Whether you've had a C-section or a vaginal delivery, your body undergoes a lot of changes after pregnancy. Your body may feel exhausted, your mind may be full of sleep deprivation and you may feel like you're not "in the mood" to have sex. However, you should be patient and give yourself time to adjust. You'll find that once you're comfortable, you'll enjoy having sex again.
How long to wait after childbirth to have sex?
You may want to wait a couple of weeks before you resume sex, especially if you had a C-section. The vagina may be more sensitive during the early weeks after delivery and you may feel grazing, stinging, or even bruised. You may also feel tired and you may have light bleeding due to your cervix.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women wait at least six months before having another baby.[1] They say that the body's hormonal balance is altered, and it can be hard to conceive after pregnancy.
What to do if you are having problems with postpartum sex?
If you're having problems with your postpartum sex, talk to your doctor. They will know more about your health history and can refer you to a specialist if you feel it's necessary.
If you do have problems, you'll want to discuss it with your partner as well and go at your own pace. You and your partner should also be patient with one another. Trying to rush your sex may only make things worse.
Feeling pain during sex after childbirth
If you feel pain during sex, it's likely related to the vaginal tears and stitches you experienced during your delivery. Your vagina may also be dry. Dry tissue can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and irritation.
However, if you don't have any pain during sex, you're likely ready to go. It's important to give yourself and your partner all the time that you need to adjust to your new roles.
When should you consult a doctor?
If you do have problems, your physician may refer you to a specialist, especially if you've had a C-section. They may also suggest that you wait a few months after your child's birth before having sex again. The vagina will need time to heal and your body will need to regain its normal size.
Psychological changes after childbirth
It's also important to remember that postpartum sexuality involves more than just the physical act of sex. It also involves the psychological changes that occur after giving birth.
You may be feeling low libido, you may feel a lot of fatigue and you may be overwhelmed by the new demands of caring for your baby. All of these factors can make it hard to get back in the mood for sex.
How to make sex comfortable after childbirth?
If you're having problems with vaginal dryness, be sure to have lubricant on hand. You may also want to avoid certain positions. For example, you shouldn't have your partner press down on the area where you had stitches during childbirth. You may also want to avoid touching the scar, as it can cause more damage.
Your partner may also feel that you're having sex too much. You may be experiencing a low libido, but this is a natural and expected result of the hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, you'll also be reducing your libido.
