not having it for months. I've been reading this wondering why it's come back.

Reading this, I've just realised that about 1 yr ago I was diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, so started taking lots of that plus supplements for leg cramps.

So try these supplements, I'm going to start taking them again today:
Vitamin D (5 x 1000iu) per day - these are only tiny oil capsules
calcium + magnesium x 2 per day
lots of water

This is an awful thing to suffer, I wish you all well.
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Thank you so much for sharing! I am in Australia, and have had the same issue, humiliation, fear and despair as many of you have. I am 44 and had this problem for 5 years now. I will take on many of the suggestions offered here and see how I go.
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Update of my experience:

I have had ultra sounds, pap smears, blood test etc and everything was normal. My gyno said, he believed the pain was from over sensitive nerve endings. He believed it was happening as a result of my Fibromyalgia getting worse and that I my hormones are all over the place. I also have IBS, which I now have under control. So for a long time I thought the above was the cause of the pain. However after reading the comments from the women on the forum, I am beginning to feel that this not the case. I am of the belief that it is  uterine cramping. The last orgasm I had was the least painful one I have had in 5 years.

My dilemma is this; I have implemented many strategies to heal this pain, and now I don't know which one is assisting the pain lol For example I take a very high dosage of magnesium (8 tablets x 455mg), I am also on homeopathic drops, and have been doing pelvic floor exercises, and stretching the ligament between my groin (yoga stretch). I also use an energy healing technique called EFT (emotional Freedom Technique) or what is also know as meridian tapping. I would also like to mention, that on the day of the least painful orgasm, several hours later I got my period, and am unsure if that was the reason for less pain. All of these strategies are to help my Fibromyalgia, so I am happy to keep taking/doing them. However I would like to find the specific strategy that is assisting so I can share it with others.

I think the thing that stood out for me the most with this orgasm pain, is the lack of understanding from the medical profession and the embarrassment (at least for me, even though I am a qualified counsellor and don't usually have issues in saying what is what) of sharing this info with others. I also felt a sense of isolation as I had been researching this for a few years, and this forum was the first one I cam across where other women were experiencing the same.
my question is - what on earth is going on??? Is this a 21st Century issue? Or have women just been putting up with this for years? I am so very grateful I found this forum. Who would of thought women would have to fight for the right to have a pain free orgasm!!!! If I can assist anyone with what I have mentioned please let me know. I am also going to take Addy2006 advice and try antispasmodic drugs.
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I just started experiencing this pain since last week and due to all your comments I went and checked on it right away. I seems that I had a cyst that ruptured. The doctor said my body would naturally absorb the fluids and I should be "orgasm ready" in a week. He gave me something for the pain too. Hopefully my body goes back to normal soon,  cause my marriage is way too young for me to NOT be wanting an orgasm!
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Oh my god. . . just last night I had the second episode of intense, severe cramping after orgasm.  The pain was so bad that I became nauseous.  This has only happened once before, and I actually threw up.  The cramps don't last very long, but when I have them, I really have them.  They are by far the most intense cramps I've ever had, maybe with the only exception being having my IUD put in (which I've subsequently had taken out).  

I'm SO glad to hear that other women have had this problem.  I didn't get to read all the posts because there were so many.  Should I go see my OB/GYN?  

Orgasms have triggered cramps before, especially right before my period, but they've NEVER been as intense as these last two episodes.  

What is up with this??

  
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1 Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese?  

Normal weight and BMI.

2 How old were you when the pains started? -->

Noticed pain after sex when I was about thirty, but never very severe.  It always seemed to be related to being close to my period, and the cramps were of normal intensity.  This time the cramps are WAY worse, and I'm 33.

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? -->

First episode was in November of 2010, second was just last night.  

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --

After orgasm.

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above?

It is the worst after orgasm

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? -->

Just orgasm.  

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? -->

Sometimes I get some PMS cramps, sometimes I notice odd twinges in the area of my uterus/ovaries at other times of the month, but different from ovulation pain, but nothing like the post-orgasm pain, and it seems to only happen as I approach my period.  

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? -->

No.

9 Have you been diagnosed with fibroids? -->

No

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy?  

0 pregnancies.  

11 How long does your pain last? -->

20-30 mins.

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity?

Sex is the last thing on my mind afterward.

13 Describe the pain you feel.

The pain starts like mild menstrual cramps, then it just gets worse and worse until I can't stand up, then the nausea starts, followed by the sweating.  The pain may be among the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life.  Feels just like the most severe menstrual cramps I've ever had. Never been in labor, but I imagine it feels something like that.  For some reason, sitting on the toilet seems to help, but I don't feel the urge to have a BM.  Usually I jut curl up on the floor, or get into child's pose, and wait for them to pass.    
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I too have this problem and my doctor couldn't find anything wrong and treated me as if I was making up such a problem. It hurts after orgasm and I too almost don't want to because of the 10-15 min of pain afterwards! It only seems to hurt on my left side. I use a heating pad to help. It really stinks! I wish something could be done.
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Update: i'm going tomorrow to get an MRA. My doc thinks it might be pudendal nerve entrapment. *fingers crossed*

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I am so glad I found this forum. I am really not Crazy.  When I told my doctor I was having organzms in my sleep, he said "Lucky You"  ah not really. 20 seconds pleasure is not worth the hour and a half agony I go through after. The pain is in my lower right side and goes through to my back.  Within a few minutes I will pass gas and have a bowel movement. Doesn't help the pain much. Years ago I had a complete hysterectomy because of endometriosis. The doctor told me then that I was a mess inside with everything stuck together. Also I had built up a lot of scar tissue. I also have IBS and diverticulosis plus fybromyalgia and degenerative disk disease. My doctor gave me mylan-baclofen and Ativan sublingual to try. I also took 650 mg of tylenol. He thinks the scar tissue I have inside is interfering with nerve endings.  I am also going to try some of the supliments, vit d and B12 which I know I'm low on. I'm afraid to go to sleep some nights.
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Had the 2nd MRI yesterday for the Pudendal Nerve Entrapment. No word yet. As soon as I hear something I'll update you all. I'm really, truly thinking that this is what it is. Based on everything I've read. *sigh* I sure hope so.
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Okay. Just got results of MRI. Doc said it is not likely that it's Pudendal Nerve entrapment. BUT, that I have 2 hernias. One on either side of my pelvis. Hmmm

He said he can't guarantee that's what's causing my pain, but I'm making an appointment with a surgeon to see what needs to be done to take care of the hernias. Then we'll see.
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  I have had this issue for while now, I can't even remember how long, but each time it happens it seems to last longer and longer, it is happening right now and has been going on for four days. I will be going to the ER when my husband gets home to take care of our two kids. I am 27 and if it continues to get worse, I'm worried about how it's going to be when I hit 30. Also, I get light headed,cold swets, and I can feel my face go white. But recently its also been hard to eat anything. I don't know if that goes along with it or not, maybe a new thing I don't know but it has never lasted 4 days before.
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I am feeling sad and angry for all of us. Nothing seems to make it better. Even more frustrating is it is happening to all of us, but not one of us has the same conditions, pain duration, time of month when it occurs etc so how do we narrow it down? None of what I have implemented is making much difference, hope others are having some luck :). Here's to healthy, happy bodies and pay free orgasms!
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I really do think (at least for some of us) that it's connected to a lack of progesterone. someone mentioned that earlier and my cramps have gotten much better every time I've been on progesterone based birth control.

I would say the frequency and intensity has gone down 80-90% after starting BC again. i would get them all the time (2 weeks before my period) and throughout the month if I exercised, orgasm, or from bowel movements.

Has anyone else had success with progesterone?  
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Hi, I'm Hayley, 26 years old from the uk. I have the exact same symptoms as many of you on here (and there are a lot of us!) To cut a long story short I have the painful periods, pain after sex and masturbation, pain after a bowel movements, painful smear tests.... need I ho on!!?? Although I couldn't read every post on here I wanted to know what has been the most successful? I'm at that stage where I'll try anything :( I've had a laparoscopy and been diagnosed with endometriosis, a colonoscopy and been diagnosed with ibs, internal scans and been diagnosed with fibroids. However no painkiller I've ever been prescribed has worked and no doctor seems to know or care about my pain. My last trip to the gynie resulted in me being scheduled for a coil to be fitted. Is this going to help do you think? I've had my pains for 10 years now and am really tired of being poked and prodded without any positive outcome. Please help, I would be so grateful for any suggestions. Thank you xx
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Hi Hayley, I wish I had an answer for u and all the women on here. I would suggest u read the posts from Addy about antispasmodic medication and the ones about hormones. I also have IBS and Fibromyalgia, so similar symptoms. I am trying the antispasmodic pills, Yam cream and am also looking into pelvic floor dysfunction, as some litriture suggests that this could be a cause for the pain. I hope u get some relief soon
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In response to JaneDoe C's question about progesterone, I am on continuous birth control with both estrogen and progesterone.  I take only the active pills and skip the placebos so I never have a period or cycle.  It does help the cramps as far as the frequency.  I used to have cramps 3 out of the 4 weeks every month and I was miserable.  Now that I am on birth control I only have the cramps when I have an orgasm or when I exercise.  I do believe that it is hormone related b/c the only time in my life that I have been completely cramp free was when I was breastfeeding my children.  If a doctor would take interest and try to investigate what hormone levels are highest when breastfeeding, I think that would give us an answer to what hormone we may be lacking or have an abundance in. I also take Levsin or buscopan and hour before sex and it does decrease the severity of the cramps significantly but does not take them away completely.    
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I live in the UK, 62 years old. I have been having painful cramping in the abdomen after orgasm for seven years, most recently last night when I had an erotic dream and the orgasm awoke me and then the terrible pain. The worstpain lasts about five minutes followed by an ache which is the same you get with menses. I am so relieved to have found this forum. My gynaecologist told me he had never come across this symptom! I was diagnosed with fibroids and cysts on the fallopian tubes. He removed those and that got rid of other pain and discomfort, but not the cramps after orgasm, which feel like they are in the uterus, but not sure, it could be other pelvic muscles cramping. I carried on having sex with my partner through all the years. He knew about it all right! and it affected him naturally, he felt unhappy about it, but I reassured him. Sometimes it is worse than others and when it isn't too bad we both rejoice! I shall look on this thread occasionally and try the various remedies. Hysterectomy is rather drastic and it might not solve the problem. I was reading here that one poster had had a hysterectomy and still had the problem.
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Hi, I'm Enid, 31 years old from the UK. I have been suffering from this pain for the last 3 years as many of you do. Also I suffer from painful periods and lately from pain in the middle of my cycles, sometimes it lasts several days. I have seen several doctors and last year my gynecologist ordered several tests but nothing was wrong. Last night I had a horrible episode, craps lasted for more than 30 minutes! I feel relieved that I've found other people that suffer from the same condition, I will follow your advice and I will keep you posted.
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I AM SO SICK OF THIS EVERY MONTH!  Today I was super sleepy for some reason, so I took a nap.  Slept for about an hour and a half, had a very sexual dream, had a strong orgasm which woke up, and instantly most horrid cramps ever.Cramps start mild then build in severity over the next few minutes. So bad that my legs & arms started going tingly numb (I was hyperventilating), I was shakey (shaky),lightheaded & my fingers were clenching into a fist uncontrollably.(Maybe too much info & not to be gross but I had to have about 5 bowel movements, each about 3 minutes apart). Yesterday I was super bloated all day. I am due to start my period a week from today.  I layed at the bottom of the tub with super hot water hitting my lower  belly, anything to help the pain.(had to get in & out of the tub to have BM's)I was even considering calling the ambulance. But I just told myself it would be over in about 20 minutes (It always goes away before all the hot water runs out).....I just layed there in pain trying to get my breathing under control.
**** I am 38 years old, no kids,5'4" 129 pounds, never tested for endo but my older sis has it. My mom has IBS, I am pretty sure I do as well. I just wish I didnt have to go through this every darn month! It wakes me about 5 times a month always after an erotic dream, then orgasm. For some reason this time it was extra painful.  Sorry to go on and on like that........its just super scary when it hurts so bad that you cant even breathe right. What could this be? I need this to STOP. I am afraid to spend the night anywhere for fear these horrid cramps will strike. The usually start happening about 10 days till my period..up until my period. Help please!
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Title: "Orgasm pain" 3-5days before date of period.

It happens to me too! The pain that comes after i gave myself an orgasm felt similar my usual period cramp. Because my period had been very consistent, I noted that the the "orgasm cramps" usually happens if I orgasm around 3-5days before the date of my period. So for me to avoid the pain, is not to orgasm within that time period will be fine. And if I really can't resist, not only the pain that comes after it, sometimes it even caused my period to come a day earlier. Could it be that the orgasm caused contraction/pressure in the uterus wall which is already pressured with blood (uterus pre-period stage), hence caused internal stress and pain?
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Now that you've had the parts removed, how are things now?
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hi
I found this thread searching the internet as a last resort as I have had exactly the same symptoms for the past 2 years.. I have been to a few doctors who told me they had no idea what it could be. One gyno told me she had never heard of anything like it in her 17 years of profession.... Well i just went to her husband for stomach problems and he did an ultrasound and checked my uterus as I also told him about this problem on the off chance he might know something.. turns out i have 3 fibroids on my uterus one almost the same size as my uterus! This has to be removed by major surgery and will be out of action for 5 weeks but finally an answer and solution to my pain!! For all of you who have not already done it.. ASK FOR AN INTERNAL ULTRASOUND!!!!!
Just for your info.. Im 28..27 when the pain started, normal weight. I was taking the pill since I was 14 but stopped just before the pain started. pain was like intense cramp just after orgasm moving from the front to the back which made me feel like i needed to make a bowel movement and lasted for about 10-20 mins. My mother also had fibroids and I think also my grandmother. 50% of women suffer from them.
Hope this helps some one
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also should add that the pain would worsen just before my period and would be almost non existent after my period.
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SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION
Hi everyone, I have had the same problem for many years now- extreme doubled-over pain for about 20 mins after orgasm during the period of 7 days to my period. I also dont have fibroids cuz recently had a pelvic MRI. What has been a SOLUTION for me has been: Iron supplement pills once a day (FERROUS GLUCONATE to be specific-- most of the off-the-shelf iron supplements are Ferrous Sulfate or some other generic form of iron but the closest to natural iron and the most easily absorbed is Ferrous Gluconate which I think may possibly require a prescription). The specific brand I use is the one made by the Paddock Laboratories Inc. I didnt use a prescription but I was given the drug by the duane reade pharmacist from the section of drugs behind the counter that usually require a prescription, so I'm not sure if this was an oversight or if it really doesnt need a prescription. This is the first month I've been on iron pills, to treat some other problem and I noticed a few things- first of all my period was a week early, secondly I didnt have the pain after orgasm problem even though I had an orgasm a day before my period (sorry for the TMI-ness of this) and lastly I usually have excruciating pain during my period that requires medication and I practically didnt have any cramps this time.  This all makes sense cuz I was reading up on iron and it says one sign of low iron or deficiency is to have painful menstrual cramps (as long as you rule out other causes like fibroids). --- please also let your doc know that you plan on taking iron supplements so if there is some condition you have or some medication you're taking, it will be suited to your specific health. I really hope this helps:)
xChi
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Than kYou! Will check it out. I don't believe on this forum (in my opinion) there can be Too Much Information shared. We are all suffering with the same problem and as u would of read, we are all really grateful that we are not alone and found this forum. Let us know if it keeps on working (I really hope so!). Dezie
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I am so happy to have found all of this information.

I've been experiencing severe cramping after orgasm, from sex dreams and just recently after bowl movements.  I mentioned this to my gyn during my last visit and she said to "adjust my positions with my boyfriend". This was not exactly the help that I was looking for.

Like everyone else when it's bad, it's really bad.  I've never been through child birth but I find myself imagining that it's got to be comparable, I almost find myself doing breathing excises that I've seen on TV to help with the pain and relax.  Doubled over, blood drains, face whitens, sweat soaks everything that touches me, sometimes nausea and then 15 to 40 minutes later it's over and I am freezing cold. I always wondered if part of it is a hydration issue? I am guilty of not drinking nearly enough water, drinking coffee and on occasion I take a prescribed (small) dose of Adderall (adderrall) (some side effects are known to be stomach pain)-this to me all adds up muscle cramping (I would imagine?).

It seems like many of the docs don't have a solution so I guess I'm going to start with ramping up my water intake and adding vitamin supplements to my daily routine.  Today was the first time it happened after a BM at work (and over 6 hours later I still feel very dull cramping).  I never want to be put in that situation again so I thank all the posters for this wealth of information and community!
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I am so happy to have found all of this information.

I've been experiencing severe cramping after orgasm, from sex dreams and just recently after bowl movements.  I mentioned this to my gyn during my last visit and she said to "adjust my positions with my boyfriend". This was not exactly the help that I was looking for.

