Ever since I started having sex I would occasionally experience an urgent need to pee, or a burning sensation during vaginal. This was as annoying as it was frustrating and for a while, I thought it was inevitable.
Turns out, it’s not. There are many things you can do to prevent that uncomfortable sensation such as spending more time on foreplay, changing your lubricant, or switching the brand of condom you use.
If you find yourself in the same situation I did, read on for all the details on what may be the cause and how to change it.
1. Change the speed
One of the easiest solutions to try first is to change the speed at which you’re having sex. It’s important to make sure that you’re completely aroused before penetration or else you risk that feeling of burning or needing to urinate. This is most likely due to the irritation that is caused by having sex before your body is prepared.
To avoid this, try taking more time with foreplay and focusing on the 4 phases of arousal, and no matter what try some lube, it can only help.
2. Change the lube
Sometimes it’s not the speed but the lube. Many lubes are full of irritating chemicals or are Petri dishes for bacteria.
If the lube is an oil like coconut, you may want to try switching to another type such as silicone or water. Natural oils can disrupt the vagina’s natural ph which can lead to discomfort.
Another thing you can change is how you store your lube.
If you keep lube in a container with a wide open lid, there’s a higher chance of germs and bacteria getting in. To avoid this, separate a small amount in a container for use and put the rest away.
For better security, put it in a pump bottle so that there’s little to no chance of germs from your hands or the outside air getting in.
If you find your lube is still bugging you, it may be time to try a new one.
I’ve recently been using Überlube because I love that it comes in a glass bottle with a pump.
3. Change the condom
If slowing down didn’t help and neither did changing the lube, it could be the type of birth control you’re using.
If you’re using condoms during sex there is a chance of it irritating you; either because of their material (i.e. latex allergies) or the chemicals that are on them.
Some notable irritants are out there on the market, and if you’re having trouble you may want to avoid them completely. Take a look at the TL;DR Lube Science section in types of lubes – an introduction for a quick reference on toxic chemicals to look out for.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes discomfort during sex is merely an alarm telling us we have to do something different for ourselves. Irritation can be a sign of questionable chemicals and bacteria in our lubes. An urgent need to pee can be a sign that we’re moving too fast for our bodies. Listen to these signs!
If you try these tips and you’re still experiencing burning during vaginal sex, it may be caused by an underlying issue such as a UTI, STI, or vaginismus. If the burning lasts longer than 2 days, it can be wise to contact your OB-GYN.
