Sex After Birth: When and How to Resume Intimacy Postpartum

Having sex after birth is not the same as before having a baby. Pregnancy and having a baby can change a lot in your body, including your sex life. Once you have a newborn, you might need to settle into a new routine, and among those complications, the last one that comes to your mind may be sex. 

To maintain a healthier and safer sexual life after birth, you first need to give your body some time off after delivery, and there is no actual timeline to definitively say how long you should wait to have sex after birth because the waiting time depends on the type of delivery and other factors. All those factors and how to resume intimacy after birth are explained in this blog post.

How Type of Delivery Impacts Sex After Birth

Sex after birth needs recovery and healing for the body. So, how soon you can resume sexual intimacy after birth varies from person to person based on the type of delivery, like vaginal or cesarean.

1. Sex After a Vaginal Birth

Vaginal delivery causes stretching and, in very rare cases, possible tearing of the perineal area. So, it requires stitches and time to heal. Also, there are other common postpartum issues, such as vaginal dryness, perineal pain, and lochia (post-birth vaginal bleeding), that can make resuming sex uncomfortable or even painful.

How long should you wait?

• Most healthcare providers recommend 4 to 6 weeks of waiting time before resuming sex after a vaginal birth. This time allows vaginal tissues to heal and stops bleeding. 
• If you had a perineal tear or episiotomy, then additional healing time might be needed.

Factors to consider

Even after the recommended period by your healthcare provider, you must consider some factors before having sex. If you are having any, never start having intimacy without consulting a healthcare provider. They are,

• The severity of perineal tearing
• The presence of pain or discomfort
• Vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes
• Emotional readiness and fatigue from caring for a newborn

2. Sex After a Cesarean (C-Section)

In comparison with vaginal delivery C-section is a major abdominal surgery which requires more time to heal. C-section causes incision pain, limited mobility, and postpartum fatigue that impacts sexual desire and comfort.

How long should you wait?

• Doctors typically recommend waiting 6 to 8 weeks before engaging in sexual activity to allow the incision site to heal properly and reduce the risk of infection.

• Hormonal shifts after birth might cause vaginal dryness and low libido due to hormonal shifts.
  

Factors to consider

Before having sex after birth through C-section, you might consider some factors. They are,

• Pain at the incision site
• Core muscle weakness and limited movement
• Possible scar tenderness
• The emotional impact of the birth experience

Factors That Influence When to Resume Sex After Birth

Your doctors might recommend some days to wait before having sex. Even after that, there are several factors to consider before resuming intimacy. Giving importance to emotional and psychological readiness is equally important to physical recovery.

1. Physical Recovery

Your physicality before birth and after birth are entirely very different as the body undergoes immense changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Healing time varies depending on the below factors,

• The extent of vaginal tearing or C-section incision healing
• The presence of postpartum bleeding (lochia)
• Pelvic floor strength and vaginal elasticity

2. Hormonal Changes

After giving birth to a newborn, estrogen levels drop and it leads to vaginal dryness, which makes sex uncomfortable or painful. Breastfeeding can further reduce estrogen levels and delay natural lubrication.

3. Emotional Readiness and Mental Health

Many new mothers experience postpartum blues or depression, which can affect sexual desire. Feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, or stress can also reduce interest in intimacy.

4. Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue

Caring for a newborn is physically and emotionally demanding. The first few months after having a baby are really tough as your routine changes to changing diapers, sleepless nights, feeding and taking care of the baby. Lack of sleep and energy can make sex feel like an added chore rather than an enjoyable activity.

5.Relationship Dynamics

Adjusting to parenthood can put a strain on relationships. Open communication between partners is crucial in understanding each other’s emotional and physical needs.

When to See a Doctor

If you are having any of the following issues, consult your healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity. 

• Severe pain during sex
• Persistent vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
• Signs of infection (fever, foul-smelling discharge, or swelling)
• Incontinence or pelvic floor weakness affecting sexual function

Takeaway

Resuming sex after birth cannot be done immediately as the body changes after giving birth, and it requires healing time based on the type of delivery. Also, emotional and psychological recovery, along with physical recovery, should be considered. Open communication, patience and self-care are the keys to restoring intimacy postpartum. Contact Fortius Health Clinic to consult with experienced doctors if you are having any issues with sex after birth.