Any person who has had a caesarean delivery might not be thinking about bedroom activities until they recover. Nonetheless, you might be wondering when you can have sex again. Some assume that you can start having sex right after a caesarean delivery as there is less trauma to the vaginal area. However, that is not the case.
When to Have Sex After C Section?
This return to sexual activity varies according to different people. However, most women wait for four to six weeks before resuming intercourse. There might be less bleeding due to a c-section, but it still takes six weeks for the cervix to close completely. Before you start having sex again, get the go-ahead from your obstetrician. Also, ensure you start only when you feel comfortable.
Sex After C-section
For those wondering when they can have sex after a c-section, it is advisable not to put anything inside your vagina for a few weeks. During this period, the uterus should clean itself out. The surgical incisions should also fully heal, so there is less risk for infection.
Women who do not wait for the recovery period to end might increase pain from vaginal dryness, pubic symphysis changes, or other musculoskeletal changes from pregnancy. Moreover, the wounds might reopen if they are not fully healed.
Reasons why you might need to wait longer before resuming sexual activity includes:
- Trauma to the vagina from instrument-assisted delivery or dystocia requiring vaginal reconstruction
- Caesarean hysterectomy
- Infection to a wound or organ
- Having a drain placed after the surgery
Before you start having sex again, consult your OB. The first time you have sex after a C-section might be uncomfortable. You can consider using a lubricant to ease the experience. Your OB might also suggest sexual positions that feel better. Ensure you pay attention to the incision site for pain or bleeding. Women must listen to their body and their doctors after giving birth, as the stress of having a newborn and the surgery can be overwhelming.
Best Positions After C Section Delivery
So, you are ready to start being intimate with your partner again. But you can't aggravate the tender area. What sex position after c section delivery is possible for you?
- Positions where you are on the top (gives you full control on the depth of penetration, movement, and level of contact with your abdomen)
- Positions that entail side or rear entry (keeps the pressure off the incision site)
- Spooning and cuddling (building intimacy without penetration)
Sex Positions to Avoid After a C-section Delivery
We understand that some couples might want to build intimacy again after a C-section. Many ask their OBs - can we have sex after c section? It is recommended to wait a minimum of 6 weeks. However, when you feel ready to start, it might be difficult to find a position that feels comfortable. You can experiment with positions. But stop if you feel discomfort.
- Avoid positions that put a strain on your C-section scar
- Avoid positions with your partner on top of you
- Avoid doggy style as it puts pressure on the core and pelvic area
Tips for Sex After a C-section
Usually, OBs will give you the go-ahead for sex after six weeks. You might need to consider if you are emotionally and physically ready yourself. We have outlined some tips for sex after a c-section:
1. Choose Sexual Positions Carefully
If your incision hasn't fully healed, some positions might put undue pressure on it. Try positions where you are on top of that require side or rear entry to avoid the incision. Even after 6 weeks, this area might be tender or numb. If you have pain, stop immediately and discuss it with your doctor.
2. Use Vaginal Lubrication
Post giving birth, you might feel vaginal dryness. Lubrication can greatly ease the process and make it more pleasant. If you are breastfeeding or taking hormonal birth control, the hormones might make it uncomfortable for you. Beyond store-bought lubrication, indulge in foreplay as that can help naturally lubricate too.
3. Encourage Affection
Taking care of a newborn baby is hectic and time-consuming. However, share affection with your partner throughout the day. This can include holding hands, snuggling when you are resting, playing footsie, etc. These little things help you feel supported and loved.
4. Manage Leaking Breasts
It is normal for your breasts to leak during foreplay or sex. It does not affect your milk supply, nor will the milk go bad. You could wear a bra or breast pads if there are any leakages. This is most common in women who are actively nursing a baby.
5. Don't Forget Birth Control
Yes, you just had a baby. That doesn't mean you can't get pregnant immediately after. Even without your period, you might still ovulate. Take birth control or use other contraception to avoid another pregnancy. This may be unnecessary if your tubes are tied during the C-section.
Precautions While Having Sex After C-section
Even if a doctor clears you for sexual activity, you should take some precautions when you re-start your sexual activities. Some may experience soreness around the incision site. Some may feel the surrounding skin is tight. Some might experience painful sex after c section breastfeeding. The vagina could be swollen. The cervix requires time to heal and return to its normal size.
These are some precautions you must take before engaging in sex again:
1. It is important to avoid strenuous activities, including some sexual acts.
2. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a baby.
3. Keep an eye out for signs of infection or other complications such as:
- fever
- pain
- leaking urine
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- large clots
- bad-smelling discharge, swelling, or bleeding from the incision
- vomiting or nausea
- pain when peeing
- difficulty in breathing
- hives
- consistent headache
- anxiety or depression
If you experience these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately. You should take your time in healing and recovering, as your health is the biggest priority.
