After giving birth, a woman must follow the doctor’s recommendations so that the body can fully recover. Therefore, you will have to endure restrictions, which also relate to intimacy. You can't have sex for the first time after giving birth. This ban is due to a whole range of reasons.
What are the dangers of sex immediately after childbirth?
Sex in the first time after childbirth is fraught with irreparable harm to women's health. This is due to the fact that the uterus is still very vulnerable: it contracts intensively to push out the remnants of amniotic tissue and blood that have formed during the period of bearing a child. This process is called lochia. They usually last about 2 months, but they can end earlier, although this is still not a reason to resume sexual life.
Sex can cause rupture of sutures, which are often placed in the perineal or cervical area for women in labor, which is fraught with complications and an increased risk of infection. Against this background, an inflammatory process may develop. It is usually eliminated by taking. This will cause stress to the baby and may negatively affect his health.
Even if some time has passed since childbirth, sex can still provoke painful sensations. Because of this, both partners remain dissatisfied, which can result in conflicts in the family. So during the recovery period after childbirth, abstinence is in the interests of both. A man should show respect to the mother of his child and recognize the vulnerability of her current situation. If you succumb to a moment of weakness, a woman’s health can seriously suffer.
How long should you abstain?
There is no universal answer to the question of how long after the birth of a baby you can start having sex. It depends on the health of the young mother and how difficult the birth was.
After caesarean section recovery is longer. A woman should not lift weights or do physical exercise. Sexual relations are also prohibited.
The optimal period of abstinence is 2 months, if there are no complications. During this period, lochia usually ends, all sutures dissolve, and physical well-being returns to normal. In principle, a young mother herself will understand when her body has recovered and is ready for sexual intercourse. Still, it’s better to go to an appointment with a gynecologist and get tested necessary tests and undergo an ultrasound to make sure there is no inflammation or other problems.
What to do if pain occurs?
Women who have recently given birth sometimes feel pain during intercourse. This normal phenomenon. The first sex after childbirth is equal to the very first in a woman’s life. This moment is exciting for both partners, so experts advise preparing for it and taking time for foreplay.
If, in addition to painful sensations, a woman notices bloody discharge, intimacy should be interrupted. Then you should go to the gynecologist to find out the cause of this phenomenon. Bloody issues may indicate that unhealed genital organs have been damaged. Then you should try to have sex again later.
The postpartum period is characterized by dryness in the vaginal area. This is due to hormonal changes in the body. A woman should not be afraid of this process. It’s just that during sexual intercourse you should use lubricants that are designed just for such cases. Choose better means, which do not contain hormonal additives, artificial colors or flavors.
Signs of Problems
Complications after childbirth can occur in any woman. After all, the birth of a baby is a serious burden on the body, which increases its susceptibility to various diseases. Sometimes sexual relations after childbirth can be quite risky. A woman should be alert to the following symptoms after sexual intercourse:
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- itching and burning;
- yellow or green vaginal discharge;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- unpleasant odor from the genitals.
If you notice these signs, you should definitely go for an examination at antenatal clinic. Most often, atypical discharge and discomfort in the vagina indicate infection in open wounds. – if left untreated, it can even threaten the life of the young mother. So during the postpartum period you need to be especially attentive to your health.
The nuances of intimacy after childbirth
It is important not only to observe the recommended period of abstinence after childbirth, but also to have sex correctly at first. This must be done very carefully. Recommended positions are missionary and lying on your side (positions in which penetration is less deep). Movements should not be fast and rough, since the first sexual intercourse after childbirth can be traumatic.
Sometimes women worry about the size of the vagina, because after labor activity it remains very stretched for some time. This provokes various fears and complexes. Nevertheless, the vaginal muscles gradually return to normal, and Kegel exercises help speed up the process. To perform them you will need vaginal balls or other devices. The essence of the exercises is the rhythmic contraction of the vaginal muscles. Good effect Yoga gives - it also helps restore muscle tone.
If you follow all the rules and precautions, sex after childbirth does not pose a danger to women's health. The first intimacy after the birth of the baby becomes a kind of indicator. If everything goes well, then regular intimate life can be resumed. Further development depends on how successful the sexual adaptation is. emotional condition a young mother, and the opportunity to avoid many crises in relationships.
At first intimacy may not give the woman the same pleasure as before giving birth. This is quite natural. The main thing is to remember that libido will recover over time. Until this happens, be positive.
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Everyone knows that after the birth of a child, sex is far from the most important thing in life for young parents. But you can return your former sensuality!