Like everyone else when it's bad, it's really bad.  I've never been through child birth but I find myself imagining that it's got to be comparable, I almost find myself doing breathing excises that I've seen on TV to help with the pain and relax.  Doubled over, blood drains, face whitens, sweat soaks everything that touches me, sometimes nausea and then 15 to 40 minutes later it's over and I am freezing cold. I always wondered if part of it is a hydration issue? I am guilty of not drinking nearly enough water, drinking coffee and on occasion I take a prescribed (small) dose of Adderall (adderrall) (some side effects are known to be stomach pain)-this to me all adds up muscle cramping (I would imagine?).

It seems like many of the docs don't have a solution so I guess I'm going to start with ramping up my water intake and adding vitamin supplements to my daily routine.  Today was the first time it happened after a BM at work (and over 6 hours later I still feel very dull cramping).  I never want to be put in that situation again so I thank all the posters for this wealth of information and community!
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Hi, I am also guilty of not drinking enough water. Ive experience this pain for seven years. Im 27 with no children. My pain is mostly after orgasm (including sexual dreams) and can be triggered while exercising. When I first started having these issues I would also have pain after a bowl movement and urination. I no longer get the cramps in those situations. Theres nothing like being at the gym and in the middle of a workout having to excuse yourself to the restroom in pain. Might I add its embarrassing! But this leaves me to believe its more muscle related. So maybe proper hydration would help our issue. In addition, I have never come across a doctor that had a clue what it was. One perscribed me to pills for intercystital cystitis. I took th pills for a while but stopped. I just wasnt convinced that was the real issue. Personally  I dont want to be confined to taking meds for the rest of my life if I or my doctor is 100% sure whats wrong. Take care ladies and hang in there!
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I think I truly know what is going on here. My older sister had adhesions connecting her ovaries to her bowels and she was in immense pain. They removed the scar tissue and the doctor said that it was not endometriosis. Endometriosis is when the tissue inside the uterus makes its way out of the uterus and adheres to different organs; then when a woman has her period these tissues swell and bleed because they are uterine cells, and this causes pain.

I have been suppressing my period with use of continuous birth control for nearly 10 years so my pain is NOT period related. I have had an ultrasound looking for fibroids and they found nothing. I think I have scar tissue in my pelvic area from some STDs I had many years ago and I have a tendency to develop adhesions like my sister did. She had ovarian cysts that ruptured and created the scar tissue.

All that said, I think I have adhesions from my left ovary to my uterus and my colon. Orgasm causes pulsing of the uterus that pulls on my uterus and colon by these adhesions. I think many of you are having the same problem. The issue is that they can probably only find these by doing surgery which may cause more adhesions. There is a film they can use that keeps the adhesions from forming. So...I guess I'll wait until the pain is unbearable and have a specialist look in laparascopically to remove the adhesions.
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Hi All,

As I say each time, but cant express it too much, I am so grateful for this forum! It is interesting fibroids have been mentioned by Jenin, as my homeopath who is desperate to work this problem out (unlike every GP and specialist I have been to), suggested that it may be fibroids and lesions, that are too small to be detected. I also got him to check my Iron, based on a post by Chichi and yes it is quite low. So first thing I plan to do is start on Iron supplements. Chichi, if you read this, could you mention maybe a brand or dosage that you are happy with? In Australia, I can get what you are taking over the counter.

I also mentioned to my Homeopath the number of times I have to urinate in a day. It is not so much a 'leaky' bladder, or even weak, it just I go a lot, and each time it is a full bladder. I drink at least  2 liters of water a day, but he feels this should not be the main cause. He also feels, that what we are experiencing with this pain, and my need to urinate so much might have a connection.

So my question to you all, do you suffer with a weak bladder and/or a need to urinate a lot (usually with a full or 2/3 full bladder), regardless of how much you drink a day?

Any new insights we can gain from each other, and any similarities or correlations we can find among us, may lead to a Solution :). Because if you read back on the posts we are as varied as they come, from age, to child bearing, to other health conditions or illnesses to the type of orgasm i.e. dream, intercourse, masturbation etc What we all have in common is when it happens (after an orgasm and for some after bowel movement) and where the pain is and what it feels like.

Look forward to hearing back on your thoughts

Here's to pain free orgasms!!!!

Dezie
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I think I posted on here before, but wanted to add an update. Basically, I have this problem too, with severe pain staring about 10 minutes after orgasm and lasting about 10 minutes, with bowel movement and nausea. The pain has happened a few times outside of orgasm (once while driving!). Oh, and the first couple years this happened, it did not happen while I was on my period. Like all of you, my doctors and gynecologists could find nothing wrong (or didnt think it was a problem). I dont have to pee often, Im not on depo, or any of the other things listed above. My hormone levels and vitamin levels are normal too.  

A few months ago I tried getting some physical therapy on my pelvis from a woman who does cranial-sacral therapy. She is really a gifted bodyworker too - I dont think all cranial sacral therapists are as skilled as she is. She said that maybe my appendectomy caused adhesions to form in my abdomen and that this may be the root cause of the pain. I heard from my med school friend that adhesions are a common side effect of abdominal surgeries and causes many other problems.

I really hope some new physical therapy methods are popularized and become available (and known by doctors) so that we can find solutions to this pain that are not pharmaceutical related (though I of course support those of you finding comfort in that realm). Although the PT helped me and I had a few pain-free orgasms, it did not last, and the pain is back.
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And surgery for the adhesions is a bad idea, says my med school friend, as any reopening of the abdomen can cause more adhesions to form. She is currently writing a paper about the negative effects of the appendectomy, the main one being the adhesions that can form. But she did not have any clues about how to "get rid" of the adhesions after the fact. I am still thinking some fancy physical therapy could do it.
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Chichi1986, THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU!!!! You are my hero!  I have been having the painful cramps after orgams/erotic dreams/bowel movements for years & years. Just recently I tried iron supplements because of your post. Its been a month and a half, and I have not woken up once with the dreams nor have I had the cramps after orgasm at ALL!!  I only wish I would have tried iron supplements years & years ago.  The iron I got is by  Naturemade, 65 mg (but the bottle says "equivalent to 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate"). I only take half a tablet, once a day, and it turned my life around! Thank you so much! I could hug you!!
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i am 18 and have been on the depo shot bout 6 months now and have spent the last three cramping really bad after orgasming. i was going crazy because no one thought i was serious and could physically find nothing wrong.  i am so glad i found this feed. i was so worried
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A NEW PERSPECTIVE on this problem for all to investigate if you're interested. Sorry this is long one but may be a new direction for an answer on this.   I'm having a hysterectomymainly to cure 18 years of living with this in 2 days time!  Shall post back in with any useful info.  Brief description of my 'thing'- after sex and/or orgasm:  period/child birth pains intensifying over 10 mins or so then onto the cold tiles on the floor (if I can make it to the bathroom) naked, curled up in a ball (i know walking out period pain can help but i can't move with this), then ferocious cold sweats and escalating paralyzing pain, after 20 min or so need to throw up, try to make it to the loo to be sick then EVERYTHING leaves my body - stomach, bladder, bowel - all at once!  After that I am completely fine.  I feel like a million dollars afterward (althought weak and shaky for a bit) - I guess in contrast to the nightmare I've just been through.

I have been diagnosed over the years with the following:  endometriosis, fybroids, varicose veins to both ovaries, 3 x laser surgery for CIN2 and CIN3 (stages just before cervical cancer).  I also have coeliac disease and many food intolerances so my bowel is not a happy place anyway.  I have one child (23 years old now), I am 46, had painful periods until child birth, then years of very light, short, pain free periods until 18 years ago when this all started.  I've researched this and read all your stories.

The only thing I haven't heard mention of is the following:  there is a physical function to a female orgasm.  With men, the reproductive function of orgasm of course, is to deliver sperm to an egg.  With women, however, an orgasm causes the cervix to open slightly to allow the sperm to get through. If there's no female orgasm, it still happens - I am assuming due to the cervix getting a bit of a pounding but it's not because this physically hurts your cervix.  This begins to open it up - and YES the rougher the sex or larger the man the more likely it is to happen. You also release chemicals during arousal that allow the cervix to open so orgasm isn't necessary for this opening up to occur and then conception.

This opening of the cervix also occurs prior to a period so the endometrim can come out.

Is this making some sense yet?

When in child birth, the pain is ALL about the cervix opening.  It is the cause of all the labour pains and period pain.

For the cervix to open, the uterus contracts upward to pull the cervix open.  For those of us who have had kids, at least those pains are intermittent.  With this, it is NON STOP and we don't get other chemicals that are associated with child birth (eg. endorphines due to the upcoming birth of a long awaited baby) that help this pain a bit.  We are just in a world of pain and trouble and are frightened!

This is a big mystery to most medicos.  It needs to be formally researched and identified.  I have had all the advice from doctors that I've read here.  I don't want a tablet and I don't want this surgery, I'm petrified, I WANT AN ANSWER!  

Problem 1 - most gynos are male
Problem 2 - most gynos haven't seen or experienced this
Problem 3 - most women don't tell anyone about this
Problem 4 - many doctors haven't read up on this therefore don;t know it exists and think we're just complaining women and tell us not to have rough sex, or to take an anti-spasmodic (period pain tablet) prior to sex.  This forward planning isn't always going to happen!
Problem 5 - we all remain on these forums listening to each other and deriving our only comfort from knowing we are not alone.

The 64 million dollar question - how do we get this out there and get it the medical research requires?

A huge thank you to all ladies for being so honest and sharing your experiences.  Seems we've all sat in front of doctors who 'glaze over' when we start pouring our hearts out over this crippling disorder.  It's really hard to describe this to a doctor and even harder when there's a silent pause when you've finished your horrible story.  The gyno who is doing my hysterectomy said - "wow ... i've heard of this but never met anyone with it"   ... great - that's a big help NOT!!  End of info from her.  No clue!  

If anyone is ineterested in hearing how it goes after my op on tuesday, what the pathology shows and subsequent attempts at sex ... please let me know and I'll post the results.

I figure if I don't have a cervix or uterus anymore it simply can't happen.

I'm so sorry everyone reading this is experiencing this.  I don't know how to get it out there, but maybe someone has some kind of medical connection and can get the ball rolling.  I truly believe it is as a result of the cervix opening.  Like period pain - some of us get it mildly, some get it really badly.  If women with NO endo, fybroids, etc have this happen then we're barking up the wrong tree thinking it's due to these things.  Maybe it's simply an overdose of chemicals/hormones that instruct the cervix to open through uterine contractions for whatever reason (sex, orgasm, child birth, periods).  Perhaps we need to look at hormone levels, not physical causes???  
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I have been suffering from this for 5 years and following this forum for 3 years. I have considered a hysterectomy, but with no indication of whether it would make any difference or not, haven't pursued it. Elijay, I would be very interested to hear how your surgery goes, and thank you for your detailed post.
I, too, feel that because the pain is so dependent on my cycle, that it might be hormone related.
What did you think of the surgical adhesions theory? Have other people had surgery that might have caused this?
And the iron supplements success by a sufferer?
I have sent a link to this forum to a few medical associations and government health websites in the UK, but with no reply...
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I don't really think the cervix is the cause of this. Period cramps come from the uterus contracting to shed the lining. Childbirth pain also comes from periods of reduced blood flow to the uterus (the contractions), not simply the cervix opening. The cause being the cervix also does not explain the cramps for the women experiencing this pain after bowel movements.

The hormones make sense, as we have increased hormones during sex, our period, and child birth, but also don't explain pain after bowel movements.
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Isn't it crazy that we, the sufferers, are here trying to help each other and work this out because the medical world in 3 countries across the world (US, UK, Australia) has no idea and seemingly no interest!  I'm not surprised there's been no response from mediocs to this forum. They seem to be unaware or at loss to explain this as we are. Surely there's a proactive female practitioner out there somewhere who experiences this???

Firstly - adhesions.  I have firmly held this thought for most of my 18 years of this happening.  I did have my appendix out when I was 19, but I suspected it being due to the adhesions from endo.  

However, a note on endo.  You can have microscopic amounts of endo and experience a lot of pain... and you can have lots of endo everywhere and not suffer at all - it can be found after surgery without the woman ever knowing she had it.  It's a sneaky wicked little creature! However - I'm going to know FOR SURE if my bowel has in fact been stuck to my uterus in 24 hours!!!!  I can't wait to find out and will let you know.  It will be the last thing I ask my surgeon to take particular note of before they put me under.

With regard to the iron supplements - very interesting!!  We would need to form a test group ourselves and in very close and committed consultation with each other, assess our results.  We would firstly need to consult with our doctors and research the safety of taking iron supplements if we are not deficient in iron in the first place as well as blood testing to ascertain our individual current levels of iron and ascorbic acid.  There may be some problem with over dosing on iron.  You also need a good supply of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to absorb iron effectively so we'd need some guidelines so we're all on the same page.  Sadly though, ascorbic acid is water soluable and the amount you have in your system can vary from day to day.  How much iron you will actually absorb is dependent on how much ascorbic acid you have running around in you. That's only my understanding so we would need further research into that.

Being a coeliac I regularly have general blood testing to assess many things, but also vitamins and minerals as coeliacs are commonly deficient in some area depending on which part of the bowel is damaged if and when I come into contact with gluten.  My iron levels are always great as are all others!

With regard to the cervix - indeed the pain we feel is caused by the uterus contracting, however, the only reason the uterus contracts is to open the cervix.  My point is that something is giving our body the signal to open the cervix, therefore uterine contractions have to occur for this to happen and hence the pain.

The bowel is connected to the uterus in some way, at least amongst we ladies suffering with this - there is no doubt about that at all. We all seem to have this connection.  My bowel function has always been connected to my period pain especially on the first day of bleeding and/or period pain, has been connected to these episodes and during child birth. I have also had uterine contractions after a bowel movement, but usually only close to my periods.  Not having been on birth control for the last 9 years it's always been my little secret way of knowing my period is about to come.

Something else I would like to flag here.  When you're in labour and get the urge to push, you are using EXACTLY the same set of muscles to push the baby out that you use to have a bowel movement.  The urge to push a baby out is the same as needing going to the loo. This urge to push the baby out is irresistable.  These SAME muscles that tell you it's time to have a bowel movement are the ones that tell you to push the baby out.  It seems - for us - it also works in reverse.  The muscles that tell you to push through your bowel to go to the loo are also contracting your uterus.  

This is why we are thinking adhesions.  We're thinking that our bowel and uterus are glued together - adhesions.  But there are very young ladies on this forum alone who have been tested and have no endo or adhesions to find a physical cause of this.

This is why it brings me to hormones.  The only other thing I can think of is ... do we have some kind of mis-wiring in our nerves in that area perhaps?  

Are our brains receiving a mixed signal???  Maybe our brain is not sure which one our body is talking about (uterus or bowel) so it thinks 'let's do both'????

Question - does iron play a part in our neurological function?  Something to research?

So - failing the adhesion theory - I'm going down the neurological/hormone track.  I will continue to pursue this issue even though my problem will be gone after this op.  Every time it happens, I lay on the bathroom floor thinking to myself - I CANNOT LET THIS  HAPPEN AGAIN!  I CAN'T GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN!!! And I know you ladies will continue to suffer this until an answer is found.

If I can be a bit of a 'guinea-pig' for you guys to maybe rule out adhesions, I'm more than happy if you're interested.  SarahET - can I email you directly via this site?  I don't want to fill these pages with stuff others aren't interested in.

This phenomena is real and frightening and horrible.  If the medical world is not interested we either need to get to the answer ourselves or push it in their faces until something is done.  So sad.










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Here's another thing.  Does anyone get weird shoulder pain that just comes and goes for no apparent muscular reason?

When you have an ectopic pregnancy (in the fallopion tube) a symptom can be shoulder pain.  This is at least widely accepted in the medical world.  Due to nerve connections - referred pain.

I often get weird twinging pains across the top of my shoulder.  I have always put it down to my uterus wigging out.
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sorry - sent that too early

When I had my laparoscopy that diagnosed the endo, etc. they said I may have shoulder pain when I wake up after the procedure.  I did!  It was horrible!!  It is exactly the same pain I get in my shoulder these days. It's because they blow you up with gas to check out your insides and mess around with your bits in there.

A friend of mine who had her tubes tied had an ectopic pregnancy at the age of 51.  They never suspected it as she was 51 years old AND had her tubes tied years before.

She had terrible shoulder pain that put her in hospital and they just couldn't work out what it was for a couple of days - she became gravely ill.  Finally, some bright doctor did an ultrasound and found the ectopic pregnancy!  The cause of the shoulder pain!
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NOTE:  Too much iron (folic acid) is toxic!!

On a quick scan of the net - it seems folic acid (iron) is very much connected with the uterus - although it seems lots of folic acid can cause over stimulation of the uterus AND bowel!  Folic acid aids uterine contractions - whether that be good strong contractions or appropriate functioning of these contractions I'm not sure.  Perhaps the question is are we a set of women who are over-sensitive to iron?  Or, is our iron being inappropriately used by our bodies.  

Interesting question:  are there any vegetarians on this site or anyone who has had a low iron level detected through blood tests while having these issues?

