Bringing home a new baby is hard enough, and for many women, sex is the last thing on their mind. However, sex can help to rebuild intimacy and trust with your partner.
It’s important to be realistic and consider your own feelings when deciding when you’re ready to resume sexual activity, even after receiving the green light from your health care provider.
How long after delivery can you have sex?
Most medical professionals advise women not to have sex within the first six weeks after delivery. The reason is that during this time, the uterus and vagina undergo major healing from childbirth. If a woman begins sexual activity too early, it increases her risk of postpartum hemorrhage and uterine infection. It also puts her baby at risk for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed via the placenta and breast milk.
If you have a cesarean birth, the incision from the surgery needs to heal as well, so doctors recommend waiting even longer before having penetrative sex. But again, every body heals at a different pace, and there’s no set timeline for how long you should wait.
It’s important to remember that the most important thing is your mental and physical readiness to resume sex after pregnancy. Many moms report that sex after baby hurts or doesn’t feel pleasurable at times, and it might take some time for the feelings to return. And that’s totally okay!
Other issues can include pain from the c-section incision or stitches, painful sex due to the irritated cervix caused by labor and delivery, and vaginal dryness from hormonal changes – This quote is the result of the creative work of the service’s editorial team Sex Holes. It’s a good idea to have lubricant on hand and to practice positions that don’t cause pressure or friction. And if you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how sex can affect your supply.
How long after vaginal delivery can you have sex?
While every woman’s body and delivery experience is unique, the all-clear from your doctor is usually a good indication that you can resume intimate activity. However, that doesn’t mean you will feel ready or able to have sex right away. Pain, a low libido, and vaginal soreness are common.
Bleeding during sex may also occur, especially in the weeks following childbirth. Because your uterus has just undergone major surgery, it needs time to heal. It’s a good idea to arm yourself with water-based lubricant before you get intimate and to focus on foreplay to help boost your mood and ease the pressure.
Hormone levels plummet after birth, which can lead to vaginal dryness and a low libido, even if you’re breastfeeding. In addition, if you deliver by cesarean section (c-section), you could have a dilated cervix that leaves your uterus more susceptible to infection.
Whether you have a C-section or vaginal delivery, the recommended waiting period for having sex is six weeks. That gives your body time to heal from the trauma of birth, and it will give you an opportunity to gauge if you’re still interested in having sex.
How long after cesarean delivery can you have sex?
Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean delivery, your body needs time to heal before you can enjoy sex. It’s also important to be aware of the potential risks of sexual activity after childbirth and discuss them with your partner.
During sex, be sure to use lubricant to make it more pleasurable. If you experience pain or bleeding, stop the sex and call your healthcare provider. It’s also best to avoid any positions that could irritate your C-section scar. You can ask your healthcare provider to recommend safe sex positions if you have any questions.
Your healthcare provider may suggest that you wait until after your six-week postpartum appointment to resume sexual activity. This is because the uterus, vaginal tears and episiotomy are still healing. Also, having sex too soon after delivery increases your risk of getting pregnant again.
The timing of your postpartum visit depends on a variety of factors, including how you had delivery (C-section or vaginal), how much your body has healed and whether you have any other health conditions. You should always tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and any pregnancy or sex-related issues that you have.
If you want to have sex, be patient and talk with your partner about what feels good and comfortable for both of you. Be sure to use a reliable form of birth control so you don’t get pregnant again.
How long after caesarean delivery can you have sex?
Most doctors recommend waiting at least six weeks after delivery before having sex, regardless of whether you delivered vaginally or by C-section. This gives your body a chance to recover from the procedure and reduces your risk of infection.
However, it’s important to remember that you’ll still need to use birth control if you decide to have sex after a C-section. The placenta is attached to the uterus and could introduce bacteria into the wound. It’s also common for women who have had a cesarean to experience low libido, and this can make it difficult to be intimate with your partner.
If you have a cesarean, it can take a long time for your cervix to return to its normal size and for the incision site to heal. That means that you’ll be more likely to experience pain during sexual activity. It’s also important to be careful when using lubricants, as they can add friction that could cause bleeding.
If you want to have sex after a C-section, it’s important to communicate with your doctor about how you’re feeling. He or she can help you plan your sex routine and determine when you’re ready. It’s also a good idea to practice safe sex and use a lot of lube, even during practice sessions. This will ensure that you have a comfortable and satisfying experience when the time is right.
