Common Struggles of Postpartum Sex
Extreme fatigue. Leaky breasts. Soreness everywhere. Not exactly the best recipe for sex. While every woman’s postpartum body and desires vary, many women suffer with similar struggles. Here’s how to tackle them with a little more ease.
When Can You Have Sex Again?
Regardless of whether you had a C-section or vaginal delivery, your body needs time to heal after childbirth. Most doctors will say to delay intercourse for about six weeks post childbirth. This gives your uterus time to return to its normal size and for your cervix to close up.
Women who gave birth via C-section or had an episiotomy may still be dealing with soreness even after that time period.
You’re Still Not Ready
For some women, the idea of hopping back into bed with their partner even after that six-week mark is a crazy concept. Emotions are swirling, your body is sore, and sleep is the only thing on your mind when baby is finally snoozing. In addition, some new mamas don’t exactly feel sexy, dealing with a droopy belly, engorged (and possibly painful) breasts and exhaustion. If you don’t feel ready for sex, that’s completely normal. Caring for a new baby can be overwhelming and the hormones released from breastfeeding also lower sexual desire. It may feel like you’ll never want to have sex again but one day you’ll suddenly be in the mood again.
You’re Ready
So, you’re ready to have sex again. Great. Just be prepared for some new issues you may not have dealt with pre-baby. After pushing out a baby, the vaginal muscles may not have bounced back to their previous state. That means, sex might feel a little less satisfying. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with some Kegels can help shape up your vagina.
Some women may also deal with vaginal pain during intercourse after having a baby. The root cause of this issue is usually vaginal dryness, which is caused by hormonal changes. In addition, breastfeeding increases vaginal dryness. Lubricants can help alleviate this problem. If the pain is due to a C-section scar or episiotomy, you should wait a couple weeks more to let your body heal.
You’re Ready but Not Feeling Sexy
A mommy makeover can send that pre-baby energy back into the bedroom. For moms struggling with vaginal laxity, vaginal rejuvenation will tighten the muscles and increase sexual pleasure. Droopy breasts, a less-than-taut tummy and extra pounds that just won’t disappear? A mommy makeover can take care of all those issues. Contact Dr. Ghozland’s office and schedule an appointment to learn more.