Why you can't have sex right after a cesarean section
Cesarean section Caesarean section — NHS — this is not a natural birth, but a full surgical operation on the abdominal cavity. As in the case of any similar procedure, it is always followed by a recovery period Caesarean section — Recovery — NHS . Simply put: the dissected muscles, skin, and uterus need time to heal after the injury.
Recovery after cesarean section usually takes longer than after natural birth.
A young mother will have to spend about 3–4 days in the hospital so that doctors can monitor how the wound is healing. The woman will receive dressings and pain relief. They may need to be taken even after discharge — some mothers may experience pain attacks for several weeks. Considering this, it is unlikely that the woman will want to have sex. But even if the desire arises, doctors will be opposed.
The thing is that any physical strain on the abdominal muscles can lead to the seams coming apart and bleeding or wound inflammation. Therefore, in the first weeks after a cesarean section, it is extremely not recommended Caesarean section — Recovery — NHS :
- to drive a car;
- to engage in sports and perform physical exercises related to abdominal strain;
- to lift anything heavier than a baby;
- to have sex.
When can you have sex after cesarean section
Absolutely not earlier than 4–6 weeks Cesarean Birth after delivery. During this period, the incisions and uterus are still healing, and bleedingcan occur and other vaginal discharges. Experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise young mothers not to even insert anything, whether it be a vibrator or even fingers, into the vagina.
However, about a month to a month and a half after the baby is born, most women recover and can return to their usual forms of physical activity — including sexual activity.
There is an important nuance. Recovery times are individual. One girl may only need 3–4 weeks after a cesarean section to feel good. Another may still feel discomfort and uncertainty in movements even after 6 weeks. Therefore, it is worth discussing when one can start having sex with a gynecologist.
How to make sex after a cesarean section comfortable and safe
Even if the woman feels that she has fully recovered, and the doctor confirms this, some problems may arise. Here are some recommendations Sex after a C-section: Everything you need to know that will help avoid unpleasant sensations.
1. Make foreplay as long and gentle as possible
Labor and the first months of the baby’s life are a big stress for the woman. It's hard for a young mother to relax. The partner's task is to help her with this.
Perhaps the first time or two, foreplay — gentle embraces, caresses, careful massage, during which the woman listens to her feelings and surrenders to them — will completely replace traditional sexual intercourse. Be patient.
2. Prepare lubricant
Hormonal changes after childbirth often lead to vaginal dryness. Therefore, lubricant, preferably water-based, should be at hand.
3. Replace penetrative sex with cunnilingus or petting
If penetration is uncomfortable or painful, it should be stopped immediately. More precisely, it should be transitioned to an alternative form. For example, try to bring the woman to orgasm by caressing her perineum with fingers or the tongue.
4. Choose a comfortable position
Choose simple positions in which the woman does not have to feel pressure on her abdomen or strain her abdominal muscles.
An ideal option is the spoon position: the partner lies on her side, and the partner embraces her from behind. This is a very sensual and gentle position, in which the man can caress the woman’s chest, hips, and perineum with his hands to enhance her arousal.
Do not rush to return to more complex options. Cowgirl, doggy style, sitting face to face — these positions are undoubtedly stimulating and great. But they place a noticeable physical strain on the lower abdomen. Only transition to them after sex in the spoon position becomes maximally comfortable and you are sure that the woman wants more.
5. Pay attention to sensations
If the young mother feels pain during sex and especially if the painful sensations do not decrease but rather increase with each new attempt, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist as soon as possible. The cause of discomfort may be inflammation, vaginismus, and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to diagnose and start treating them in a timely manner.
