Ask the Sexpert: March. 31, 2011

Dear Sexpert,

I’m a guy in a long-term relationship with a girl on campus. My girlfriend and I have, until recently, had a very happy and healthy sex life. But recently she says she’s been getting really bad leg cramps when we do it, which is uncomfortable for her and a mood killer for me, as well as seriously limiting our options in terms of sexual positions. What should we do?

— Charley Horsing Around

Dear Charley,

Cramps are a total drag. Everybody has had the experience of lying in bed or walking along, completely unsuspecting, and then getting hit with a blinding spasm in the back or leg. Forget about maintaining the mood, I imagine someone experiencing a serious leg cramp is interested in nothing besides relieving the tension in her muscles. So, you should bear with your partner because I’m sure she is at least as unhappy about the situation as you are.

A leg cramp occurs when a muscle in your body suddenly and involuntarily contracts. When the muscle binds up tightly not only is it very difficult to exercise, but the feeling is also often very painful. The cramped leg muscle will usually feel flexed or taut, and applying a gentle massage or warm compress can help it to unclench it and relieve the pain. Many women are also prone to getting foot cramps during sex, because they spend an extended period of time pointing or curling their toes as tightening certain muscles may expedite or enhance climax. Massaging the bottom of the foot and applying gentle pressure to the toes can help with these cramps.

These remedies, I’m sure, are well-known to you. Anyone who has had a cramp is aware that pressure and temperature have an effect on cramps. (What is that Icy Hot commercial? “Cold to numb the pain, hot to relax it away.”) You and your girlfriend are actually looking for a way to prevent the cramps or some alternative that allows you to still have satisfying sex without provoking them. As far as prevention, there are a few simple behavioral recommendations: drink lots of water and stretch. According to the Mayo Clinic, fluids are essential for healthy muscle function, and consuming more of them will help to prevent the irritation that can cause spontaneous contraction. Stretching before and after any exercise may improve the health of your muscles as well as your limberness.

Remember that everyone’s body is different, and, as a result, some people may not be able to bend every which way safely. If these new cramps are keeping you and your girlfriend from using positions that you previously employed with no issue, then it may make sense to take steps towards remedying that, if you are both on board. However, for many possible reasons, some positions might genuinely become increasingly difficult and unsafe for your partner. My advice is to try a number of different positions and see what is easiest, enjoyable and most comfortable for you both. If you on top doesn’t work, try her on top. If missionary is causing problems, see if sex for both of you is better from behind.

Cramps are a very unpleasant, but usually benign, affliction. Nevertheless, intense persistent cramps can occasionally indicate a more serious condition, so if your girlfriend’s cramps aren’t getting better, she should make an appointment at University Health Services or seek other medical care.

— The Sexpert

The Sexpert is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. Submit questions to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don’t be shy!