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Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline
Sex after pregnancy might be the last thing on your mind. Understand what to expect and how to renew intimacy with your partner.
By Mayo Clinic staffSex after pregnancy happens. Honestly. First, however, vaginal soreness and sheer exhaustion are likely to take a toll. Whether you're in the mood or sex is the last thing on your mind, here's what you need to know about sex after pregnancy.
After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?
Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many health care providers recommend waiting four to six weeks before having sex. This allows time for the cervix to close, postpartum bleeding to stop, and any tears or repaired lacerations to heal.
The other important timeline is your own. Some women feel ready to resume sex within a few weeks of giving birth, while others need a few months — or even longer. Factors such as fatigue, stress and fear of pain all can take a toll on your sex drive.
Will it hurt?
Hormonal changes might leave your vagina dry and tender, especially if you're breast-feeding.
To help ease any discomfort during sex, take it slow. Start with cuddling, kissing or massage. Gradually build the intensity of stimulation. If vaginal dryness is a problem, use a lubricating cream or gel. Try different positions to take pressure off any sore areas and control penetration. Tell your partner what feels good — and what doesn't.
It's also important to focus on the moment. Keep your mind on yourself and your partner — not the diapers, laundry and other household chores.
If sex continues to be painful, consult your health care provider about possible treatment options.
Will it feel different?
After a vaginal delivery, decreased muscle tone in the vagina might reduce pleasurable friction during sex — which can influence arousal. This is usually temporary.
To tone your pelvic floor muscles, try Kegel exercises. Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of urine. Try it for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions. Once you've got the hang of it, do at least three sets of 10 Kegel exercises a day.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Johnson CE, et al. Sexual health during pregnancy and the postpartum. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8:1267.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Update to CDC's U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, 2010: Revised recommendations for the use of contraceptive methods during the postpartum period. MMWR. 2011;60:878. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6026a3.htm. Accessed April 26, 2012.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2010.
- Leeman LM, et al. Sex after childbirth: Postpartum sexual function. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012;119:647.
- Citak N, et al. Postpartum sexual function of women and the effects of early pelvic floor muscle exercises. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2010;89:817.
- Lusskin SI, et al. Postpartum blues and depression. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed April 27, 2012.
- Espey E, et al. Effect of progestin compared with combined oral contraceptive pills on lactation: A randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012;119:5.
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