All of this is way above my head and gets very dangerous when we try to get together and sort this out for ourselves and trial different ways to help ourselves because we are suffering and we can't find anyone to help.

This is why we have doctors and we need them to listen NOW.

Forget trialling ANYTHING amongst ourselves!  I believe all our energy needs to go into lobbying medical bodies to take a serious look at this.  We need professional, informed, knowledgable guidance.

I have 6 weeks off work coming up after this op and therefore time up my sleeve!  I would dearly love to co-ordinate a co-operative push to the medical world to get this looked at seriously.  In short, we have to make a noise loud enough to be heard.

If anyone is interested in getting together - away from this site - via email, to brain-storm an approach and to which medical bodies (in all our countries) I am putting my hand up to get this ball rolling!  Please let me know.  Linda   ***@****
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While I've never had problems with too much iron, I have had issues with low iron in the past. I can't recall if I was experiencing any pain during that time, though. I've also had problems with low B12. I had been tested for a ton of things before being diagnosed with IBS, but seemingly nothing to explain the cramping after orgasm. Hormones may explain something, as my PMS was always really bad, and I still have those bouts of moodiness after going on the Depo, but they're not as bad as before. I haven't had any cramps in a while, and I haven't been moody in a while.

Surely if hormones are the cause, or a cause, there must another way besides a hysterectomy to treat this.
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Hysterectomy isn't the answer at all!  But with fybroids, endometriosis, variscosity to the ovaries, and my cervix being a ticking time bomb - I PERSONALLY need the hysterectomy.  I've always held the thought that these problems of mine were causing this thing ... now after reading these posts I'm doubting that.

But I do know that with the uterus and cervix gone I shouldn't experience this again.

If I don't have adhesions this will at least rule one thing out for me and perhaps be valuable info towards solving this mystery.

With regard to the hormones ... I went into menopause late last year and still have had the episode after orgasm and still connected with the bowel.

My thoughts have been turned around now - I'm thinking it is NOT due to a physical cause.  

I'm as lost as the doctors.  All I know is we're all guessing and need help.
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SOLUTION.

It's worked every time now, 1500mg of Asprin/Disprin, no less than 15 minutes before sex, it sounds so basic, but it really works. It seems like a high dose (usually it says max of 1000mg) but I've had two doctors okay the dose, although obviously check with your doctor first.
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Hi there,

I'm 37 years old. About 3 years ago, I started having severe cramps after orgasm - whether deliberately induced or in my sleep. The sleep orgasms happened with bizarre frequency. I'd have to get up in the middle of the night, have a bowel motion (pleasant), sometimes vomit and then sit under a hot shower until the pain passed. It generally took about 50 minutes for the whole process to end. This all made me feel so depressed and I was dreading orgasm under any circumstances. I thought I'd have to end up having a hysterectomy or something.

During this whole time, I was on the contraceptive pill - I have been on one pill or another for years due to unusually long lasting, heavy periods that involve clotting. The pill I was using at the time was Microgynon 50 ED. Just in the last few months, in addition to the severe cramp after orgasm, I started to get moderate 'stand-alone' cramping in the daytime too. I finally decided to talk to my doctor... now that I had something relatively normal to lead in with.

So I went and told him about both instances of pain and he was pretty surprised by the orgasm business. He sent me for an ultrasound - external and internal - just to rule certain things out. That all came back clear so he said it must be hormonal. He said we'd try a different pill - called Loette.

I am extremely happy and shocked to report that I have now been taking this pill for about 2 and a half months (I take the active pill constantly and don't have periods) and the problem seems to be solved - fingers crossed it stays that way! The daytime cramping gradually ceased and I have now had several orgasms without any pain (whereas before the pain was an absolute certainty every time).

I've read a lot of your posts and I know that not everyone has the same circumstances as mine but I really hope that all of you find a solution. Please talk to a good doctor if you haven't already - your problem might also be solved by a different balance of hormones.

Kind regards,

B
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With the idea that I have adhesions between my uterus and ovaries to my colon I tried a technique I heard about from physical therapists. From what I could gather it involves deeply massaging the organs kind of apart from each other in order to physical separate them and maybe break up the adhesions. I tried it.

NO MORE PAIN. I don't know if my self-massage fixed it or the fact that I have lost 25 pounds recently through diet and exercise. Maybe I have less pressure against all my organs and that is what helped. I also started taking a multi-vitamin recently. It could be any of these things or something else entirely. I suggest others try this on themselves. I think if you do it yourself it won't hurt as much if someone else did it. First be sure to look up the anatomy of the region and try to feel the location of the organs you are trying to separate.
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Hi all,

I've not been on this forum for a while as my symptoms have completely gone. Last year in February 2010 my husband had a vasectomy and so I stopped using the Depo injection. Since then I've not had this problem once. I also posted a while ago (I think over a year ago) that a doctor had written somewhere on this forum (can't remember exactly where - you'd have to read backwards) that he had somehow linked this problem to Depo but I can't remember the details. Anyway, I 100% believe that this is the connection.

Just thought I'd put it back out there.
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Hi All,

I'm :

- 30
- never given birth.
- using low dose oral contraceptive
- recent papsmear and STI screening showed no abnormality.

To note: I am someone who has always had bad menstrual cramps but the severity of the post-orgasmic cramping has never occurred in other situations.

I have experienced a few episodes of the severe post sex/orgasm cramping in the past 2 years.

//
**Thanks for your post : B116.
I had brushed off my most recent incident of severe post-orgasm cramping down to hormonal changes (as I had just completed my first round of Loette contraceptive). Thanks to B116 posting that the Loette pill she is taking actually helped, has made me question why it happened while I was on it. So I am going to see my doctor about it now, Loette is a low dose oral contraceptive so there may be more to this severe cramping in my case. Going to the doctor is a good idea anyway, if only to get my vitamin levels checked.
//

The description: It was incredibly painful, I concur with most posts : severe continuous cramping (worse than contractions? they better be..), cold sweats, high body temperature (as I had an intense urge to lay on a cold floor), shakes, the need to make a bowel movement and vomit (lovely), no position comforts it!

The 'remedy': a hot shower helped slightly.
I had struggled to even to gulp some water but I took a dose of my usual menstrual cramping medication "naprogesic" (Australia) and the episode lasted around 20 minutes.

I thought it may have something to do with hormone levels as the recent episode occurred on the 2nd day of taking sugar pills/ the non active contraceptive pills. Or maybe it is related to the upcoming "fake" menstrual period of my cycle on contraception.

I have discussed the origins of - severe cramping after sex - with my trusted doctor in the past, as it first happened to me a couple of years ago, he stated that it may be related to the nature of how contractions occur pre and post orgasm. I read somewhere that it may be to do with the contractions which occur when not reaching a full orgasm.

//
** I think eljay37's cervix opening comment was enlightening as my first ever episodes occurred when I had a very active sex life with a partner and I think one occurred at I time when I wasn't aware I was pregnant.
//

In summary, while I am thankfully not afflicted with this on a regular basis, its happened to me both on and off the pill both pregnant and non-pregnant. The only commonality for me is the post-sex/post-orgasm time in which it happens and maybe to hormone level changes that are associated with pregnancy (the contraceptive pill fools your body into thinking you are pregnant, after all).

Reading other peoples posts, I realise everyone has different medical histories and has experienced different frequencies of this but what is remarkable is the core symptoms are very similar within this thread.

I feel rather anxious that this condition may worsen with age but on the other side diet and well-being may have a lot to contribute to it as well.

I will come back to update the thread on my doctor's opinion - for what its worth.
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**ChiChi1986 thanks for your post too, I do have low iron levels and haven't been taking my supplements for it recently, so this and hormones may have created this reoccurrence in my case.
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Hi, thanks for sharing your experience.  It is exactly the same as mine - the vomitting is always the breaker of it all.  It's all over after that.

We are all experiencing the same symptoms - there's no question.  And it's a seriously horrible experience,not to mention the impact on relationships/psychological health/social interactions and just normal sexual health.

I have not been on the oral contraceptive pill for 8 years and have had it many many times before and after.  The only association I can think of with contraception is the altering of hormones and the fact that the period you get is usually lighter and perhaps made of less blood products.  That leads me back to the iron/folic acid thing.

The only two things I know 100% guarantee it will happen with me is:
1.  If it's very energetic/hard sex
2.  if i'm close to having a period

I would be VERY interested in how you go once you're back on the iron supplements.  I've had a browse through the net and keep finding references to iron/folic acid and its relationship with uterine contractions.

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I would like to compile a table/spreadsheet listing all the things we can think of for each of us.  It would be a simple yes/no to things like painful periods, endometriosis, contraceptive use, vitamin deficiency, etc. It could easily be more in depth - I can think of so many questions off the top of my head I think would help.  If anyone is interested in this, please let me know.  Especiallly if you have ideas of what that list should consist of.  I'm having my hyterectomy on Friday (if they don't cancel me again!!!) and will have 6 weeks at home on my hands.  I'd love to have something to get my teeth into, as well as something for anyone to be able to give a doctor if we can find some commonalities.  This really needs to be addressed.
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Hi, I'm 26 from the UK. This has only just started happening with me in the last 2 weeks. The first time it happened I thought it was just an odd reaction to my orgasm. The second time it happened I got really worried. I decided to wait a week to see if that would help, but no, just picked myself up off the bathroom floor and thought I'd see if there was anything like it online. That's when I found you guys. To explain it briefly, after orgasm I get extreme lower abdominal cramping similar to period cramps but much more intense and it's more like one cramp that just wont ease off rather than several cramps. The colour drains from my face, I get light headed and dizzy. I feel sick and have been sick. I always have at least one bowel movement brought on by it. Everytime the pain lasts around 10 - 20mins then FINALLY subsides.
The two things I thought it could be related to are1) two weeks ago I sneezed whilst being in a tensed position, I got a searing stabbing pain in my lower abdomen which caused me to curl up into a ball. The pain lasted a few minutes then died away and didn't bother me again. The first 2 cramping episodes happened just a few days after and I thought I might have pulled a muscle or something hence the reason I waited a week before having sex again. I'm an active person and I don't experience the cramps any other time. I'm starting to think now it's not the sneeze that caused it.
2) I had the contraceptive implant put in 3 months ago. I had continuous period issues for the first two months so as per docs orders I started taking the pill on top of this a month ago to stop the bleeding. Bleeding has stopped, just finished the pill cycle so am due my period pretty soon. I was maybe thinking it was the sheer volume of hormones in my system that was maybe causing the cramps. I don't think I'm going to take the pill again tho, just see what happens.
All I know is I've never been in so much pain, even when I had a grumbling appendix. I'm embarrassed to talk to my doctor about it in case they either don't believe me or have no idea how to fix this. I just CANT be like this for the rest of my life. So many of you also seem to have had this come on so suddenly out of the blue, it's the strangest , most horrible thing. I'm just thankful I haven't had an erotic dream in years so I can be the one in charge of when I have an orgasm. Lets just say I might wait a few weeks before I try again.
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Hello, ladies.  Just stumbled upon this and wanted to say that I have the same issue and I am a man.  From skimming the conversation, it seems there is a lot of focus on how this could be related to the female anatomy or birth control, etc.  Obviously, that can't be the case for me.  

I'm 36 and have for sure had this for at least 7 years.  I'm lucky compared to many of you in that it only happens about once/month.  I just accepted it as something to deal with, however I had one last night that was so beyond what I'd ever experienced before, I'm back in research mode.  I literally thought I might be dying and was about a minute away from calling an ambulance when it started to taper off.  It was just so much worse that I thought it had to be something different.

Anyway, good luck to everyone dealing with this.
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Hey, I just wanted to say thanks to malepain for posting. Knowing that there are some guys out there with a similar issue may help narrow things down, then again, who knows! What I've noticed is that there does seem to be quite a few mentions in posts to do with vitamin D deficiency. Something like that would co-inside with another problem I'm having which I thought was completely unrelated but you never know. Just this week I have had an out break of psoriasis; something I have never suffered from before. I went to the Dr about it and he said it is quite often linked with low vitamin D levels. I've been thinking about getting some supplements and seeing if that helps. By the way malepain, have you ever taken your issue to the Dr?
I saw my lady Dr last week and I'm having some tests run and will get an ultra sound in about 5 weeks also just to see what's going on, but she didn't seem to get the fact that it wasn't intercourse that was causing the pain, kept talking about STD's! No wonder ppl don't want to talk to their GP's about this. I haven't even had sex since my last smear test!
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I am a 33 year old female that has also recently started experiencing this pain after orgasm, probably only 6 times so far. Severe abdominal pain, sweating, nausea, bowel movements. I went to the GP, passed all STD tests, had external ultrasound of pelvic area including kidneys and internal of all reproductive organs - all looks normal. I have been on the pill Juliet 35-ED for 16 years with only 2 small breaks due to outbreaks of adult acne! No pregnancies so far! I get alot of vitamin D as I work outside in the sun pretty much all year. Told by doctor they are muscle spasms but not offered much more than that. Glad to find this site!
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I'm 30 years old and have been experiencing the exact same symptoms as most women describe. I addressed the issue with my gyno who did an internal ultrasound of my uterus and she saw that mine was lines with a lot of veins. She recommended me to take pills for two weeks which are normally given to patients with varicose veins. I took it for two weeks and it did help slightly but then got sloppy and didn't continue the treatment.

Unfortunately the last few months, I'm getting the cramps again more often.. and most recently the severest after a sexual dream. Sometimes I just wake up at night (without having dreamt) and have the exact same cramps..

So here is my info:

1 I'm normal weight

2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 28

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 1,5 years

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --> Only after sexual arousal (or dreaming)

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? --> worst after a dream, bad after an orgasm

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> I only after orgasm.

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> Only after having sexs or having dreamt about sex

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> no

9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> no (not yet)?

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> Not a mom.

11 How long does your pain last? -->  5-10 minutes.

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? --> I've never tried sex as a remedy. sometimes one orgasm doesn't trigger it but multiple orgasms certainly do!!

13 Describe the pain you feel. --> Extremely bad cramping with much pressure on colon

I have been on the pill since I was 17. I had the implant for 7 years but the last year I took the pill on top of it because it no longer controlled my period (doctor's recommendation). The implant is gone now and I'm back to the normal pill. I don't have periods as I take the pill continuously. I never cramped when I had my period.

I'm a bit surprised that none of the ladies on this forum have been able to provide an answer for what the cause of this cramping is. Fibroids, endomitriosis, etc. ??

Did anyone get a clear diagnosis of the problem?
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Hi Ladies, I've been to the gyno about this and he is referring me to an immunologist. He thinks it could be a prostaglandin allergy. Apparently that is the hormone that makes your soft muscles contract and it is also present in seamen. It’s to do with the other hormones present after ovulation that causes the perfect environment for this reaction.  That is perhaps why I have a couple of good weeks after my period where it doesn’t happen(and sounds like a lot of you too). I wish I took more notes! Lol it was a lot to take in. He said he doesn’t know too much about it so hopefully the immunologist can help!

Solution: He suggested to take asprin (not panadol actual asprin) half an hour before orgasm (kinda ruins the moment) and that has REALLY helped for me. It’s fast acting too. So if your caught in the spur of the moment if you take it straight after it kicks in not long after the pain starts which reduces the time in pain.
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Like many have written, I am so happy that I found this site.  I feel exactly like all of you; exactly the same symptoms...pain after orgasm with the other various symptoms.  So frustrating when the docs don't know or care.  This is pain like I can't compare to anything.  Just awful.  I am 43 years old, no children.  I have small fibroids and small ovarian cysts but I'm told by my gyn that they are too small to cause such pain.  After reading all these posts, I picked up on the vitamin d and the iron (ferrous) suggestions.  I am deficient in both so I have to give this a try!  I will update you all on status in a month.  I hope to report back with good news!  
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I know you posted this 3yrs ago, but that makes a lot of sense. I've had this problem since I had my daughter 15 years ago, I thought it was just me living with these symptoms.
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It's just a muscle contraction. During climax it causes the uterine walls to spasm. This is why, during pregnancy, it can be more uncomfortable or somewhat more painful. While pregnant, your uterus grows which is what makes the spasms seem stronger. In fact, they are actually the same spasms you experience any other time after climax.
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Eh, Donran, I think most people here would agree with me when I say putting the words "just" and "contractions" next to one another in this scenario is down right unsympathetic. What we are experiencing is not normal. Don't get me wrong, no one expects labor to feel good, I think we all expect it to hurt like hell, and those of us who have had the pleasure of experiencing it would agree I think. However, for a woman to have these pains after sharing an intimate moment with a loved one, a one night stand or just in her own company, it's not normal. I think what most of us want to know is WHY is it happening to me, WHY now when it's never happened before and WHEN will it go away? Will it ever stop, will things go back to normal, is there something I'm doing that's caused this, is there something I can do to stop it from happening permanently? These are the kind of things we want explained, we don't want to be told that it's "just a muscle contraction" and I can sure as heck say, it's not the same as other spasms experienced after other climax's. That's the point.
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Hi Ladies, really glad I found this forum.