There are ways to not forget about each other, even when your schedule is very busy with household chores.
Sex after childbirth! Frankly!
In this video I will talk about intimate relationships after childbirth. I warn you - in some places it’s explicit, be prepared!)) My feelings, my story. And about the myth that a woman who gives birth is not the same as before giving birth! Enjoy watching!
Intimate life after childbirth and contraception
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Naturally, after childbirth, a woman’s body experiences physiological changes, which leave an imprint on the sexual side of the relationship between spouses. In the first 6–8 weeks after the baby is born, gynecologists do not recommend having sex after childbirth. This is due to the fact that during this time there is a reverse development (involution) of all organs and systems that have undergone changes in connection with pregnancy and childbirth. The exception is the mammary glands, the function of which reaches its peak in the postpartum period.
The most pronounced involutional changes occur in the genital organs, especially in the uterus. After the birth of the placenta, a large wound surface remains, which takes approximately 4–6 weeks to heal. During this period, lochia is secreted - in the first days they are bloody, gradually their color changes from red to brownish, by the 4th week the discharge almost stops and soon disappears completely. Sexual activity after childbirth can contribute to the penetration of infection through the slightly open cervix into the uterus, and the released blood and open wound surface will only contribute to rapid development inflammation.
After vaginal birth, complications often occur in the form of incisions or ruptures of the perineum, vaginal walls or cervix. It also takes time for stitches to heal after childbirth. Even if there were no ruptures during childbirth, the tone of the muscles of the vagina and perineum after natural birth is significantly reduced. The recovery process after childbirth depends on the condition of these muscles before pregnancy, on whether the woman trained them while expecting a baby, on age and genetic characteristics.
In women after a cesarean section, the vaginal walls do not change, but the recovery of the uterus after childbirth is slower. In addition, it takes time to heal and form a full-fledged scar on the abdomen.
So, 6-8 weeks after birth, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist who will determine the condition of the uterus, cervix, sutures on the perineum or vaginal walls, scar after cesarean section, and take a smear on the flora to identify signs of inflammation. After this, the doctor will give recommendations on when you can resume intimate relationships.
Sex after childbirth. Possible problems
When resuming sexual activity after childbirth, a couple may encounter the following problems:
Vaginal dryness. After childbirth, most women experience a sharp decrease in the level of female sex hormones - estrogens. As a result, the amount of natural vaginal lubrication produced decreases. For this reason, sexual intercourse can be uncomfortable and even painful for a woman. In this case, it is worth stocking up on a special lubricant (lubricant), which can be bought at the pharmacy. You just need to carefully monitor the composition of these products and not use those that contain hormones if a woman is breastfeeding.
Painful sex after childbirth may also be associated with the presence of stitches and scars on the perineum and vagina. Sometimes the configuration of the vagina may change due to the sutures. Pain is also often observed in the area of the abdominal scar after cesarean section. Of course, over time, as the tissue in the area of the tears and incisions heals completely, these sensations will pass. But until this happens, in order to avoid discomfort or eliminate it, you need to choose a position during sexual intercourse in which minimal pressure is applied to the scar. You can consult with the gynecologist who is observing you, who will recommend local medications to speed up the recovery of tissue in the suture area after childbirth, approved for use by nursing mothers.
Weakening of the tone of the vaginal muscles and its expansion can leave their mark on the sensations during the first sexual intercourse. However, this phenomenon is temporary and the problem will go away within a few months, especially if the woman can find very little time to do Kegel exercises, which consist of contracting the pelvic muscles that support the vagina. These muscles can be felt when you voluntarily stop urinating or tense the vagina.
For quick recovery After giving birth, it is advisable to perform exercises every hour for 3 weeks to tone them. The technique is very simple: for 5 seconds you need to tense the muscles of the perineum and anus (as if you really want to go to the toilet), then you should hold them in a state of maximum tension for 5 seconds, then gradually relax them over another 5 seconds. Then, after a 5-second rest, the exercise is repeated. At one time you need to do at least 30 contractions - it will only take a few minutes.
It must also be said that many women do not experience any problems with sex after childbirth - on the contrary, they say that the attraction to their husband has become stronger and the orgasm is brighter.
Let's do without surprises
Very important point sexual relations After the birth of the baby, the issue of pregnancy protection arises. Doctors believe that the minimum interval between births should be at least 2 years. During this time, the woman’s body is completely restored.
