Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
When to Resume Sexual Relations after Cesarean | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
How long after having a cesarean and tubal ligation should a woman wait before resuming sex with her spouse?— Birdie in Detroit, Michigan | | | ANSWER |
November 7, 2001 | | | Dear Birdie,
There are changes in your body that need to happen before it is safe to resume sexual relations. You really need to accomplish healing from the birth as well as healing from surgery.
After anyone has a baby, the cervix needs to close back up, and the bleeding must stop so that intercourse doesn't cause a uterine infection. For moms who gave birth vaginally and didn't have any stitches, this usually takes around four to six weeks. For moms who had a vaginal birth and had stitches, extra time is needed for the stitches to heal. In that case doctors typically recommend abstinence from intercourse for around six weeks. The six-week checkup can see how the stitches are healing and the practitioner can give the "green light."
After cesarean, the uterus still needs to close up and cease bleeding. Then you have to heal from the abdominal surgery. All told, most physicians will recommend abstinence for six to eight weeks, but you may end up waiting longer if you're still uncomfortable. Sometimes there are details of the birth that might cause a doctor to recommend a longer delay. It's always a good idea to check with your own doctor for specific recommendations.
Many new moms have some vaginal pain with intercourse postpartum. This might seem surprising after cesarean, since there was no trauma to the vagina, but it still can occur. Possibly due to changes in the woman's hormones and her sexual response, many women don't lubricate well for intercourse after childbirth, particularly if they are breastfeeding. Using a water-based lubricant like KY jelly for intercourse can make it more pleasurable. For more information on resuming your sex life after childbirth, see sex after giving birth.— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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