Sex After C-Section Delivery: 7 Things You Must Know
If you have had a C-section, getting back to your original sex life would be the last thing on your mind. It is not that you won’t be able to have an intimate relationship with your spouse again, but your body needs time to heal and get back to its original form. Thus, you need to take it slow and gentle with your body.
Research has shown that both women – the ones who have a normal birth or a C-section birth, struggle with sexual intercourse during the first 3 months. This is a natural because your uterus is contracting, your hormones are just getting back to normal, but your body has changed. After giving birth, for the initial few months you might not be as active as your were and taking care of a young one, breastfeeding, nappy changes and the demands of a new mom can be quite overwhelming.
The Big Question – When Can I have Sex After C-Section?
A woman’s uterus takes about six weeks to return to normal size and for her cervix to close back up. The important thing is that the cervix needs to be closed in order for you to have safe sex after giving birth. Most doctors advice not to put tampons or menstrual cups or have sex for 6 weeks after a C-section. After 6 weeks it is advisable to go for a postpartum check before you would like to resume your sexual activities.
Also read: 15 Things To Know About Sex After Delivery
7 Things You Must Know Before Having Sex After C-Section
#1. Birth Control
If you don’t want any surprises soon, thing of taking some birth control measures. Women often mistake the fact that if they are breastfeeding, the chances of getting pregnant again is unlikely, but that is not the case. You might be breastfeeding but you might also be ovulating. Return of ovulation occurs before the return of menstrual cycle. The return of menstrual cycle depends from one person to another and cannot be predicted. Thus it is advisable to take certain birth control measures.
#2. Go Easy, Go Slow
You may be eager to get back to your sex life. Being a new mom, sleep deprived and managing a new life with your hormones slowly getting back to normal- can make you want to have your sex life back. But you need to take things easy and slow. After a delivery- things feel very different ‘down there’. Things you would have enjoyed before delivery may not be as comfortable as now. You may not even get an orgasm or a penetration may hurt. Take it easy with your body and do not rush into things.
Also read: Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy
#3. Talk With Your Partner
You need to understand your body is going through a lot of changes. Your sexual life will be different now from what it used to be. This can sometimes be very disappointing for your partner. You need to talk to your partner calmly and explain it to him how you would like to take things slow and how your body is changing. Share your feelings with him- whether you feel uncomfortable, self-conscious or even aroused.
#4. Vaginal Lubrication
Vaginal dryness is very common among women after birth, especially for women who are breastfeeding. You might not have had the need to use any kind of lubrication before and during pregnancy, but give it a try now after giving birth. After giving birth- the hormones estrogen comes to a drop. This hormone is responsible for vaginal lubrication and is important when you have an intercourse. Sex after giving birth with vaginal dryness can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. Use water based vaginal lubricants or vaginal moisturisers to ease the pain.
#5. Sex Positions
You might have favourite sex positions or might have tried many positions before giving birth, but now the case is different. After a C-section it can be tricky to find out which position works best for you and which doesn’t hurt you. Positions that put pressure on your C-sec scar should be avoided. Any position that results in unnecessary pain should be completely avoided. Try and experiment with different types of positions which make you comfortable and does not put pressure on your scar.
#6. Do Not Feel Shy To Speak To Your Doctor
Speak to your doctor if you feel extremely uncomfortable, have pain, bleeding or any kind of discharge after you have had sex. You should keep an eye on your incision as you recover and if you feel any sort of discomfort contact your doctor.
Also read: Vagina After Delivery: Changes And Natural Recovery Tips
#7. Set Low Expectations
Do not imagine that having sex for the first time after your delivery will be extremely magical. Lower down your expectations and listen to your body. If you are not feeling up to going the entire way, work on foreplay and more of it to make the real thing feel more comfortable and enjoyable. It takes a lot of time for your body and your mind to adjust to the changes going on around you. So do not rush into anything. Expect that sex may not be great for the first few times but eventually it will be good and you will get back on having fun.
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