Tag: Pain during sex

Recent evidence shows that sexual health issues are very common after birth, with 61% of women reporting problems with pain during sex at three months postpartum, and 20% at twelve months postpartum. This simply means you are far from alone if postpartum sex is less desirable than before pregnancy.

Regardless of how you give birth, your pelvic floor supports your uterus and baby throughout your pregnancy, and pelvic pain after c-section, particularly during sex, is very common too.

The causes of pain during sex can vary and must be carefully evaluated to be treated appropriately. We know that the postpartum period is a very delicate time for women, as they face a series of changes, a lot of tiredness, and even postpartum depression. All of this can negatively impact your sex life.

The main factors related to the appearance of pain during sexual intercourse are linked to the following:

• Hypertonicity of the pelvic floor/ difficulty relaxing pelvic floor: Sometimes birth (vaginal or c-section) can unmask latent trigger or tender points in the pelvic floor. This can make pain with penetrative or deep intercourse very painful.
• presence of episiotomy;
• vaginal lacerations;
• breast-feeding;
• pain during intercourse during pregnancy;
• pain during sexual intercourse prior to pregnancy;
• endometriosis;
• depression;
• image disturbances;
• stress;

In addition, one of the frequent changes in postpartum women who breastfeed is vaginal dryness, which can only be noticed a little after childbirth (when sex life can resume), due to this pause period and hormonal changes. An increase in the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, very important in breastfeeding, will cause a decrease in circulating estrogen levels, responsible for vaginal lubrication.

That is why we will usually recommend the use of lots of lube for sex during this period!

There are other few things you can do to prevent or minimize pain during sex in the postpartum period.

First of all, see a pelvic floor physical therapist for a postpartum assessment to address your concerns.

They can be very helpful in checking your pelvic floor in finding the driver to why you may be experiencing dyspareunia in the first place.

You can also take part in quite a lot of foreplay and try different positions.

While some pain during postpartum sex can be common at first, it does not have to become chronic. If you’re experiencing painful sex after birth, seek help!