The choice of contraceptive method depends on the regularity of sexual intercourse, breastfeeding and the preferences of the spouses. It is also necessary to take care of pregnancy protection in cases where menstrual cycle has not yet recovered, because even in the absence of menstruation, ovulation, that is, the release of an egg from the ovary, can occur. Let's look at the main methods of contraception after childbirth.
Interrupted sexual intercourse. The use of interrupted coitus is a very ineffective method of contraception. Firstly, not every man is able to clearly feel the onset of ejaculation and control himself at this moment. Secondly, a certain amount of sperm is released during sexual intercourse. According to some data, they are the most mobile and viable, which, accordingly, makes the likelihood of conception very high. In addition, during repeated sexual intercourse, sperm that remains on the walls of the man’s urethra after the first ejaculation may enter the vagina. Efficiency this method contraception is only 70–75%.
Lactational amenorrhea method. This method of contraception is based on the absence of ovulation during breastfeeding. While feeding the baby, the hormone prolactin is released, which increases milk production and has a contraceptive effect by suppressing the function of a woman's ovaries.
For the contraceptive method to work successfully, the following conditions must be met:
- the child is exclusively breastfed, without the use of supplementary feeding or additional water;
- the baby suckles at the breast at least every 3 hours during the day;
- the interval between night feedings should not exceed 6 hours (the more often feedings occur, the more more effective method contraception);
- absence of menstruation;
- no more than 6 months have passed since birth.
However, with increasing intervals between feedings and the introduction of supplementary feeding, the method of contraception becomes ineffective. In addition, the more time has passed since childbirth, the higher the likelihood of an unplanned pregnancy. In some women, even despite breastfeeding, ovarian function may resume as early as 1.5–2 months after birth, resulting in ovulation and pregnancy. If a woman has returned to menstruation, even if less than 6 months have passed since giving birth, she must choose another method of contraception after childbirth. The effectiveness of the method depends on the interval after childbirth: in the first 6 months, if all conditions are met, pregnancy occurs in approximately 1–2% of cases, from 6 to 12 months – in 4.5–7%.
Barrier methods of contraception– condom, diaphragms, cervical caps. Barrier methods of contraception do not affect the process of breastfeeding and the condition of the child. Therefore, they can be used without restriction in any period after childbirth. Efficacy ranges from 90–98% with a condom, 70–80% with a cervical cap, and 77–98% with a diaphragm.
Spermicides exist in various forms– foam, sponges, gels, soluble films, tablets, ointments or suppositories. Spermicides contain a chemical that destroys sperm and a carrier that distributes the product into the vagina. They do not contain hormones and act only locally, so they can be used during breastfeeding. In addition, spermicides have a moisturizing effect, which is a positive thing for women who do not produce enough lubrication during the postpartum period.
Among the disadvantages of spermicides, the following can be noted: some forms of spermicide release require you to wait a certain time before sexual intercourse; Some women, especially in the postpartum period, may experience skin irritation and allergic reactions for spermicide. The effectiveness of spermicides is just over 60%.
Intrauterine device (IUD)- an intrauterine contraceptive device, which is a small device made of plastic with copper, silver or gold. The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist. The mechanism of action of the intrauterine device is that it inhibits the movement of sperm into the uterine cavity, reduces the lifespan of the egg and prevents the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall. Insertion of an intrauterine device is possible 6 weeks after birth. Before this, you need to undergo examination by a gynecologist. The IUD does not affect milk production, so its use is safe during breastfeeding. In addition to the usual intrauterine devices There is a hormonal intrauterine system. It secretes a small amount of a hormone, an analogue of progesterone, which further blocks the growth of the endometrium and prevents attachment ovum in the uterus. During lactation, a hormonal IUD can also be used 6 weeks after birth.
The negative aspects of this method of contraception after childbirth are: increased risk of developing an inflammatory process in the uterus; increasing the likelihood of developing ectopic pregnancy(against the background of using a hormonal IUD, this risk is extremely small); enough big number contraindications, the main of which are chronic inflammatory diseases pelvic organs.
For non-hormonal IUDs, the Pearl index1 is about 1–1.5, for hormonal IUDs it is about 0.5.
Hormonal contraceptives. During breastfeeding, a young mother can take not all hormonal contraceptives, but only those that do not contain estrogens - hormones that penetrate into the breast. breast milk and can get to the child. Nursing mothers can use hormonal contraceptives containing only gestagens - analogues of the hormone progesterone. These substances enter the woman’s body in a very small quantity, even less of them penetrate into milk. These hormones are safe for the baby. Such contraceptives can be in the form of tablets (mini-pills), injections (shots, most often long-acting) or implants implanted under the skin for several months. These products can be used 6 weeks after birth.
