It is quite normal that some time passes until the first sex after birth. The desire for sexuality initially moves into the background due to the efforts of the birth but also due to physical and hormonal changes. Sexual problems after childbirth are not uncommon and it is thereby important to know when is basically the right time to enjoy sex again after childbirth.
No desire for sex after childbirth
Until the normal desire for sex after childbirth is restored in women, it can take quite a while. Men who are thoroughly informed about the topic also bring the necessary understanding to their partner. Women often do not feel particularly comfortable in their own bodies after giving birth. This is due, for example, to the fact that the breasts are needed for breastfeeding and the abdominal wall is still flaccid. If the birth was by Caesarean section, then sufficient time must first be planned for wound healing as well. In addition, most women feel tired and listless in the first period after giving birth due to the hormonal changes. Caring for a baby is a 24-hour job that demands the mother’s full attention. On a hormonal level, prolactin, which stimulates milk production, additionally inhibits sexual desire.
At what point is a woman allowed to have sex again after giving birth?
There is no patent recipe for when sex is possible and reasonable again after childbirth. Some women even want to resume intimate intercourse within a short period of time after giving birth. Even if the so-called lochia has not yet dried up, from a medical and gynecological point of view there is nothing to be said against it if the woman is otherwise healthy and there were no complications during the birth. However, as long as the postpartum flow is not completely finished, there is an increased risk of infection during sex due to the delayed wound healing. Whether or not sex should be practiced after childbirth even if lochia is present should therefore be decided on a case-by-case basis by the attending gynecologist. In order to prevent infections, hygiene should be observed at all costs and condoms should ideally be used. It is also to be expected that the first sex after the birth will usually not be completely relaxed. In the initial period, there may be previously unknown problems, but also unpleasant pain during sexual intercourse.
Tips for sex after childbirth
With some helpful tips, known problems during sex after childbirth can be avoided. Due to low levels of estrogen, the mucous membrane of the vagina is often dry during breastfeeding. Lubricants should therefore be used for the first sex after childbirth to avoid pain as much as possible. It also depends on the sex position for the first sex after childbirth. In the postpartum period, women find those positions particularly pleasurable in which the depth and intensity of penetration can be controlled. Breastfeeding has put a lot of strain on the female breast, which is why touching this area during lovemaking is perceived as particularly unpleasant. This can be easily avoided by giving the partner an appropriate hint before the sexual act. Breastfeeding immediately before intercourse can also be helpful in reducing the sensitivity of the bosom to touch. For more intense sensations during sex after childbirth, postpartum gymnastics have also proven helpful. Whenever pain occurs and persists during sex after childbirth, the doctor should be consulted.
Getting pregnant despite breastfeeding: Do not forget contraception!
Many couples fade out the topic of contraception during sex after childbirth. Yet it is enormously important, especially in this phase, not to neglect contraception. Although fertility is lowered by the process of breastfeeding, no couple should rely on this as a natural contraceptive method. Gynecologists often make the right contraceptive method after birth dependent on whether or not breastfeeding is taking place. The health of the child is also a priority, because administered hormones for contraception can easily get into the breast milk. The temperature method is not suitable as a contraceptive method for sex after childbirth, if only because the hormones in the female body must first slowly settle again.In principle, condoms or diaphragms, the IUD and the hormonal IUD, as well as the so-called mini-pill with only progestin as the active ingredient, are considered useful when it comes to contraception during sex after childbirth.
Sour cucumber time after birth: take it easy!
Lust takes time and this is especially true for the postpartum period. So, since it is quite normal that the desire for sex only reappears after some time after the birth, composure and patience of both parents is the right attitude to deal with it. Often there is simply a lack of opportunities for tenderness and closeness after the birth. However, through shared togetherness, this lost closeness can be quickly rebuilt in most couples. Not conducive to sex after birth is a baby who permanently sleeps in the parents’ bed.