I'm 31. I get period cramps since teenage years. And when I'm stress, I get the cramps even a week before my period. So I know it is def. hormones related. I get cold sweat, even worse, couldn't even stand up straight , just want to curl up!


I found that hot water bottle always helps. Or one of the those heat patch, so I can wear under my clothes when I'm at work.

The last 2 months, I started experience pain after orgasm, and sometimes even a vagina spasms.

FYI..I've tried acupuncture while I was working over in Hong Kong 2 years ago. I was skeptical about it. But one of my relative is a qualified acupuncturist, so I gave it a go. I had acupuncture every 2 day for 2 weeks. Each session was only 30 min. And i swear, that month, my period wasn't painful, and I didn't get cramps, but just a slight uncomfortableness.  

I would love to get a proper acupuncture treatment in Ireland, but there are lots of acupuncturist who only did a 3 months course in China then set up a clinic claiming they were  trained and fully qualified.
I'd rather have a heat patch on than acting as their guinea pig!
Anyway, Im going to try the Iron supplement, and fingers crossed!
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I am feeling extremely pissed off with this 'condition'! I have tried all the suggestions on the forum plus my own. Thought I was getting close to a resolution, however the pain of late is worse then ever. So I believe it is all the reasons pointed out here and yet none. Tried to c if it was hormonal, V deficient ect but there seems to be no reason for when it's not too bad to excruciating pain that is insane. Anyway I have nothing to offer except to share in this collective frustration & and u fair pain
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Just glad to know that I am not alone.  I am 54 years old and this just started about 2 years ago.  As you all have mentioned, nothing aggravates or alleviates the pain, but the pain is excruciating and only occurs for me after orgasm, lasting 15-20 minutes and is associated with chills and nausea, I believe because the pain is so excruciating. It just helps to know that I am not alone with this and, as a menopausal female, that perhaps lack of estrogen or other hormones could be the cause, since the use of birth control seems to have helped some
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I am relieved also to see that i am not alone. I experience intense pain in the lower abdomen after orgasms, but this only happens 2-3 days before my period. The pain starts in waves and becomes so intense, i have cold seats and nausea and am bascially rolling around on the floor int he faetal position, until it passes. Not only is the pain excruciating, but it is extremely upsetting for my partner, as i can't bear to be touched or even spoken to when i am in so much pain... and there is nothing he can do to help.
i find that trying to regulate my breathing and doing relaxation exercises help me focus on something other than the pain.
I worry because this never happened to me before until these past few months and from what i am reading, it seems that it's probably not going to go away.
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Interesting that this targets us all the same way, but occurs at different times in our cycle. My least pain, after orgasm, is a day before my period comes. I get all excited that it is healing, and then my period arrives, and I realise it is because of that. Here is hoping, that someone some where can gives us some answers and a cure!
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I'm pleased to announce that after having a vaginal hysterectomy, I no longer have this problem.  I had fibroids in my uterus that were causing it to contract. After two kids, the hysterectomy was a piece of cake....back to work within two weeks and no problems since.
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Bless every one of you ladies for sharing.

I have been reading this forum for two years, My wife has been suffering this problem for years, probably ten years.  It started after our fist child, mild but annoying, it wasn't until our second child two years later that we even began to associate the pain with orgasm.   It went down hill from there, now the few moments of pleasure don't make two or more days of pain worth while.
My heart goes out to your partners as well, it's just as frustrating for us to stand there beside you, knowing there is nothing we can do for you.  It makes us feel even more helpless that such a wonderful intimate moment is only a prelude to suffering.

She's spoken to personal physicians, OB's, they all blame it on being over weight, aging, hormones.. all of it just adding to the confusion and frustration.  I've convinced her to try some of the suggestions here, none have helped, she's tried different birth control, they've helped with menstrual pain, but no affect on the after orgasm pain.

Keep the suggestions coming ladies, i thank you for everyone, it means there is still hope.

and you can add one more country, Canada to the list of baffled medical practitioners

.
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Hello all

Many, many thanks to you for sharing.  It is both heart-breaking and comforting to find others suffering similar problems.  I feel so sorry for those of you who are so young, but heartened to hear about supportive partners.
  
ABOUT ME:  Australian, 57 yo, 168 cm tall, 62 kg, 1 child b 1983, postmenopausal.  Not working but studying part-time, and living a (mostly) healthy, stress-free lifestyle with high-fibre diet and regular swimming, cycling and walking.   Was not in a relationship at onset of my ‘problem’ around 2001 and thought I never would have one again.  Thanks mostly to a low libido I coped, but 6 weeks ago met a man interested and patient enough to try to pursue a relationship with me, so now my physical and emotional can of worms has been re-opened!

SYMPTOMS:  Since onset I have only experienced arousal and orgasm through masturbation or erotic dreams.  I only have pain after orgasm (experienced as muscular contractions of uterus).  Abdominal pain similar to childbirth contractions but continuous starts immediately and intensifies.  Degree of intensity of pain is linked to intensity of orgasm/contractions.  Within minutes after pain onset I suffer a Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) response also linked to the intensity of orgasm/pain:  drop in blood pressure with fainting; profuse sweating; nausea and vomiting; and diarrhea.  

HOW I COPE:  Basically I don’t.  As soon as the pain starts I get on my hands and knees (have suffered concussion in past because I fainted while standing) and head for the bathroom/toilet and strip any clothing off.  Then I am stuck on the toilet sweating profusely with my head between my knees because of faintness, and experience uncontrollable spasms of vomiting and defecating until my digestive tract is completely empty.  I am then able to take a tablet for pain relief and run a bath to help ease the pain.  The SNS response usually lasts no more than 45 minutes (although it seems longer) but the pain can last up to 3 hours.  Afterwards I feel like I am in a state of shock - weak and shaky, and unfit to do anything but drink water and go to bed.
I have tried taking Paracetamol prior to masturbation but have not noticed any lessening of symptoms.

MEDICAL HISTORY:  
- Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed 1985 and prescribed anti-androgenic for hirsutism.  
- Non-specific auto-immune disorder (no specific disease but a range of inflammatory symptoms, including joint and soft tissue pain and fatigue).  Family members have a history of similar immune-related problems, e.g. (rheumatoid) arthritis, artheroschlerosis, asthma, eczema, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and psoriasis.
- Tubal ligation in 1998 with undiagnosed complications and resulting adhesions.
- Bowel dysfunction appeared 1-2 years later, and IBS diagnosed but IBS medication ineffective.
- Pain with orgasm appeared around 2001 and ovaries deemed to be the cause and removed in 2006 but problem remained.   Disappointment somewhat offset by fact that removal of larger adhesions resulted in improved bowel function. Prescribed HRT but stopped taking it as it increased my libido which I found too distressing.  
- Over the years I have had numerous ultrasounds (external and internal) and 3 hysteroscopies which showed no abnormalities.
- Due to have cone biopsy of cervix in next 30 days in response to smear tests showing CIN2 (pre-cancerous) cells.  Do not expect this outcome, but if results show cancer I will be having a radical hysterectomy (removal of cervix, uterus and lymph nodes in pelvic area).

MEDICOS:  I do not have private health cover and use the Public Health System (PHS), so cannot pick and choose practitioners and treatment options.  However I have been lucky to see some excellent GPs, and specialists at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Womens Health Centre in recent years.
My previous (female) GP specialized in reproductive medicine and was incredibly thorough and knowledgeable but her practice’s fees were beyond me so recently changed to a more affordable (female) GP who I suspect is still reeling from my medical history!
My previous GP arranged for me to see a wonderful (female) gynaecologist in the PHS who referred me to a skilled but patronizing (male) surgeon in the PHS.  I  have also seen a (male) Professor 5-6 times in the past 8 years who specializes in reproductive medicine and PCOS in the PHS.  He is a lovely man with a world-wide reputation.  
None of them know the cause of my problem because it is ‘unique’.I will certainly be informing them about this site so they can see there are others besides me!  
The question remains whether practitioners are talking to each other and raising awareness, with the aim of identifying possible causes and effective treatments.

I've exceeded the word limit so will continue in 2nd post
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continued from earlier post ...

REGULAR MEDICATION:
escitalopram, 15 mg daily (for depression) - started 4 months ago
cyproterone acetate, 50 mg daily (for hirsutism) - started about 5 years ago
fish oil, 20 ml daily (anti-inflammatory, blood-thinner) - started about 8 years ago
Vagi-fem (oestrogen) pessary, twice weekly (vaginal dryness) - started 6 weeks ago
Iberogast, 1 ml with meals (naturopath treatment for IBS) - started 6 months ago

COMPARISON WITH SOME OTHER SUFFERERS:
- My pain is ONLY and ALWAYS after orgasm, and does not occur with bowel movements or exercise etc.
- My Vitamin D levels have been normal except for my last test (winter) and I have been taking supplements for the last few months
- I have an iron-rich diet and have not suffered from anaemia for many many years.
- I have not had particularly painful or heavy periods, although I was diagnosed with PCOS.
- I gave birth 18 years before onset.
- I was still menstruating at onset but was peri-menopausal.  My cycle became shorter (3 weeks) and heavier and I was prescribed progesterone.  There were no appreciable changes in the pain, either before, during or after my periods.  
- I have not menstruated since 2006 when my ovaries were removed, with no change to the pain with orgasm.
- I was not using oral contraceptives before onset.  I took Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for a few months in 2006 after surgery but stopped because it raised my libido, which led to more frequent episodes, particularly erotic dreams (no change in pain).  I have been using oestrogen pessaries during the last 6 weeks, with no change to the pain.
- My hormone levels have been monitored regularly and are normal for a menopausal woman, with the exception that I have slightly elevated androgen (male hormone) levels
- I have adhesions
- I have been diagnosed with IBS (I believe this relates to my adhesions)
- I have suffered auto-immune related problems including periods of joint and soft tissue pain and fatigue
- I have had from bouts of depression and anxiety since my teenage years

RESPONSE TO BLOGS:
- I plan to ask my GP about suggestions of things to take prior to and after orgasm (aspirin, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants) to see if they are safe for me to use.  
- Because my ovaries have been removed and I have no menstrual cycle I think hormones do not explain my problem.  However, I will ask my GP about having my levels monitored regularly.
- It seems that removal of the uterus has only been beneficial for those with problems such as fibroids.  My uterus is ‘normal’ so I am not convinced at present (and neither is my surgeon) that a hysterectomy will fix my problem.  I would like to hear from Dezie44 whether a hysterectomy helped her.  
- I am interested in the neurological aspect.  eljay37’s comments about referred shoulder pain is interesting. What neural pathways may be involved? The vagus nerve that triggers SNS responses is located in the neck.  Perhaps a neurologist could be consulted?  I know little about fibromyalgia but my older sister was recently diagnosed with it, so I will try to get more information and discuss with GP if it seems relevant.
- I am also curious about the number of women who have indicated they have either IBS or some immune-related condition. I would like to know the outcome of Danica_P‘s visit to an immunologist.

PROMISE TO KEEP YOU INFORMED!

P.S.  IBS sufferers may be interested to know this ... in the past 3 years I suffered a few intestinal blockages that threatened to put me in hospital (interestingly I fixed the problem by masturbating to orgasm and brought on the pain and subsequent SNS response which very unpleasantly but effectively cleared my gastric tract and blockage!)  Standard laxatives and IBS medication did not work and made me feel worse, until a GP suggested a herbal remedy called IBEROGAST which is being researched by the Royal Adelaide Hospital Gastroenterology Department.  I have been taking it for 6 months and it works!  I am now regular with no more bloating or blockages, hard-to-pass sticky sludgy stools and painful hemorrhoids.  



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Hi i been going through the same thing also and i went to my doctors for a check up to see what was going on and my doctor told me that everything was A ok! & what the problem was that my partner size was just a bit to big for me. so she suggested  i'd try different positions and sure enough that was it. but about trying to get pregnant i wish u the best of luck =]
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omg I just had this cramp and bowel episode this morning, and I thought I must be the only person in this world to feel this weird!

Had it one time before, but the difference was I had sex the other time. This time around, I woke up from a sexual dream, felt the orgasm and started cramping REAL bad.

What happened after that was a series of very relieving farts and then bowel movements. All thorugh that the cramp kept coming on.

I also have vey sore breasts right now.

A little about myself.  I'm 38, been trying to get preggie
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Sorry, I hit the SEND button accidentally :p

As I was saying, am trying to get preggie for the longest time but my crazy periods make it very difficult to know when I'm ovulating. Very disappointing and am almost about to give up.

Anyway, glad to know that there are you guys around for me to share this with, cos I think it would be too embarrassed to tell my doctor about this lol
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Hi! I can't belive I found so fast someone with the same problem I have!! The episode had happened only once before, and it was after having a "relaxing" shower, but this morning the same happened to me!! I woke up after having an intense sex dream, I don't remember actually feeling the orgasm, but what woke me up was the awfull intense cramping, and lasted for 10 or 15 minutes.
I think it could have something to do with Endometriosis. Last year I had a small surgery because I had a small polyp at the cervix and it was causing a real mess. The doctor that did the procedure told me I should go back for a laparoscopy to verify if I have Endometriosis because the polyp and my history of cramps even while being on the pill was suspicious. I haven't gone back for the lparoscopy because my sister is a gynecologist and she says the laparoscopy is only for diagnostic purposes and I can wait to know if I have Endometriosis or not until I want to have children (I'm 28), and since it's not the case yet, and I'm terribly scared of needles, I haven't done it.

I tell you this because maybe it's connected and could be usefull to all of you. I haven't told my private gynecologist (my sister) about this episodes because I'm very private and I dunno how to explaining that the first time was because I was "playing" with the shower, and the second time was having a sex dream. (really weird that this never has happened having sex with my boyfriend)
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(I posted this comment and it ended up in the wrong post somewhere! ::Shrug::)

For those of you with this issue - the vitamin thing may be something to look into!  I have been having these pains for 10 years now, starting when I was 21.  It started by only happening 2 days out of each month, up to almost every day.  I was diagnosed with endometriosis, but even the surgery, when they said they got the one spot on my ovary completely, didn't help.  Birth control didn't help - actually made it worse, if that's possible.  My pain seemed to be eased by massaging my bowels sometimes, but sometimes it was too bad for that even.  No OTC pain killers could touch it.  

ANYWAY, after reading the comments on vitamin deficiencies, I asked my doctor to check my iron and vitamin D levels - they were REALLY LOW!  He put me on supplements a month ago and other than the first week, I haven't had any pain since!!  Even this week, which is notoriously the most painful right before my cycle, NO PAIN!  I'm on a three-month cycle of these supplements until they check my levels again, and I'm praying that the lack of pain keeps up so I can tell my doctor what I've found out.  Maybe with a solution and the symptoms, it will help them find the problem??  Please, check with your doctor and get blood work done to see about your levels of iron and vitamin D and let them make the decisions about how much you should be taking before you start.  Too much of either can be very dangerous for you.  But at least give this a try.  I was skeptical because I thought "Vitamins?  Nah."  But I was desperate.  Who knows, the body does all kinds of crazy things when it doesn't get what it needs.
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Wow. I cannot believe I found this forum and so many women who have nearly identical symptoms as I do.  I am 45 and have dealt with this for over 20 years.  I have had two laparoscopies, three babies, one colonoscopy, tried a litany of medications, diets, fiber, etc and nothing has eliminated this.  I have significant anecdotal observation over the years and can tell you what I tried and what changes I have seen etc.  I am blown away that out of all of us who are dealing with this horrific "whatever it is", that no medical professional has figured out what the heck it is or how to make life easier for us.

My cramping began when I was in my early 20's and it began (suddenly) from orgasm following masturbation.  It came on suddenly out of nowhere.  At that time, I had the spasmotic cramping 100% of the time after every orgasm.  I used to describe the pain as "white hot" and it felt as though someone thrust their  hands into my pelvic cavity and was wringing my ovaries and organs in their clenched hands.  If i was able to lie absolutely still without moving a muscle and breathed deeply, I could lessen the length and intensity of the spasm, but if I moved, I was in it for the ride.  The best way to deal with the unbearable pain was to get into a scalding shower until it subsided.  It totally and utterly wrecked my marital sex life.  Often I would say to my (ex) husband "Please try not to arouse me.. don't let me orgasm".  Some life eh?

During that time, I tried birth control pills and bentyl (an antispasmotic similar to Hyomax that I have seen desribed here.. the sublingual pill).  Nothing worked.

My pains went away after being pregnant for a few months and came back about a year after the baby was born.. probably (I assume) around the time my period resumed.  When i was pregnant and climaxed, my uterus would grow rock hard.  I think that is fairly common.  I felt a strong pressure, but not pain.

After I was finished having children, my pains began coming back less frequently.  It was not every time and it would get triggered by other things such as a bowel movement or dancing strenuously etc.  It was touch and go then.