The advantages of these funds include their high efficiency. The Pearl index for modern contraceptives is 0.1–0.5. The disadvantages are the need for daily intake at a precisely defined time and the presence of contraindications - therefore, before starting to take these drugs, be sure to consult with a gynecologist.
Surgical sterilization– dressing fallopian tubes. This is an irreversible method of contraception after childbirth. It is most often performed during a cesarean section or after childbirth at the request of the woman. May be recommended for women over 35 years of age and with two or more children.
In order for everything to return to normal when you resume intimate relationships after such an important stage of your life as pregnancy and the birth of a child, there is no universal recipe - everything is very individual. But by showing patience and mutual understanding, you can ensure that sex after childbirth brings even more pleasure than before.
The body experiences some stress and undergoes some physical changes. After birth, a woman definitely needs time to recover. That's why sexual contact possible only after 1-2 months. Of course, much here depends on the individual physical and psychological characteristics women. In addition, you need to take into account how the birth took place, how difficult or easy it was.
In any case, doctors do not recommend allowing sexual contact earlier than after 1 month. This is the minimum period required to resume normal functioning of the uterus and to cleanse it. Return to intimate relationships immediately after the birth of a child is extremely undesirable also because during this period it is very vulnerable to infection. Such a risk will disappear only when it is completely.
If the birth was difficult, with tears and cuts, much more time should pass before the resumption of sexual activity. After childbirth using a section, more time is also needed for the restoration of her organs until the stitches from the operation completely heal.
It is good if you discuss with your gynecologist the “permission” for the first sexual intercourse after childbirth. The doctor will examine the condition of your genitals and assess the speed and extent of their recovery, and recommend when to resume sex life. The specialist will also advise you on the most suitable contraceptives to prevent the possibility of recurrence immediately after the birth of the child.
Sexual life after childbirth: what problems are possible
The most common problems that may appear when resuming sexual activity after childbirth are anatomical changes in the vagina and its dryness. As the baby passes through the birth canal, the vagina stretches, but over time it will return to its original shape.
To speed up this process, you can do special exercises Kegel. They should be performed even during pregnancy, which helps to protect against excessive stretching of the uterus, and also allows it to quickly return to its natural state immediately after childbirth.
Dryness of the uterus is a temporary phenomenon that occurs as a result in the period after the birth of the child. It also affects a woman’s postpartum depression and depression, aggravated by fatigue. In this situation, the husband is advised to treat his wife with understanding, because she needs both physical and moral support. Special moisturizing lubricants and creams that can be purchased at the pharmacy will help you cope with vaginal dryness.
Many women complain of discomfort and painful sensations arising during sexual intercourse in the period after the birth of a child. This situation is most common if the birth was difficult and there are tears that required stitches. Pain is felt when the sutures “catch” the nerve endings.
In this case, the spouses need to work together to find the optimal position for sex. Over time, the pain will disappear, but for now, during sexual contact you should simply listen to each other more carefully.
The birth of a child is undoubtedly the number one event in the life of every woman. But when becoming a mother, it is important not to forget about the purpose through which this child was born.
How to start and how to improve your intimate life after childbirth?
Experts in women's health issues from a women's magazine site share tips and useful recommendations.
When is it possible?
For the impatient - no earlier than 4-6 weeks after birth.
Attention! We are talking specifically about natural childbirth, which took place without complications, serious ruptures and episiotomy. For a caesarean section, the timing will also be different - after it it is better to abstain from sex for 6-8 weeks after birth.
Why so long? Even if you already feel great and are full of desire, processes are still happening inside that require special attention. On the mucous surface of the uterus, healing occurs at the place where the placenta was attached.
And any sexual contact with penetration into the vagina can be risky - if an infection gets into the wound, even endometritis (inflammation of the uterus) cannot be ruled out, and this is completely unnecessary for a young mother.
Please note that we are talking about contact in its classical sense. Of course, caresses and relaxation without him are quite acceptable.
Possible problems
Alas, a woman’s sexual activity usually decreases sharply after the birth of a child.
But not only this can become a stumbling block on the path to obtaining sexual pleasure paired with. The most common problems are described below.
Vagina sizes
During a natural birth, the baby passes through the birth canal, making it a little “freer.” Of course, after 2-3 weeks, the internal genital organs begin to return to their size, but they will never be exactly the same as before childbirth.