Recovery From C-section
After your c-section, you will be in the hospital for 2-4 days to recover. You will gradually be weaned off medical equipment like your urinary catheter and pain medications. You might not have delivered your baby vaginally, but you may have some vaginal bleeding as your uterus is contracting back to its normal size. Luckily, most c-section delivery patients do not bleed as much as those who deliver vaginally because most of the blood is cleared out during the surgery. However, you might still experience some bleeding for four to six weeks.
Typically, a woman's uterus requires six weeks to return to its normal size and for the cervix to close back up. The physical timeline for healing is more or less the same for every woman, no matter how she gave birth. Sexual relations can be done safely only when the cervix is closed. You will have to avoid having sex or putting things like tampons in your vagina for a few weeks after your c-section.
Yes, some women may be ready to resume sexual activity shortly after the caesarean delivery. However, doctors usually clear women for sexual activity at their six-week postpartum check-up.
The Importance of Lubrication After Giving Birth
Now that you know when to have sex after c section, what are some other things you should keep in mind? To start with, lubrication. Many women experience vaginal dryness post-childbirth. This applies specifically to women who are breastfeeding.
You might not have experienced this before and during your pregnancy. Hence, it may not occur to you that you require lubrication during sex. However, you do. This is because:
- Your hormone levels drop after giving birth. Oestrogen is low while you are nursing. This hormone plays a big role in vaginal lubrication.
- You might feel uncomfortable having sex after giving birth. Vaginal dryness may only exacerbate the feeling.
Your doctor might prescribe you low-dose vaginal oestrogen, vaginal moisturisers, or water-based lubricants to ease any unnecessary irritation and pain.
Birth Control After Giving Birth
Despite just giving birth, you could potentially get pregnant again as soon as 3 weeks later. This is regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or not. Some women can even conceive without having a period. Hence, you should always use contraception if you do not wish to get pregnant.
You must also use contraception to avoid contracting STIs. You can consult your doctor on different types of birth control and see which one works best for you. During your 6-week check-up, ask your doctor or a nurse about the best birth control methods during this time.
When to See Your Doctor
You will generally have a postpartum check-up at 6 weeks. However, if you are experiencing any pain, discharge, or bleeding after caesarean delivery, contact your healthcare provider right away. As time goes on, you should start feeling better. However, if you are feeling worse and things are hurting more, there might be something wrong.
Bear in mind that having sex after a c-section might feel uncomfortable, especially if you're a breastfeeding mother, your menstrual cycle hasn't resumed, or you're on birth control. These all contribute to having a lowered amount of natural vaginal secretions. Use lubrication to make things easier for yourself and engage in tons of foreplay. Most importantly, be patient and take your time.
Keep a close eye on your incision site to ensure that it is healing properly. If your incision opens and becomes painful, red or swollen, you might have an infection. Get it checked immediately.
Summing Up on Sex After C-section
It is a big step to resume having sex after a c-section. It takes some time before you can enjoy it again. Please take your time and pay close attention to how your body is feeling. You need not rush to get back to 'normal.' After all, giving birth is extraordinary, and you deserve to take the time to recover and heal. It takes time to adjust to all the new changes in your body and in your life.
If you experience any issues, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor when you resume sexual activities. Do not feel ashamed to share your problems with your doctor. No question is embarrassing when it comes to your health. If you are struggling with your surgery scar, remember that your body is beautiful; it has just gone through something tremendous, and that scar is a testament to your strength.
FAQs
How Long to Wait to Have Sex After C Section?
Wait for at least 6 weeks before you resume sexual activity. Get the go-ahead from your OB first.
What Happens if You Have Sex Before 6 Weeks?
Most people wonder – 'sex after c section how long to wait?' After childbirth, your body starts to heal. You will stop bleeding, the cervix will close, and the incision will heal. Having sex too early might increase the risk of postpartum haemorrhage or uterine infection.
How Can I Satisfy My Husband After Giving Birth?
The number one priority after giving birth is yourself. Openly communicate with your partner. Any sexual activity must be consensual. There are other ways you can increase intimacy, such as cuddling and holding hands. If your partner is forcing you, consider seeking outside help.
Can a Woman Get Pregnant 2 Weeks After Delivery?
It is possible to get pregnant as early as 3 weeks after giving birth. This is regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or having a period.
Painful Sex After C Section Breastfeeding. Is it Normal?
Yes, it is normal for the sex to be painful after C section breastfeeding. This is because vagina gets too dry due to low levels of Estrogen (a hormone responsible for arousal and natural lubrication) and the problem can get worse because of breastfeeding. So, consider trying vaginal lubricants to avoid painful sex after c section breastfeeding.
References
- S J Brown, June 2013; Does the method of birth make a difference to when women resume sex after childbirth? - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23442053/
- Recovery following caesarean section - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK115312/