Around 2005 or so, my pains began coming back regularly again, but it was no longer 100% of the time after every orgasm.  I began to see a pattern of the cramping coming on about a week before my period started, and it would end the day my bleeding began in earnest.  Eventually t his stretched to a week and a half before my period and the pains would increase in intensity the closer I got to my period.  Over the last year or so, I have  begun involuntarily vomiting when the pain was the worst.  I didn't have an upset stomach.. It was more like my stomach joined in the spasm and I would vomit against my will.

A few days ago, I made a bowel movement while at work and it triggered the spams so badly that i ended up int he bathroom vomiting uncontrollably.  Embarrassing!  Now i am afraid to go to the bathroom as well as being afraid to have an orgasm.

Every surgery and test I have done was inconclusive.  I have one fibroid on my uterus that is connected to the fallopian tube, but it is not blocked off.  It is relatively small, and when i had another laparoscopy ten years after the first, nothing had changed.  There was a gastroenterologist surgeon in the surgery along with my gynecologist and he looked for and concluded there were no adhesions or lesions/ scar tissue causing the pain.  There is no visible reason for me to have this.

I have recently been on both bentyl and levisin (Hyomax) trying to see if one worked better than the other.  I have tried to triple up onthe dose.  I have taken some before and some after.  I have tried taking meds, taking a pain pill.. and then having sex and that helped some.  I got my doctor to very reluctantly give me an Rx for vicodin.  If I ended up having a spontaneous spasm, I would pop one in my mouth and chew on it so it would kick in faster.  Other times, I would take on in advance of sex and that did take an edge off.  

My partner is skilled in Reiki and he usually holds his hand over my lower abdomen afterwards.  That helps too somewhat.

But like everyone else here, i would say that this is the worst pain I have ever had in my life and I have given birth to three children, two of them at home unmedicated.

I hate that this "thing" has now evolved to include vomiting.  I hate that I have to remember what time of the month it is to determine if I want to risk being in unbearable pain or not.  The pain is absolutely unbearable.  I hate that nobody seems to have any idea what this is or how to help it.  

My next step is to go to a pain management clinic.  I have put this off for probably a year because of the stigma.  My gyn told me that if i am not willing to have a hysterectomy then she is not willing to give me pain meds anymore.  I am extremely opposed to having a hysterectomy for many reasons... but not the least of w hich is that nobody can tell me that removing my organs WILL make the pain go away.  Gyno tells me this is a gastro issue and sends me there.  Gastro tells me this is a gyno issue and sends me back.  I have mostly given up and resigned myself that I should try to manage it when absolutely necessary with narcotics if I can.  I was surprised to  not see anyone else mention pain killers.

I am curious if those who have gone on to get hysterectomies can report back a change.  I have seen that birth control pills are touch and go with effectiveness.  I plan to keep on this site and see any new developments.  I am frankly blown away at how many of us there are.

Thank you,

S
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My info:

1 Weight:  NOW am about 40 pounds overweight.  BUT I have had this problem for 20 years and I had this when thin also.

2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 24

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 21 years

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --> All but urination.  

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? --> worst after orgasm

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> Sometimes after arousal, but usually after orgasm

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> In the past it was all month.  NOW I only have it from 2 to 1 1/2 weeks before period until about the day after it starts.

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> I have one aunt that said she had something like this for a time.

9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> I have one uterine fibroid on the outside of uterus.  Dr. didn't feel it had any relevance.

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> Before pregnancy, for a few months during pregnancy and not again until about a year after baby was born.

11 How long does your pain last? -->  10-25 minutes.

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? --> Usually, but not as severe typically.

13 Describe the pain you feel. --> hideous pain.. "white hot".. an inescapable pain.. worst ever.  Sometimes feels like severe cramping.. sometimes feels like hands inside my abdomen wringing my ovaries or colon.  
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This a sign of relief that unfortunately a lot of women is experiencing the same problem that I've experienced.  When I was young I was sexually abused.  But had these pains forever.  I'm 29 years old.  When I was 24 years old I had an aboration(really hate saying that but asked GOD to forgive me). I did become sexually active @ 21, but never had an orgasm because I usually faked it because I knew I was going to have an excuracitng pain.  The pAin will hurt when I do strenous excercise or wake up from an exotic dream or an orgasm.  Thank God now I'm pregnant and the pain is actually worse for me because I have a sit down job....I did a lot of research and it seems PNE (pudedal nerve entrapment).  Before I was pregnant I took a lot of tests..MRI, body scann, ultrasound, Xray and no doctors could see anything until one doctor said there is something in your pelvic but should not cause you pain...but it lead to it....tomorrow I'm going to the ER and will tell the doctors that I'm not leaving until there is a cure.
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1 Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese? I'm underwight.. I'm 5'2" and i weigh 48 Kgs.. It's difficult for me to put on weight because there are a lot of foods that I avoid.

2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 12

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 16 years (i'm 28)

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --> a) I only get the pain after orgasm a week before i'm due my period.. and i know it's coming because I get uncontrollably horny but it's mixed with feeling slightly crampy as well, so i know that if i orgasm i'll get the cramping and nausea, which i try to avoid although it's incredibly difficult to do when i'm that horny.. and i even end up having erotic and orgasming in my sleep
b) it's the worst after a bowel movement at any time a few days before my period and during the first day of it. Immediately afterwards I feel nauseous and dizzy, i get the cold sweats and i have to stay very still lying in the downward dog position for the cramping and everything else to subside
c)  I get cystitis like symptoms mid cycle, so i feel a cramping when i need to pee, but i don't get any painful outbursts after peeing
d) For about a week before my period i can't really exercise because it feels like there's a brick in my uterus and if i run it just pounds into me.. although i do stretches and that's fine. At any time during the month, i can't use a bike for prolonged periods, in fact i avoid cycling at all costs, because there's just too much pressure on my cervix and i end up cramping.

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? It is the worst after a bowel movement a few days leading upto my period and on the first day.

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> Only after orgasm, and only in the few days to a week leading up to my period. I don't get it at all a few days into my period or for the first two weeks of my cycle.

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> From the third day of my period up until around the 10-14th day of my cycle i feel like a normal person, completely symptom free, aside from a recurring yeast infection that appears around day 7, so i take 150 mg fluconazole for that and it clears up. Otherwise, i get cystitis like symptoms from mid cycle which gives me cramping problems related to peeing, then i get diarrhea from around the 20th day which causes cramping immediately afterwards.

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> Apparently my grandmother had severe cramping before she had children, as did my mum, but they were fine after that. My sister also has endometriosis but she's been on the pill for the last 10 years, so she only has mild symptoms. whereas i've never been on the pill. so I can see how directly cyclically related my symptoms are.

9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> No

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> I don't have children.

11 How long does your pain last? --> The worst episode i've had has lasted 1hr 30mins.. and i thought i was going to die i was in so much pain. i threw up and i passed a bowel movement while doubled over in pain on the bathroom floor with the cold sweats and severe dizziness and low blood pressure.. I haven't had an episode like that in a while though because i've started taking a whole load of supplements.
I take B complex, vitamin C, chlorophyll, kelp, flax seed oil, calcium and magnesium, and im going to start taking zinc.. and I take herbal anti inflammatories;  licorice, bromelain, zyflammend, turmeric.. and i'm going to start taking grapefruit extract for the cystitis pain

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? --> I would never resume sexual activity.. i'm too tender and even mentally, i wouldn't enjoy it because i'd be too anxious and worried that it would start again

13 Describe the pain you feel. --> It feels like the opposite of an orgasm. so rather than radiating a happy feel good feeling, it's like an evil malignant force that radiates pain and nausea and the cramping moves from a localised central point in the uterus and spreads through the vagina and lower intestine and groin area, and my blood pressure drops right down so i can't even stand up otherwise i'll be sick or pass out, and in the worst instance (this has happened to me twice) i've pooped my pants. I actually apply an ice pack between my legs and on my tummy ( I have one of those oat bags that you can keep in the freezer).. i find that helps much better than a hot water bottle which is what most people recommend. I also find drinking ice cold water helps, rather than warm herbal teas or even room temperature water.

Additionally, much like i've read in other posts here.. i sprained my coccyx when i was 14ish because my symptoms have just got worse and worse over the years.. and i wonder now if there's some sort of link with tail bone injuries and this severe cramping.. so i'm going to start seeing a chiropractor now to see if that helps.
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I have the same exact symptoms. Severe pain after orgasm that bulids with intensity until i see red with pain, and then begins to go away.  Usually last around 20 minutes, last night it lasted 13.  I almost always have a bowel movement during.  Afterward I am exhausted and covered in sweat.  I usually have a very dull feeling that tells me to avoid orgasm because the pain will happen.  But if I avoid, it finds other ways to happen, orgasm while sleeping or the muscles involved in urination will set it off.  Worst part is the embarrasment of crawling on the floor and humming or moaning trying to self soothe myself while it is happening.

I was wondering if anyone with this pain has had an abortion? Sometimes I think it may be scar tissue.  I have dysplasia that my dr keeps up with, but other than that I have no other gyn issues.

I have been to the ER twice but since have just learned to deal with it.  But its so hard and everytime it happens I am reaffirmed that something is really wrong and one day im scared that the pain is not going to let up, or by not finding what is wrong, one day something very bad will happen
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It is so dissappointing to find out that there are so many sufferers of this horrible problem and there doesn't seem to be any medical help out there.

I started with these pains after orgasm about 4 years ago. After the orgasm subsides the pain starts creeping up, starting off mild and increasing until so severe, I thought I was going to die the first time it happened.  Since then I realised that it does start to disapate after 20mins approx.  I get hot and cold, light headed like I could pass out, my mouth waters like I'm going to be sick and I usually need to the toilet for a bowel movement, which eases the pain slightly.

I concentrate on breathing in and out slowly, like yoga relaxation, I find this helps me cope with the pain while it is happening and maybe it helps it to ease quicker.

I only get this pain after orgasm from masturbation, not from sexual intercourse and so avoid this but I have a high libido.

I have had ultrasounds and examinations and seen both a gyn and a gast specialist and they say everything looks fine.

I have been on dianette for about 16 years and sometimes run the packs of pills together but have been told by several medical practioners that this is safe to do this.

I have always had trouble urinating after orgasm since being a child and don't know if this is related or even normal for women.  I have had an abortion 10 years ago but doubt that this could be related.  I have not injured by coxcyx (not sure how you spell that).  I have never tried vitimins but have been prescribed antispasmodics before but not tried them as you have to take them at least 30 mins before and I'm just not that organised when it comes to sexual activity.

I really hope that people in the medical world will investigate this on behalf of all us women and their partners that are experiencing this horrendous pain.  I pressume that because of the sensitive nature and the possible embarrassment that people have kept it quiet from their doctors ans therfore it has not been such a known problem to warrant research and prevention.  Please seek medical help - the more they are aware the more likely we are to get some answers.  

All i know it this can not be normal to feel this kind of severe pain.  Pain is the body telling you that something is not right.  We need to find out!

Any news on things that work - please keep us informed - thanks
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Avatar_f_tn
Checking in:

My pains are for about two weeks out of the month and I am smack in the middle of that time period right now. Lately, at the worst of it, I will vomit uncontrollably while in the worst part of the cramping.  It isn't the same as feeling sick to my stomach and throwing up.. it is more like the spasming is so strong that it radiates up to my stomach and the vomiting is a byproduct of that.  Whereas when I am sick, I can often control if I vomit or not, when my spasms hit to the point of throwing up, I have no control at all.  My mouth will start to water and I know it is imminent.  I was explaining to my partner last night that it is like a cat heaving up a hairball.. you can see the gut rolling and wretching.  Nice, eh?

I have had this issue for over 20 years and I am now 45.  I hate it.. I really really do, but after 20 years and three children (two of them natural births at home), I am able to handle the pain better than when I first would get it.  After reading much of this forum from beginning to end, I feel very validated.  Before I began having children, I would get the pains 100% of the time, all month long, after every single orgasm.  Often I would have to sit under a scalding shower until it passed. Every time.

Having children changed the pain schedule for me.  The pains went away early in the pregnancy (maybe 3 or 4 months in) and stayed away until the baby was around a year old (I am guessing around the time my menstrual cycle kicked back in).  When i was finished having children, the pains came  back, but not 100% of the time anymore.  They also began happening in conjunction with brisk activity.  At that time, I was a part of a dance group and a spasm would trigger during/after a particularly strenuous dance.

From that point and for a few years following, the pains came at unremarkable incidents. I hadn't noticed a pattern until about 4 years ago or so.  Now, they only come 1.5 to 2 weeks before my period begins getting progressively worse until I begin bleeding in earnest.  In the last year, the day before my period started to the day it does start, the spasms are at their worst and the involuntary vomiting began.  

I have seen at least seven medical professionals about this, some working with me over a course of time trying to find an explanation or something that makes it less horrible.  My experience has been that at first, they are interested and drawn in, but when their toolkit of answers all fall to the ground with no effect, they no longer wish to treat me for it and suggest I see someone else.  This is mostly since I began requesting pain meds to help stave off or take the edge off the spasms.

I started off taking Bentyl (Dicyclomine) for bowel spasms.  It has no effect.  About 3.5 to 4 years into this, I had a laparoscopy since the GYN assumed I had endomitriosis.  I didn't.  I did have two very small fibroids on my uterus.  One they removed, the other they left because it was attached to where my fallopian tube met my uterus and the tube was functional.

I have been put on birth control pills multiple times.  No effect.  I had a second laparoscopy in 2005 (16 years into this), this time a gastro surgeon participated with the GYN (a different gyn this time) to see if I had any adhesions or if there was something visibly wrong with the gastro organs.  They found nothing.

I then had a colonoscopy.  Nothing.  My first child was born via C section, so I am assuming they had a good look inside while delivering him.   Nothing.  My other two children were born naturally and at home without pain meds, so one can reasonably assume I can handle intense pain/sensations successfully.

I have taken uterine spasm meds (can't remember what I was given for that) and more recently over the past few years, back to bentyl and Hyoscyamine (Levsin/Hyomax).  Sometimes if the planets align perfectly and the right number of factors are in place, that will work and I will be pain free for an incident.

My gyn wanted me to take birthcontrol nonstop (allowing no periods) because she was convinced that it is my period causing this and if i no longer have a period, I will also no longer have any pain.  Reading many many testimonies here, I see that is not necessarily true.  Her last ditch effort with me was suggesting I have a hysterectomy.  I refuse to do that, so she is no longer interested in working with me on managing this.  Also reading many many testimonies on here, I see that a hysterectomy is not necessarily a fix it either (although I did see that it worked for one woman.  I wonder if that remains true?)

I was referred to a pain management clinic, but I haven't followed up on that because I didn't want to  be reliant on narcotics half the month.  That said, now that I have begun vomiting at work after having a movement in the restroom, I can no longer ignore anything that might help life run smoother.

So in summation:  Seen at least 7 medical professionals including three or four family practice primary care physicians, two gynecologists, one gastro enterologist, two nurse practioners (one gastro, one family practice).  I have had two laparoscopies, one colonoscopy, many ultrasounds while pregnant, a C section where the insides could been seen clearly, tried over the counter analgesics, metamucil, miralax, uterine antispasmotic med, two different colon antispasmotics, three different birth control pills and mild narcotics for pain control or relief.  After 22 years, nobody has any clue whatsoever this could be and has offered no solution.  In fact, it seems to cause medical professionals to want nothing to do with helping me since they can't figure out what is wrong.

The colon anti spasmotics do help sometimes.. but not every time.  Last month, I tried to take the bentyl a few times a day making sure i took one an hour before hand and then one sublingual levisin immediately before sex along with a half of a vicodin which i chewed up to have a faster response.  I was spasm free that time.  But then last night, I took two sublingual hyomax before sex and i had one of the really really bad spasms that I was not able to simply relax and breathe through and had to run for a scalding shower and go back and forth between hot water and vomiting in the toilet.

What is worst for me, aside from the blinding pain, is that I feel uneasy discussing this issue with most people.  How do you explain to your coworkers that you had to run from  your desk before you puked simply because you had a bm which triggered spasms.. or to explain "no this is not IBS because IBS does not make you have horrific pains after an orgasm."

I am incredulous there are so many of us scattered around the world with this strange unknown malady and no medical professional has taken this cause on with the intent to SOLVE, CURE, or find a satisfactory TREATMENT.  As others have stated, you can bet your @$$ is this was a male issue where men had blinding pain after orgasm, there would already be a myriad of pills on the market to fix or treat it.