Not always, but very often this negatively affects the quality of intimate contacts.
The situation can be corrected.
The first method requires time and persistence. We just do Kegel exercises. Whenever possible, we tense the vaginal muscles as if we were holding back urination. This strengthens not only the vaginal muscles, but also serves as a prevention for a number of other female problems.
The second method does not interfere with the first, but it will allow you to return truly bright colors to your intimate life. We buy special means to narrow the vagina in this store, follow the link - https://vposteli.ua/cosmerics/care/vaginal_narrowing - and enjoy communicating with your loved one as if everything is just beginning for you.
Lack of desire
The reason for this could be a man’s loss of interest in a woman, who suddenly goes from being an object to sexual desire turned into a mother hen, and chronic fatigue a woman exhausted from lack of sleep, worries and solving health problems – hers or her child’s.
Only radical measures will help here.
A woman urgently needs to remember that she is not a walking breast with milk, but, above all, a woman capable of seducing. And for the man, find an opportunity to relieve his wife of workload, in order to at least save her from everyday problems. A babysitter, help from grandmothers, personal involvement - anything will do, as long as it brings results.
Woman's fear
Experiencing pain, appearing ugly, or becoming pregnant again. This also happens often.
And here a lot lies with the man.
Support, do not insist if the woman is completely unprepared, raise self-esteem with a compliment, be patient and gentle.
Regarding contraception, we should not forget that the statement that a woman will not become pregnant while breastfeeding is nothing more than a false stereotype.
It is impossible to guarantee the absence of pain upon first contact. Especially if the birth was not easy. Sometimes vaginal dryness adds to the problem. This can also be solved with the help of lubricants.
Having eliminated all possible external reasons for anxiety, you can also remove internal ones - uncertainty, unnecessary fears or doubts about attractiveness.
Harmonious relationships!
Very rarely, a woman who is expecting a child and meeting him may think about how much the intimate side of her relationship with her husband may change after childbirth. But when the time comes to think about it, many women can put off this moment because with the birth of a child they no longer have enough energy and time. But it's not right. After all, after appearing in your life little man sex can have many more facets and be much more enjoyable. And not only in physically, but also morally.
Of course, you still have to wait a while with sex. After all, immediately after giving birth, doctors insist on abstaining. And this should continue for about 4-6 weeks. During this time, the uterus will recover and heal a little, and the risk of infection will significantly decrease. If some complications arise during childbirth, for example, ruptures, then the period without sex should be increased even more, up to two months.
Also the reason is that the organs that directly took part in the birth of the child must heal at least a little as they become very sensitive to various infections. But still, a woman in the postpartum period really needs the support and affection of her husband. Therefore, this is the best period to show your love and understanding. Also, a man should not forget that when a baby is born, there are much more worries. And accordingly, it takes a lot more effort and time. Of course, this is very difficult for a man to understand, so if a woman wants daddy to feel what caring for a child is like, then he should at least partially take part in it. For example, you can bathe the baby together, change his diapers one by one, and stand up to the baby at least once a night when he cries.
Another reason why women do not want to have sex after childbirth is pain. In most cases, they are caused by the fact that the vagina remains dry for some time after childbirth and in such situations you can safely use lubricants. Pain can also occur due to stitches or scars. But this problem is also resolved quite quickly. Now there are many special ointments that can very quickly not only relieve pain, but also promote rapid healing.
But the most difficult problem to perceive is that associated with the tone of the vagina and almost all women face it. It is very difficult to avoid, but you can correct the situation very simply and relatively quickly by performing Kegel exercises. It would be very good if the practice of these exercises began during pregnancy. This will help not only to give birth less painfully, but also after the birth of the baby, the muscles will quickly return to their previous shape.
When can you have an intimate life after childbirth?
When it comes to having sex for the first time after giving birth, you should also pay attention to psychological condition women. A woman spends a lot of her emotions on her child at first. And there’s nothing you can do about it, because this is how nature intended it. But you still shouldn’t take on all the child’s care. If daddy helps mother, this will only strengthen the relationship.Also, do not rush a woman too much into starting sexual activity. After all, she will definitely feel when her body is ready for such a relationship again.
When having sex for the first time, you should be very careful, because you need to check your body for readiness for sex. And of course we shouldn’t forget about kind words and caresses that a woman needs most at such a moment. And it’s also worth remembering that sex after childbirth becomes much brighter, because you already have a favorite treasure, which should only strengthen your love even more.
