Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Sexual Activity and Placenta Previa | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I have placenta previa and am not bleeding, and I am five months along. I have been told not to have intercourse, however would it be ok to have an orgasm and oral sex?— Becky in Apopka, FL | | | ANSWER |
April 2, 2001 | | | Dear Becky,
I am so glad that you wrote in with this question. Many women are told to "not have sex" in pregnancy, but it can be difficult to know exactly what that means. In the case of placenta previa, the most important thing is nothing per vagina--no douching, no tampons, no intercourse. Early in pregnancy, sexual arousal and orgasm probably will not cause any problems. Later in pregnancy, orgasm can lead to contractions, and when there is a placenta previa, this can lead to bleeding.
I think in your case it would be best to ask your doctor exactly what you can and cannot do and until which point in the pregnancy you can and cannot engage in these activities. It may be difficult for you to bring up the topic of sex--but take heart in knowing that doctors talk about sex with patients a lot and that your desire for intimacy and sexual pleasure is normal.— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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