That's my rant for the day.
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Avatar_m_tn
My symptoms are as follows:
I get really horny, my colon starts spasming, and I feel like I really need to have a  bowel movement as soon as possible. Once I have the bowel movement, which is usually more liquid than normal, my colon muscles finally relax, and I also stop being horny.
Could it be a temporary hormone imbalance? Or some sort of allergic reaction to something I ate?
The first time it happened I was in a business meeting and had to excuse myself to go to the bathroom. It was embarrassing.
Other times it has happened to me in the car.
I have noticed that if I try to relax my mind and not think of anything stressful I can sort of calm the spasms, which gives me time to reach a bathroom if I am driving.
It's very frustrating to not be able to pinpoint the cause. I am thinking of keeping a journal of all my food, to see if I can detect a pattern.
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Avatar_n_tn
I have been hoping to see a posting from you as to whether having a hysterectomy helped your pain with orgasm, as I am considering this procedure myself.
Would really like to hear from you

71st
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Avatar_n_tn
I just posted this question on another site,(about the painful cramping/bowel movements after erotic dreams/etc etc...here is the reply I got from an RN:

Dear CrampMcCrampster: As you have correctly stated, many women will have strong uterine, and even anal, contractions during orgasm. In some women this contributes to the perceived intensity/pleasure; for other it can induce an intolerable pain. Yet usually bowel stimulation is not a part of uterine contractions from orgasm. Moreover you mention that these cramps are worse than other uterine cramps (eg menstrual cramps?).

Your surmise about probably having IBS may offer some clue. Bowel spasms can be very severe---such that people end up in an ambulance to the ER because they cannot be comfortable in any position. Giving a medication which can relax bowel spasm can help sort out what is pelvic pain vs bowel pain. Here is a good overview of IBS, including treatments:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#treatment

It is hard to know why orgasm during sleep (with probable pelvic muscle and uterine contractions) would trigger rapid, multiple stools, or initiate bowel spasms. If orgasm included release of prostaglandins THAT could explain the cramps and increased bowel activity.Multiple literature searches at the National Library of Medicine site did not yield any good answers.

If you have already raised this issue with your GYN to no avail, perhaps you might want to consult with a gastro-enterologist.

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Oh, and in case you are wondering exactly what I told the RN in the above post, the following is what I told her:..............................
About 2 weeks up until my period starts, I will wake in the middle of the night, (or morning) after a sexual dream, which causes me to orgasm, instantly I get menstural like cramps, which build in severity over the next 20 minutes or so......during this time I usually have about 3 bowel movements, spaced about 5 minutes apart each. Sometimes when this happens, I dont know if I am going into shock or what, but I start hyperventilating. Usually the pain lasts no longer than 30 minutes....but when its happening its so painful I can hardly stand it, and nothing makes me comfortable. Anyone know what this is? I think Dr's think I am nuts as they always dismiss it by saying its commom for cramps to happen after orgasm. But these cramps are so much more severe than any other cramps I have had. Help please ! This has been going on for about 15 years, and dont know how much more of this I can take. This happens several times a month. Sometimes I hate going to sleep afraid this will happen. Its cruel.

(39 years old, never had kids, never been on birth control. I think I have endo, and pretty sure I have IBS.)

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Avatar_m_tn
I have had this issue for many years... too many years...

After talking with gyn's and at my yearly exam with the nurse practicioners to no avail I finally went and say a naturopath who specializes in gastro-intestinal problems.  He sent me to get an ultrasound which revealed over 14 fibroids, some of them fairly large.

He said that fibroids are vascular which mean when the blood starts rushing, during sex for example, the fibroids go crazy.  He believes that is the cause of my terrible cramping.  I'm off to a specialist next to see if hysterectomy is the way to go.
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I just found this on another site:

Case Title:  A deep vaginal cramp is a pre-warning sign of uterine titling or prolapsed due to a lack of prostaglandin E-1 in the nerves of the uterine-support ligaments and tissue; restoration of sexual orgasm without orgasmic pains or cramps
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Reader:  2/05/2005>
I suffer from deep vaginal cramps sometimes after orgasm, but this is usually in my sleep after a very erotic dream, the cramps last for about 20 minutes and come on almost straight away, Ive been reading pages on your site, and its good to know I'm not alone, how ever I would like to know what I can do to stop this problem occuring again, and also how to lessen the pain if the problem does occur again, it is very painful likened to birth pains, thanks.
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Dr. Lin: 2/06/2005>This is due to a weak uterine-support ligaments and tissue, as a result of lacking prostaglandin E-1 synthesis in the tissue.
Prostaglandin E-1 is the local hormone essential for the flexibility, elasticity and integrity of the local tissues, nerves and blood vessels. When the nerves in the uterine-support ligaments and tissue become inflexible and rigid, the uterine contraction or movement will cause deep pelvic pains around the low abdomen, pubis, tailbone, and anus, and perineum.
The uterine pains and cramps can happen during day or night as long as the uterus contracts or moves.
It happens pronouncedly during the Luteal Phase. It is very common for peri-mesopause or menopause women when their uterus is still too heavy for the weakening uterine-support ligaments to hold. It is a pre-warning sign of uterine tilting or prolapsed for young women, and a warning of uterine tilting or prolapsed for women over 35.
It is called PMS for young women, or peri-menopause symptoms or PMS for the pre-menopause women.
You need a low dose of ViaPal-hGH-M (3-014) to solve this problem.
For a long-term boost of the Prostaglandin E-1 synthesis, you can add Fish and Borage Oil(1000 mg each afrer a meal) and calcium (200 mg)/magnesium (100 mg)/Viatmin-D(100 IU) .
They will also improve your vaginal tightness and sensitivity, plus giving a shinier and tighter skin over your entire body.  
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Avatar_f_tn
After suffering for over 10 years with severe cramping after orgasm, sex dreams and certain times of the month, I think I have finally figured out the cause.  I think my pain is being caused from vasoconstriction of my blood vessels leading to very intense uterine cramping.  I feel pretty confident that this is what is causing my pain.  How I came to this conclusion is that I noticed that after I had a glass of wine before sex, I had no cramping whatsoever.  I then tried it several more times, and each time I had no cramping.  I believe that the wine is a vasodilator and kept my blood vessels from constricting therefore stopping the pain.  This would explain why I had no cramping while I was pregnant (b/c there is better blood flow to the fetus) and also why cold weather and exercise can sometimes cause my cramps (because the blood vessels to the uterus may constrict during those times).  I am wondering if instead of drinking wine, if a doctor prescribed medication that dilates the blood vessels, if this would prevent cramping also.  I plan on discussing this with my physician at my next visit.  I hope this insight may help some of you out there.  
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HI Addy,do you have the wine before sex/orgasm or after and how quickly after/how much?
I have been keeping a dairy for 8 weeks of when it is most and least painful. I find under 24 hours before my period begins, the pain is much less and quite doable. Once my period is finished, within the first week the pain is unbearable. Anyone else find this to be the case?
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Avatar_f_tn
In response to your question,  I drink just one glass of wine about an hour before having sex, which provides enough time for it to get absorbed.  I believe that in doing so it keeps my blood vessels dilated and prevents the cramping.  I still seem to have cramps after waking up from a dream so I know my condition is still there.  I also take birth control pills continuously which seems to keep my cramps under control except for when I have sex/orgasm.  Before I took birth control pills,my cramps would seem to get better right before and during my period, which makes me wonder if blood vessels are dilated during this time to enhance blood flow and allow a women to have her period.  Hope this helps!  
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Avatar_m_tn
Hi everyone,
My pain has miraculously stopped. I had it for about 2 years only. I lost 20 pounds (I am 5'2" and weighed 183, now weigh 165). I am not saying the weight loss has helped. I have no idea what was going on. I take continuous birth control with no periods and have for about the last 8 years or so. I am 39 years old and have never had children. No amount of searching for reasons yielded results. I had a transvaginal ultrasound with totally normal results. No cysts, no fibroids.

My theory is that I had connective tissue (adhesions) like what happens in endometriosis connecting my bowel and left ovary to some part of my uterus. When my uterus contracted it would pull on the other two organs. I mentioned this in a previous post but I tried a method I read about and dug deeply into my torso with my cupped hand trying to break up the adhesions. It was about a month later that I stopped having pain. There are doctors that perform this so I tried to do it myself. Don't know if that is what helped but it is worth a shot.

Anyway...the update is that when I discussed this with my gyno (he's very old and has tons of experience over many years with many patients) he told me it is not uncommon for this to start and stop on its own. In fact, he said that men get it too. Men get pain during orgasm and as long as the prostate is okay they just have to keep having sex and eventually it goes away on its own. So, it appears that pain during orgasm is a medical mystery that comes and goes and just is never discussed. How frustrating. My impression is that people are too embarrassed to talk about orgasms.
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Hi everyone. I have been suffering from the exact same symptoms that you all have described on here for at least 4 years. It happens to me about every 3-4 months or so. However, when it happened twice in a period of four days last week I was very determined to do as much research as possible to find answers.

Quick medical background: complex ovarian cysts, interstitial cystitis, vestibulitis, endometriosis, pelvic congestion, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, hypothyroidism, dysautonomia, mitral valve prolapse, narcolepsy, and most recently diagnosed with arthritis in the left S.I. joint, spine, and left knee. I first started noticing these issues when I was a freshman in college 7 years ago. I have had 3 laproscopies (including removal of appendix due to appendix stones), one colonoscopy and trigger point injections every few months (in lower abdomen, back, and internally due to a neuroma). I go to physical therapy for my lower back/tailbone/pelvic floor dysfunction and that includes internal work. I am able to do yoga and go on 2 short walks a day, but other than that I am stuck in bed...leaving me an ample amount of time to research.

I at least think I may have found the reason for the extreme 'episodes' that I am having and I am hoping it will help some of you, too:

urolithiasis/nephrolithiasis: uretal stones (kidney stones in your uretur)
-http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/521366_3
-the main symptom is renal/ureteral colic (this is described as one of the absolute worst pains to go through...click the link to read more)
-even describes 'spasms' (sometimes during an episode I can see my lower abdomen literally moving like something is inside)
-nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, tachycardia and tachypnea are present
-I am assuming that a bowel movement, orgasm, etc would cause the stones to start moving again, thus the intense pain

I want to thank everyone who has posted on this blog. After reading the posts I realized I am not crazy and that I am not alone. Please do some research on kidney stones, renal colic, etc. I know this answer seems too simple, but it seems to describe exactly the type of episode I go through. I am guessing that I have multiple kidney stones and that I have them frequently. I am going to my pelvic pain specialist soon and will update you all and let you know what I find out.

I am definitely not a nurse and have no medical background, but I am an advocate for my own health (after years of being told that this is all in my head/all women have painful cramps, get over it/etc.).

Do you all think that kidney stones could explain what is happening to us?
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Hi all, I have similar conditions as many ladies here. To be precise, 1 to 2 days before my period, I will get a orgasm in my sleep after a sexual dream. This always happens at dawn and then the pain kicks in for about 10min. It's so intense that I will be in cold sweat. The pain is always on the left side of my lower abdomen. This happens once every 2 to 3 mentrual cycles and I found that it was always worse if I have not cleared by bowels the day before.

After a laproscopy, my doctor extracted a blob of "stray" tissue from the outside of the left side of my uterus. This was caused by endometriosis. After the op, I was pain free for a good 6 to 9 months but now, the pain is beginning to come back. I believe it's the endometriosis coming back.

I have since consulted a chinese doctor and was advised not to drink beer and to keep physically active (don't sit down for too many hours a day especially). Once I disobeyd the doctor and had beer close to when my period was due. Sure enough, the pain come on the next day. I'm pretty convinced and will now avoid beer and even ice/cold drinks.

Ladies, you may want to try traditional chinese medicine or other safe alternative medicine especially if your gynaes can't tell you the reason for the pain.
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Avatar_f_tn
Hey every body, m so happy that I am not the only one suffering from this problem. I thought that maybe I had some manufacturing defect. Well I am 32. I do not want kids. I have all the symptoms as discussed by all. After orgasm I get severe cramps so much so that i roll up. Continues for 15 to 20 min. It's just hello. I feel the pain pulsating . Kills me. So Mich so that during sex I try not to orgasm when I am about 15 days to my periods. Then during those 15 days if I do my regular jog, I get same killing cramps after one km of jog. Orgasm cramps are accompanied by bowel movement as discussed by all. This has been going on since past two years. My *** of husband says it is just period cramp. Nth to worry, I wish he has it everyday grrrr..... Anyway I haven't been to gynac as yet. I am scared. What would be digagnosed and cause of my *** of the husband. Well i might go now but as ya all have said doctors are no help. I swear sometimes I felt that god was punishing me for something. He was showing me exclusive front seat ticket to hell. Even thinking about it gives me a headache and mild sensation in my abdomen. God what can I do please if some on knows it. I have yet read first page of comments. But o am going to read all.y love and lots of hugs to all of my sisters who are suferring such a bad pain. Makes me sad that there is no solid cure for it exceptaybe the removal of the uterus. But I don't mind that too if it gives me back my normal sex life one that i enjoy and a break from this pain.  
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Avatar_f_tn
Well went to doc tday. Had check up by a surgeon and ultrasound. They say no fibroids, cysts, abnormality in endometrium, or pregnancy or appendicitis or stones in that area. It is just muscle spasm. Gave me pain killers for if it gets too much. I hv still to see gynac. But as all have said, no one knows why this happens. But now I am after it seeing m not alone nd hv got such a.large community of same problem. Love hugs kisses to all.
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Avatar_m_tn
Hello, Everyone!  I just found this site on my phone while laying on the floor after an episode.. trying desperately to find some relief as a lay there first sweating and then shivering.  

My pain is sometimes accompanied by fainting... not due to pain, but I believe low blood pressure. I know that it's vasovagal syncope, however I'm not sure what CAUSES it, like many of you.  I know my triggers, but not the cause.  I now recognize the symptoms of an episode and have not fainted in a long time, but I always have to act fast.

I have always fainted easily due to pain.  Sight of blood and other such things doesn't bother me, but any sharp, unexprected pain can set me off.  Having pain accompanied by the fainting did not start until I was in my early twenties (I am 41 now), after having a child.  I have no known gynecological or intestinal issues.

My triggers don't always start an episode, but usually my triggers are orgasm, bowel movement, physical activity (even light).  Sometimes it just happens when I'm standing there.  I do drink a lot of caffeine and have always had lowish blood pressure... I definitely think that these contribute. I have also noticed that it is more likely to occur when I am dehydrated.

Description of episodes:  Usually I start to get an extremely uncomfortable feeling in my lower left abdomen... I guess probably around my ovary area, but I feel like it's ovaries and intestines.  Usually this is not so  much pain at first, but rather a very big pressure.  When I feel this start to happen I take an Aleve immediately to help with the pain part of things.  I actually have passed out from the toilet before, and also while eating (you know... when you didn't chew a chip enough and you can feel it go all the way down!). Anyway.. the pressure builds until it is full-on pain.  It goes from the lower left front, and what feels like all the way to my rectum.  I whimper like a whipped puppy... I can't help it.  I feel myself start to get light-headed and go into a cold sweat.  This is when I know it's going to be bad and I lay down right away, raising my feet to get blood to my brain.  Once the feeling of needing to fainting passes, I will then get on my knees with my head on the floor or will curl up on my left side.  Sometimes the "downward" dog is still too painful.   As the pain turns back into pressure, I know the episode is starting to pass.  At this point I get extremely cold and my hands and feet are like ice.  I am also slightly nauseous and lightheaded and pale.  It takes about 30 minutes for me to be able to get up off the floor after an episode starts--or rather, once the pain subsides to lighter, but sharp pains, but I still feel nauseous, tired, light-headed and achey (achy) for several hours.

I've read many many posts on here, and am going to go through more as the ones I have read do not mention fainting.  I told the doctor about this once and that's how I know about the vasovagal syncope, however I am at a loss when it comes to why this happens (aside from the loss of blood pressure which doesn't really explain the pain).  This is the most comprehensive post that I've seen about this issue and I'm glad to have found you all!

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Hello,
I found this forum a few days ago, and I am so relieved that I did. I have had these same symptoms for 5 years this May. First it started occurring maybe once a week then every month after it increased to the point where now I have pain just about every two hours. The only time I get relief is during my period. The 2 weeks after that are the worse for me and I cannot get relief in any way. I feel pressure to have a bowel movement so I sit there pushing, it seems like the pressure created from pushing relieves the pain a little for that moment. If anything does pass it is small and not what would be expected for the effort that is put in or the pain I’m in. The pain most times increases even worse when I do pass anything. Most times when I urinate the pain is started and lasts from 20 minutes to an hour sometimes. I also do get the spasms after an orgasm or even if I have an erotic dream. It seems that the trigger is anything that causes movement in that area (bowel movement, urination, and orgasm).
I have had 2 colonoscopies, 2 laparoscopies, numerous ultrasounds, Pelvic CT scan, seen several different GYN’s and GP’s. Every test has come back normal. My GYN did see a fibroid on top of my uterus to the left but said it was so small there is no way it could be causing the pain. I have tried taking pain killers but by time it would get in my system the pain would be gone as if nothing ever happened. If I take pain killers throughout the day, it can take a slight edge off.
This is what happens during my episode: The pain starts off very slow, with just a throbbing in my lower pelvic area, as it intensifies I usually go to the bathroom because I feel as though if I relieve any pressure in that area it will help, once I’m done the pain seems to double in intensity and how fast the spasms occur. I start to get dizzy, sweaty, my body shakes and I also feel hot, feels like the pain has taken control of my breathing. I start to burp a lot and feel gassy, like air is trapped somewhere. The pain has now started to spread through my hips, lower back and my right leg becomes weak. I become delirious and feel like passing out, but I never do. After about 20 minutes at this high intense level, the pain starts to lessen and eventually feel like I never had an episode. I do feel weak afterward and finally feel like I can breathe normally. Then I can go back to what I was doing.
What scares me is that it has gradually gotten worse and if there is no cure or even name for what this is, how much worse I feel years now. I have no children and 5 years ago doctors said that having children may be what I need, but to test theory wasn’t right for my life at that time, or even now. I have done so many Google searches with no luck until now. I can now show my Dr. that I am not alone in this.
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I also meant to say I am 24. It seems none of us have found a solution, but hopefully soon we will!
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Hi there, I have been following this thread for a years, anyone find a solution/cure/anything yet?  I want the erotic dreams/excrutiating cramps to STOP, it's the worst and makes me afraid to go to sleep at night or take a nap. A lot of times the cramps trigger several bowel movements too.  I also get the cramps if I have to pee during the night or morning......but I find if I hold off peeing until I've been up and about for aprx 15 minutes, the cramps won't happen. Its not easy if  I have to pee really bad, but its worth it not to have to go through the cramps. All this happens about a week or two before my period starts.....then one it starts for a few days I am fine.   I am going to try to give up white and refined sugar and see what happens. If anyone knows anything that can help this condition, please please post here. PLEASE.  Thanks. :)
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Avatar_f_tn
I have found some good solutions.  I am thinking of starting a web page just for this issue.  Keep coming back here to check because eventually I will post a URL.

