Sex After C-SectionJust when can you have sex after c-section? Some women are anxious to begin having sex again, others wish they could put it off for as long as they can, some experience pain or discomfort and some are embarrassed about their c-section scar. Resuming sexual activity is different for everyone and there's no one answer that fits all, however listen to your body and also to your doctor. Your doctor most likely has gone through the last nine months with you and more than likely knows more about you than you may think. But you also know your own body, so if you're not ready to go back to having sex, then wait. If you feel you want to engage in having sex sooner than recommended be sure to consider it carefully. When is it safe to have sex again? Most doctors and specialists will say you should wait at least 4 weeks after having a cesarean section to have sex again. The reasoning behind this is you want to wait until your body returns to its normal, healed state which typically takes about 4-6 weeks. But there are also doctors that will tell you to wait 8 weeks and some doctors have even been known to say you can have sex any time you feel up to it. On average, however, most doctors will tell you to wait until the bleeding stops. With all these varying opinions, how do you know what's right for you? There are many factors that a doctor takes into consideration for your specific case. However, first and foremost infection and postpartum hemorrhage is of most concern. This happens because people rush into postpartum sex or do not follow lifting recommendations. When the placenta detaches from the uterus, it leaves a wound which is one of the reasons you bleed after childbirth. Therefore having sex or using tampons prior to proper healing could introduce an infection. So do you absolutely have to wait several weeks? Many women don't, however it's highly recommended that you do. Also check with your doctor or a professional before you have sex. If you want to ensure less risk of infection, then waiting until your lochia bleeding stops or however long your doctor recommends is your best solution. Having sex again may feel a little like being new at it. There may be a little pain, but overall you're probably going to feel a little hesitant or cautious. But that's ok. No matter when you have sex again, you'll want to take it slow and be very careful. Intercourse pain after c-section Many women will find sex painful after having a c-section wonder why it hurts, after all you didn't have a baby vaginally, why would it hurt? Upon having a c-section your muscles and ligaments were pulled and stretched in order to pull the baby out. It's because of this stretching and pulling that you will continue to feel sore in your lower vaginal area and having sex may still be a little painful and sore because the area is still weak and healing. Most women tread lightly when having sex again after a c-section. I've even heard women say that it's like being a virgin again. Remember that your connective tissues, muscles and ligaments were pulled and stretched quite a bit during the surgery, so it will take time for things to begin to feel normal again and your overall health is critical to full c-section recovery. Also, you may not have had sex in several weeks so things can sometimes stiffen, so to speak. This is normal so take it slow. No fast and furious moves. It's also possible that you could experience pain when having sex, even as long as 12 weeks or more after having a c-section. Don't distress over this, it will get better. The best thing to do is listen to your body, do what feels comfortable for you. As far a the pain goes, it's a process. As long as your doctor advises that sex is ok, it may take perseverance. Just go slow, a little at a time and things will begin to get better. Sex after a c-section - Can we do it yet?
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