I was referred to a pain specialist because I have dealt with this issue for over 20 years and I have given up on anyone being able to "fix" it and I simply needed someone willing to manage my symptoms at the least.  My first appointment with the pain specialist, he called in a Physical Therapist to consult on the spot.  She specialize in visceral work and she immediately sensed some vascular issues in my pelvic area.  I have been seeing her regularly along with the pain specialist.  

What has been working for me is having her work with my pelvic area (PT), one month, the Pain doctor gave me lidocaine injections in my lower abdomen area sort of where my Csection scar is (my pains preceded pregnancies) and I also have a prescription for Lidocaine patches that I place across my lower abdomen when I start getting crampy during that 1-2 weeks a month before my period starts.

I also have a prescription for both Bentyl and Hyomax.  During the crampy weeks, I take Bentyl during the worst of it to prevent spasms.  When a spasm "breaks through" I will take the hyomax sublingually because it is fast acting.  I have a prescription for Vicodin to take during the two week of pain.  I take them preventatively during the week i can get pain at any point or if I know I am going to have sex.  I will take hyomax and a vicodin before sex to prevent cramping.  If i have breakthrough cramping, I will take hyomax after orgasm.  Sometimes this will completely prevent/stop the cramping and sometimes it takes the edge off.  Sometimes I get lazy and forget and it catches me off guard.

The pain specialist really has helped a lot.  I finally found some things that are actually working after 20 plus years.  I have not yet tried acupuncture, but I am planning on trying that too.  Today is my first significantly painful day in several months.  I haven't been to the PT in a few weeks AND i have been off my usual lowish carb diet for about a week.  I took a bentyl, stuck on a lidocaine patch and took vicodin and feel a lot better.. I also decided to check in since it had been a while.  I would like to leave my email address because I think I would like to develop an intentional community surrounding this medical issue.  This forum is the FIRST TIME I have ever seen so many women discussing this and unfortunately once a person finds something that works, they disappear.  I think we need to work together and continue talking AFTER we find what works to help those who are still suffering.  This is a horrific painful condition with NO NAME.  Please email me at Voracious One at Hotmail ******* (minus spaces) and once i set up a web page I can alert anyone who would like to keep in touch.  I put together a comprehensive spreadsheet with all the data i have collected from this forum about symptoms.,. etc.   We will see relief in our lifetime ladies.  If it is the last thing I do.
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Hi Everyone,

I have not put documented my data as yet, but have been keeping a diary as to when it is at its worst and at its least (for pain after orgasm only, not other non sexual times). I have found the closer I am to my period and especially on the day that I am getting it the pain is MUCH MUCH less and duration MUCH shorter (sometimes no more then the equivalent of a long period cramp). Once I begin my cycle again (and bleeding is finished) the pain following an orgasm is over the top and excruciating . I can only assume from this that it is hormonal, but my knowledge is limited in what happens within the womb/cervix/tubes/pelvic/blood/hormones/chemicals etc. within the body just before the onset of a period. Does anyone have an insight to this? This may give us (and the medical system) an answer to what is going on. Once I have documented my data I plan to take it to a gyno and see what they think.
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1 Weight:  When this started I was at the high end of my normal weight and not in great shape but I've had the problem for 10 years and the pains were there when thinner and stronger, when chubby and strong, when overweight and in bad shape... In my case it doesn't seem to be directly related.

2 How old were you when the pains started? --> 21

3 How long have you experienced the pain for? --> 10 years

4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above --> At the worst times: All, even urination. During better times, only after sexual arousal and exercise. During the "best" times, only after sexual arousal.

5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above? --> Orgasm is always the surest and quickest trigger for the pain but it gets very intense when it comes from exercise, too. Lord forbid I should run to catch the bus...

6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well? --> Sometimes after arousal, but usually after orgasm

7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times? --> In the worst of times it was all month except the 3-5 days of my period. In better times it was one or two weeks before my period.

8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains? --> Mom no, grandmas no idea but probably not.

9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids? --> I have a uterine fibroid on the outside of uterus (close to a fallopian tube) and I've had a couple of small ones removed during a laparoscopy (didn't change my pains).

10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy? --> Before pregnancy, for a few months during pregnancy and not again until 5 months after 1st baby was born and 14 months (and counting) after the 2nd baby.

11 How long does your pain last? -->  30-45 minutes.

12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity? --> Yes, but usually not as severe.

13 Describe the pain you feel. --> Cramping starts slowly increasing in intensity. Sometimes it starts dull in the middle and moves to slightly sharper pain symmetrically to where I would say my ovaries are. I have to go to the toilet; a bowel movement helps a little and when I can't go to the toilet the pain is worse. I feel like I'm going to faint from the pain. My breathing is a mess (I obviously need lessons in meditation or something because I'm sure, as for other women, if I could learn to relax through the pain it could be shorter/weaker). I mostly kneel on the floor/bed and rock myself (this pain is so humiliating...). Near the end of the 40 minute pain my rectum will often spasm several times. The pain decreases quickly at the end of the 40 minutes.
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Hi everyone,

I just now posted my answers to the questionnaire after following this forum for almost 3 years. I'm sorry I didn't have the courage sooner.

I want to thank all the women who have had the strength to talk about this problem here and with their doctors despite the embarrassing nature of it.

I also want to thank the few men who have found this forum while searching for a solution for their wives/girlfriends.

As you can see from my questionnaire, I've had these pains on and off for the past 10 years. They haven't come back since my last pregnancy (my baby is almost 14 months old), in part because I am not sexually active. When I tried sex with my partner again, the pains started "creeping back". But they went away after 5 days when I stopped all sexual activity again.

On top of the humiliation of being reduced to a groaning, crying, pooping, sweaty mess during the pains, the guilt and frustration of placing our sex life and our partner's sex life on hiatus just makes it that much worse.

When I first started going to the doctor to find out what this was, I was told that it was all in my head, that I was doing this to myself. If anyone is going through that now, please know you are not crazy and you are not alone. Stay strong in the face of those doctors, look for new doctors, keep a journal and print out this forum... do whatever you can to keep going. Don't let them convince you that it's "normal" to have some cramping after orgasm because they have no idea the intensity of pain we are suffering through.

If anyone has any questions or just needs someone to talk to about this don't hesitate to reach out. I have met a very nice woman through this forum who had a hysterectomy and is keeping me informed as to whether it should be a viable solution for me or not.

Paula
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I've been posting/reading for a few years now, and want to report on what I've been trying for the past few weeks.  I went to a pain specialist, and upon my describing my symptoms for the umpteenth time, she started nodding her head like she knew what I was taking about!  She said she had a friend who had troubles with pelvic floor pain and that it sounded similar to what I was explaining.  She referred me to a PT who specialized in pelvic pain and I've being seeing her for about three weeks.  Basically the PT is doing some trigger point pressure (internally and externally- it's a little awkward, but not painful) on the various muscles surrounding my pelvic floor.  The first visit she was able to trigger mild cramps by applying pressure to the an internal muscle on my left side.  She seems to think that  by using trigger point pressure/massage and giving me different strengthening exercises (kegel?) that it should help.  After four visits, I can report no change, unfortunately.  I had one of the worst weeks ever after my last treatment, so I'm not sure what to think.  I am intrigued about how the trigger point pressure will simulate cramps so perhaps there is a connection.  I'm going back to the PT tomorrow and I'm going to let her know that I'm not sure it's working - I'll report back what I find out.  

The originial pain specialist who referred me to the PT also mentioned a dr. in the Rochester NY  area(only an hour away from me)  who specializes in pelvic pain so maybe I'll try that next if this doesn't work out.

Best wishes, all.
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Hey you guys...check out these two articles!!! These perfectly describe some of our pain! Have any of you been checked extensively for hernias?? My second opinion gynecologist suggested I see a surgeon and a hernia is one of the things he thought it could possibly be, and when I looked it up on my own in the meantime, I really thought this could be it.  I have NEVER found anything that sounds EXACTLY like what I have. Worth a shot.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glenn-d-braunstein-md/his-and-her-hernias-pelvi_b_950590.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/health/17brody.html
http://www.laparoscopytoday.com/2004/01/hernias_in_wome.html
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Hi All,

There is a syndrome that describes the pain to a tee! It's called Levator Ani Syndrome. Basically, it's a muscle cramp in the pelvis that can be brought on by intense orgasms. As with most muscle cramps, it only last for a short while and disappears completely. Pls google this syndrome for more details.

I've been going for acupuncture (for fertility issues) and taking chinese medicine over the last 2 months and surprisingly, the pain is gone! Though Levator Ani syndrome is not fertility related but somehow, I believe the treatment has helped (Chinese medicine is holistic afterall).

I'll see if the relief is sustained over the next few months and report back here.

Good luck to all!
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I struggle to have an orgasm during penetrative sex but when i do orgasm as a result of non penetrative stimulation, i have severe burning and cramping similar to menstrual cramps only amplified. I also get these cramps after exercise. This is a very big problem for me as i can not keep in shape without being in severe pain, and this causes stress in my relationship because i go into the fetal position after orgasming and feel extremely nauseous. It has gotten to the point where he does not want to have sex for fear of hurting me. I have asked about Levator Ani Syndrome and it is not that. I am also on supplements. Any advice is welcome, please, this is ruining my relationship.
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I have been researching this for years, and I cannot believe I just now found this page after so many failed Google searches! I have the same problems as described above: the worst pain is after orgasm, but I also get severe pain after a few minutes of exercise, after having a bowel movement or peeing, after having an erotic dream, or if it's a really bad month, from nothing at all. The pain usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, and a bad episode will have me extremely nauseated, sweating, shaky, and exhausted. I haven't ever felt like I needed to have a bowel movement after/during a pain episode, but having a bowel movement will often trigger an episode. While I have not found any cures, I have discovered a few things that REALLY help with the pain.

First, if I watch what I eat I can almost make the pain go away completely. When I do not eat too much sugar (and I have a huge sweet tooth, so this means only one dessert a day), bread, salt, or caffeine, eat lots of veggies, and try to eat smaller meals so I'm never super full, I have actually gone entire months without having an "episode". This is absolutely the best way I can control it. It took me several months to figure out what I can and cannot eat (and also, there seems to be a 2-3 day delay, like if I eat a bunch of sugar on Monday I'll start getting the pain on Tuesday or Wednesday, so keep that in mind when you're testing out different meals/amounts of food), but when I eat right, I can orgasm, run, poop etc without any pain at ALL.

Second, I've found that if I either squat during an episode or stand and touch my toes, even though it's so tempting to lie in fetal position, it makes the episode much shorter and less painful.

I'm going to fill this out, too:
1. Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese?
normal (5'4", 120 lbs). I'm also a cross country runner, and the exercise doesn't seem to help at all.

2. How old were you when the pains started?
16 :(

3. How long have you experienced the pain for?
about 4 years

4. When do you get pain?
ALL of the above- immediately after orgasm (any kind), after bowel movements/peeing, after a few minutes of exercising, after an erotic dream, and sometimes just when I'm sitting still

5. Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above?
It's worst after orgasm and is also very bad after a few minutes of running or a bowel movement

6. Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well?
only after orgasm

7. Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times?
It's usually worst when I'm PMSing and best right after my period, but I can control it with my diet

8. Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains?
No, I don't know

9. Have you been diagnoised with fibroids?
no, but my GYN suspects that I have endometriosis. She was unwilling to do a laparoscopy because she thought I was too young for something so invasive.

10. If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy?
Not a mother

11. How long does your pain last?
from 10-30 minutes

12. When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity?
Not usually- if it does, the pain is not as bad.

13. Describe the pain.
it feels like really bad menstrual cramps
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Please get your doctor to have you tested for ovarian cysts & ovarian cancer immediately.  A simple ultrasould & blood test (a 125) will often be sufficient to determine whether or not you have these growths.  However, if the tests come back with normal results you will have to insist that your doctor send you for an MRI.  Ultrasounds & blood tests are not always sufficient to diagnose ovarian cysts.  I have done  a lot of research on your symptoms because I have the identical symptoms that you have.  You have "classic textbook ovarian cyst symptoms".  Your doctor, like mine, is too lazy to research your symptoms.  My research comes from reputable medical journals & text books, not the internet.

Good luck,

EWRL
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So many people have this problem! Nobody's ever had any idea what I was talking about before. I'm sorry to see that many people have it so chronically. I've only had a few bad episodes in my life, and I've mostly been able to work around it (i.e. not exercising strenuously the week before/first 2 days of my period). However, I just had a really awful episode this morning after masturbating that really freaked me out - 40 minutes of agony, cold sweats, needing to throw up and poop at the same time, and cramps in places where I hadn't felt them before. It made me miss work and prompted me to google searches that turned up things like endometriosis and fibroids.

I guess I'll fill this thing out to make it official.

1 Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese?
On the low end of normal (5'6" - 115lb)
2 How old were you when the pains started?
First episode when I was 16
3 How long have you experienced the pain for?
6 and a half years
4 Do you get pain a) after sexual arousal, b) after a bowel movement, c) after urinating, d) after exercise, e) all of the above
d) and a)
5 Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above?
I've always gotten it after exercise, but recently it's started happening after orgasm as well. I had the worst episode of my life this morning after masturbating.
6 Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well?
Only after orgasm
7 Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times?
The week before my period starts, and maybe the first 2 days of my period. The rest of the time, no.
8 Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains?
My mother, definitely no. My grandmother, I'm not sure. No sisters.
9 Have you been diagnoised with fibroids?
No.
10 If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy?
Not a mom.
11 How long does your pain last?
The lightest episodes are only a few minutes, and not very painful. The worst episodes have been around 40 minutes.
12 When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity?
The pain only comes several minutes after orgasm. I have never tried starting up again.
13 Describe the pain you feel.
It feels like menstrual cramps, only it comes on very gradually, I only begin feeling it a minute or so after either exercise or orgasm and it takes five minutes or so to reach its peak. It occurs in waves, especially when it's subsiding. In light episodes, I'll just lie down until it's over. In bad episodes, I have to run to the toilet. Usually just removing anything tight over my abdomen (skinny jeans are a *****) can help relieve the pain. The pain is usually accompanied by and partially relieved by bowel movements/gas.

This morning was the worst episode I've ever had. I got cold sweats, felt the need to vomit, and was literally writhing in pain for about 40 minutes, alternating between bed and toilet. Usually the pain is located very deep - in the center of my abdomen, like menstrual cramps, as well as sometimes putting pressure on my colon. However, this time I also felt it in my lower back and, weirdly, in the muscle right above my pubic bone, which took the longest time to subside. I couldn't find a position that offered relief, whereas usually sitting doubled over on the toilet helps.
After a long, gradual subsiding I usually feel a bit shaky for a few minutes, but otherwise totally fine - making the intense pain I just experienced seem unreal, like something that happened in a dream.

This last episode has me a little worried. Aside from my first gut-wrenching experience (triggered by sprinting to make my PE midterm on time and concluded with me being paraded through the gym in a wheelchair) and maybe 3 or 4 other occasions (all after running or other strenuous exercise) I've never had an episode that left me totally incapacitated. I've only ever experienced extremely low-grade versions after orgasm before, so this is making me think that something is seriously up.

Best wishes to everyone with this obscure problem!
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Hey everyone,
I posted for the 1st time a few weeks ago (twice, no less) after having followed this thread for years.
Some women mentioned Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and I only just now read up on it more carefully.
It sounds exactly like what I have. It's not the most common type of PFD, though. The most common type hast to do with too little pelvic floor muscle tone; my problem comes from too much tension.
Oddly enough, the best thing I've read so far is intended for men who have pelvic pain (erroneously) diagnosed as a prostate problem. That's good news for us because it means it's not just a "lady problem" and they'll find a solution sooner (medicine is sexist in so many ways...).
Here's the site: http://www.chronicprostatitis.com/myoneuropathy.html
Do any of you recall suffering from prolonged or repeated bladder infections in the years before you started getting your pains? Seems that could be a trigger and it was certainly my case.
Let me know what you think; I'd love to have some input from anyone that was tested for PFD.
Paula
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OH MY GOSH, I just found this on another site!! This could be what it is! Here is what was said by Amanda:
"hello
I have never written here before, but for 4 years i was experiencing the same exact pain (I am now 24). i was googleing the problem every week praying someone had finally found an answer to this awful awful problem. I have endometriosis so all of my doctors were blaming the endo. I finally took it into my own hands and started seeing every specialist possible. 3 months ago i started seeing a urologist and let me tell you, he saved my life and sex life. He right away knew what the problem was and now i am happy to be able to share it with you all. It is a disease called interstitial cystitis (IC) and it is basically your bladder contracting causing awful pain and painful sex. When someone has endometriosis it is very hard to diagnose IC because the endo is being blamed for all the problems. The bladder and uterus are touching so it feels as though the pain is coming from your uterus when it is actually coming from your bladder. Certain foods can also cause a "flare-up" of the bladder and that is also a reason to cause these pains during sex. He started me on a medication that relaxes the bladder at night (a very low dose antidepressant) and i was still getting the pains but very very very midly i could tell they were there but they were manageable. After 2 weeks he uped my dose and i am PAIN FREE!!!! I now can masturbate daily and im damn proud of it!! I swore of sex for years because the pleasure wasnt worth the pain. I was absolutely shocked how quickly this doctor diagnosed and treated me. He said many people do not know about IC and its symptoms. By the way the name of the medication is Imipramine HCL 10-25mg dose. I TRULY HOPE THIS HELPS ALL THOSE WOMEN OUT THERE WHO HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS AWFUL EXPERIENCE WITH STILL NO ANSWERS. PLEASE PLEASE GO SEE A UROLOGIST AND PRINT THIS AND BRING IT. LET THEM HELP YOU LIKE THEYV FINALLY HELPED ME AFTER A LONG 4 YEARS!
God Bless, Amanda"
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Hi Gembug,

I'm a bit surprised that these pains are caused by interstitial cystitis, especially because most women mention no pain symptoms nor problems with urination...

I'm very happy it worked for you and will discuss it with my gyn as well.. but I wonder if that's it ;)
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I know this was posted a few years ago but did you ever find a solution to this? Your description is the most similar to mine and I have been unable to put a name to this or find anything to stop it. I've been experiencing it off and on for years now. It always wakes me up after an erotic dream and then I have to dash to the bathroom where I will spend the next half hour to an hour in excruciating pain. More often than not I will throw up from the pain and the only thing that brings me the slightest relief is sitting in the shower & letting the hot water run over me. On occasion I do get the urge to go the bathroom but trying to push makes the pain more intense and I feel like I will throw up either way (if I push or if I don't get something out of me) I've had upper & lower endoscopies, ultrasounds and no one seems to be able to tell me what this is. I feel like no one believes how painful this is and isn't concerned with helping or finding an answer. I find a lot of 'pass the buck' where I'm told "I don't think I'll be able to find the answer, try a different type of specialist". I don't know where else to go or what else to do. I'm so terrified of the pain that I've started looking to buy pain medicine. This is destroying my life.
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Hi All,

CURED - but not recommended as a cure!  PLEASE PLEASE READ.

I just wanted to repost here as there is so much for everyone to read through.  I had a total hysterectomy over a year ago and have not had this problem since.  Not even a hint of it - after living with it for many years. Exactly the same symptoms as you all describe here.

The reasons for the hysterectomy were:

varicose veins to both ovaries
laser surgeries to cervix (CIN3 - one step away from cancer)
endometriosis
fybroids

after the pathology on my uterus they found a fifth condition.  I can't remember what it was called but it was a further condition caused by the endo that has the endometrium growing into the uterine wall and also causes pain.

None of these things caused the problem.  But what I believe has CURED it is the removal of my cervix and uterus.

If it was a problem with my pelvic floor or cystitis I would still experience these hideous episodes.

I experienced this problem whether on birth control or not.

I still FIRMLY BELIEVE this is a problem with the cervix and uterine muscles overreacting.

The physical reason for a female orgasm is to open the cervix slightly (by way of uterine contractions as in child birth) to allow the sperm to enter the uterus.

We all agree that the pain is exactly like child birth contractions but without a break in between!!!

HAS ANYONE TRIED TAKING A VALIUM HALF AN HOUR BEFORE ORGASM?

Valium has ONE function.  It is a muscle relaxant.

I feel for you ladies - so much.  I went through all of this for years and years - the pain and the blank looks from many doctors, the effect on my relationships - to the point I simply didn't have a relationship for years to avoid this awful incident (especially when not at home).  I can't tell you how many bathroom floors I've laid on, messed up and cleaned up.  It takes so so much to find the courage to tell yet another doctor about this horrible condition.  And still - you get nowhere.

Is anyone in a position to try a valium half an hour before orgasm and report back?

This could possibly not only be a way to cope, but also a way to identify WHAT is causing it.  If the valium works - it may well prove it's a muscular problem.

My very best wishes and a heap of sympathy to you all.  I just want to give you all a huge hug because I know all too well what you're going through.

Even though I am now free of this problem - I still care that it's out there effecting lives so badly and still is so unknown about in today's medical world.

Love to all.
Linda





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Further to my last post I've gone to the top!  

I've sent an email with a brief explanation of the mystery condition and a link to this forum to the Head of Discipline & Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology at the University of Sydney.

I've asked if there is any research currently being undertaken into this condition.  

I will report any response I receive.

Cross your fingers (and legs) ..... I hope to get back to this forum soon.

eljay37
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Hi everyone,

I know I am a bit late with contributing to this forum, but I only started searching my symptoms earlier this year when I became fed up with the pain.

I am 24 years old and have only experienced this pain in the past year. I have had the same sexual partner for almost 5 years. About a year ago I began to start randomly having severe stomach pains when having a bowel movement. I would be in the bathroom for so long my legs would go numb from sitting down. The pain is so severe that it was what I imagine labour to feel like; I could actually feel a 'pushing' sensation out of my vagina, almost like a contraction (keeping in mind I have never given birth, this is all what I imagine) and because of that pushing it was causing me to have a bowel movement. The pain I experience is not immediately after sex, although immediately after sex I do feel very dull period-like pain in my lower abdomen. This had always occurred two days after sex, so e.g. have sex on Saturday night, and be rolling around in pain on the Monday morning. Sunday I would be fine.

I started to record my diet, I cut out gluten and dairy, I had a colonoscopy and everything was healthy, so I then went to the gyno and had a laparoscopy. She discovered I had a very small amount of endo which was removed, but I am still experiencing the pain. I am on the pill, however this only seems to occur 'mid cycle', although technically I am not supposed to ovulate. My gyno told me to skip my periods for as long as I can for up to 6 months at a time to avoid the endo spreading again, which has made it even harder to track when I am mid cycle and susceptible to the pain.

It has been very difficult because I had to miss so much work this year because of this. It has affected my relationship because I am hesitant to have sex because all I can think about is the pain I am going to feel in two days time. No one (until I came on this forum) seems to have heard of it, and no one has any answers. I was so relieved to read I am not the only one that I actually started to cry!!!
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Oh, and I am going to fill this out too.

1. Are you underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese?
I think slightly underweight for my height, i am 5ft10" and 62kgs

2. How old were you when the pains started?
23

3. How long have you experienced the pain for?
just over 1 year

4. When do you get pain?
two days after sex or masturbation, anything that involves orgasm!  

5. Is the pain particularly bad after one of the above?
I don't get the pain immediately after sex, i just experience a dull period-like ache but then two days later i am rolling around in excruciating pain :(

6. Do you only have the pain after orgasm or after arousal as well?
only after orgasm, lately I have been just trying to stay relaxed during sex and not let myself orgasm, as it seems to be something related to my stomach muscles tensing up... which *****!

7. Do you experience pain all month or just at particular times?
As mentioned in my above posts I am now on the pill for long period to stop the endometriosis coming back, but before that it happened right between periods, maybe between days 13-16 of my cycle.

8. Do you know if your mother, grandmother or sisters have the same pains?
Neither sister nor mother have experienced this

9. Have you been diagnoised with fibroids?
no, i have had a laparoscopy and all was healthy. Apparently I do have an abnormally large ovary though.

10. If you are a mother, did you have the pains before, during and after pregnancy?
Not a mother

11. How long does your pain last?
it comes in waves, lasting up to 20 minutes each time, for a couple of hours total.

12. When the pain passes, will it return if you resume sexual activity?
No.. as i said mine occurs two days after sex, and i definitely don't feel like it after being in the bathroom all morning.

13. Describe the pain.
it feels like really intense period pain, like someone is wringing me out like a sponge to get everything out of me. It does feel like a gynaecological pain, and my sense is that because of all the 'pushing' sensation, it makes my bowls go to. As mentioned in my above post it is what I imagine labour to feel like (even thought I"m sure it's about 1/100th of the pain), but it's almost like my vagina is trying to push something else. The muscles inside my vagina are always very tender afterwards.
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Avatar_m_tn
This is not the first forum I've found for this, but unfortunately all of us are suffering from the same symptoms with the same medical responses.  I've been suffering since 2004.  I am gay and have very rarely been penetrated (the pain comes whether I am or not though)..Needless to say I am not on contraception, and I have also never had children.  The pain is basically guaranteed after orgasm, and when it's bad enough it is accompanied by vomiting, but it can happen for no reason at all too.  Such as going for a jog, after eating, or waking from the pain in the middle of the night (without a sexual dream).

My pain is usually on the lower right side to the center of my belly, generally around the uterine area, and the best way I can describe mine is that it is as if someone has reached into my insides and started twisting them around.  Sometimes I just want so badly to get away from myself because of the pain, and obviously there is no where to go.

I keep an electric heating pad on my nightstand which has helped the pain to go away quicker when it wakes me in the night.  The only other time I won't have pain is during my cycle.

I had the laparoscopy, colonoscopy, a swallowed a pill camera and had it monitored as it made its way through me, uterine biopsy etc.  All coming up with no answers.  Though I did have adhesions for some reason, their removal, along with any cysts did not fix the problem.  I was put on Bentyl that did nothing but make me tired.  

Someone else on here has said they avoid sex because it isn't worth the pain and I couldn't agree more.  It is sad to see how many of us are suffering from all different persuasions and ways of life all around the world with no medically conclusive responses.  Which doesn't make sense to me.  How do we get this women's health issue researched?  There are easily thousands of women with the same problem, someone should have a better answer than what any of us have been given.
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Avatar_m_tn
not sure if all of you who have posted in this forum are still checking it, but for those of you who are still checking it, and get the pain either the day after, or two days after sex or an orgasm (not immediately after like a lot of the posts on here) I have started taking nurofen/pain killers before going to bed on the night of having sex, as well as the night after. I haven't had the pain after sex for a while, so I am wondering if the nurofen helps my muscles relax during my sleep... i know the problem must be far more complex than this, but i have found it helps, even as a temporary fix.

i hope this helps at least ONE person on here (although I'm sure majority of you have tried this).
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5096849_tn?1363558837
Hi eljay, wondering if you have any news yet??

I have been suffering for about three years now, after orgasm, awake or asleep, severe cramps, sweats, dizzyness, loss of bowel, conscious but unable to see or move.  It seems to be worse when my period is due, and excruciating if i have skipped a few periods on the pill.  I lay in the bottom of a cold shower to try lower my body heat.

It's all very traumatic, so finally picked up the courage to go to the Dr (as we all know its really quite embarrassing), she sent me for an internal ultrasound, found nothing.  Then she came to the conclusion it was a normal thing for my body and i needed to learn to live with it!!!!   Something this painful can not, under any circumstances be normal.  

I'm so so glad i'm not the only one, doesn't fix the problem but makes me feel a lot better
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Avatar_f_tn
Hi there, do you still have the pains? I sure do. Had a terrible episode tonight after I took a nap,I woke from an erotic dream then instant ograsm. Pain started gradually building till it was so severe I started hyperventilating. Also had to have 3 bowel movements. Pain lasted about a half hour. Had to call my nurse sister to help me through the hyperventilation. It is AWFUL. I am so sick of this!! Wondering if you found any answers yet??  I hope you haven't had any more episodes.
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Avatar_f_tn
I found this info on another site:::
::Case Title:  A deep vaginal cramp is a pre-warning sign of uterine titling or prolapsed due to a lack of prostaglandin E-1 in the nerves of the uterine-support ligaments and tissue; restoration of sexual orgasm without orgasmic pains or cramps
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Reader:  2/05/2005>
I suffer from deep vaginal cramps sometimes after orgasm, but this is usually in my sleep after a very erotic dream, the cramps last for about 20 minutes and come on almost straight away, Ive been reading pages on your site, and its good to know I'm not alone, how ever I would like to know what I can do to stop this problem occuring again, and also how to lessen the pain if the problem does occur again, it is very painful likened to birth pains, thanks.
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Dr. Lin: 2/06/2005>This is due to a weak uterine-support ligaments and tissue, as a result of lacking prostaglandin E-1 synthesis in the tissue.
Prostaglandin E-1 is the local hormone essential for the flexibility, elasticity and integrity of the local tissues, nerves and blood vessels. When the nerves in the uterine-support ligaments and tissue become inflexible and rigid, the uterine contraction or movement will cause deep pelvic pains around the low abdomen, pubis, tailbone, and anus, and perineum.
The uterine pains and cramps can happen during day or night as long as the uterus contracts or moves.
It happens pronouncedly during the Luteal Phase. It is very common for peri-mesopause or menopause women when their uterus is still too heavy for the weakening uterine-support ligaments to hold. It is a pre-warning sign of uterine tilting or prolapsed for young women, and a warning of uterine tilting or prolapsed for women over 35.
It is called PMS for young women, or peri-menopause symptoms or PMS for the pre-menopause women.
You need a low dose of ViaPal-hGH-M (3-014) to solve this problem.
For a long-term boost of the Prostaglandin E-1 synthesis, you can add Fish and Borage Oil(1000 mg each afrer a meal) and calcium (200 mg)/magnesium (100 mg)/Viatmin-D(100 IU) .
They will also improve your vaginal tightness and sensitivity, plus giving a shinier and tighter skin over your entire body.  
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Avatar_f_tn
Are u on birth control? I had this when i was on the pill before i got off to try n concieve (conceive) with my fiance. I asked 3 dofferent gynecologist and they all said the same...the birth control makes ur uterus contract abnormally. I used to get them everytime i had an orgasm and the main reason i got off besides trying to concieve (conceive) was bc it was excrutiatingly painful to have sex with my fiance bc whenever i got "excited" they started and it hurt so bad to have sex. Other than that this is the only reason i know of if ur on birth control. Hope this helps. Keeps me updated (: and good luck <3
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Avatar_m_tn
This is interesting information soveryfrustrated.  Which other site did you find this info?

Thanks!
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Avatar_m_tn
I found this thread a few months back when Googling the same symptoms that I was having. About a year and a half ago I suddenly started getting cramps after orgasm (or even after sex without orgasm, if I was tense) with the urge to have a bowel movement. However, if I gave in and had a bowel movement then I would immediately get hot/sweaty and feel like I was going to throw up. This happened about 50% of the time and the other 50% I would only have a mild twinge or no pain at all.

I went to my gynecologist and the sexual health clinic; neither really had any ideas other than perhaps mild endometriosis or fibroids. I had started taking the progesterone-only pill the year before, so I stopped taking it for a bit to see if that was the problem; however it didn't seem to do much as the cramps were still there even when off the pill.

After reading this site, I started being more regimented with the Iron tablets that I take, and have been taking a daily fish oil capsule and Magnesium capsule. I already take Vitamin D. One week on the Magnesium/fish oil... and I "tested" myself today by reaching orgasm... no pain so far! As I said, sometimes I didn't get pain and sometimes I did, so I am not saying that this is a cure. However, I am going to continue with the Magnesium and the fish oil/Vitamin D, and will post in a few more weeks with an update.

Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, spasms and nausea. I also found this article: http://www.jigsawhealth.com/resources/magnesium-fish-oil-female-cycle-angelina-alejandro. I know you can find almost anything on the internet, but some of it has to be true, right?! Good luck people...
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Avatar_n_tn
  
  Adenomyosis.  If your pain is in the uterus it probably is adenomyosis.  This is when glandular cells grow in the muscular wall inside the uterus, kind of like endometriosis in reverse.  The only cure is to remove the uterus.  It is very difficult to diagnose and is only confirmed after removal of the uterus.  This is what I learned from my new gyno.  Adenomyosis. Google it and good luck everyone.
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