Sex after childbirth

It is quite normal for that to happen first Sex after childbirth some time goes by. The desire for sexuality initially fades into the background due to the exertion of childbirth but also due to physical and hormonal changes. Sexual problems after giving birth are not uncommon and it is important to know when is the right time to enjoy sex again after giving birth.

Not in the mood for sex after giving birth

Until the normal pleasure Sex after childbirth recovers in women, it can take a while. Men who are thoroughly informed about the topic also show their partner the necessary understanding for it. Women often do not feel particularly comfortable in their own body after giving birth, for example because the breasts are needed for breastfeeding and the abdominal wall is still slack.

If the birth was carried out by a caesarean section, sufficient time must first be allowed for the wound to heal. In addition, most women feel tired and listless in the first time after giving birth due to the hormonal changes. Caring for a baby is a 24 hour job that requires the mother's full attention. At the hormonal level, prolactin, which stimulates the production of milk, also inhibits sexual desire.

When is a woman allowed to have sex again after giving birth?

A panacea for when sex is possible and useful again after giving birth is individual to each woman. Some women even want to return to sexual intercourse within a short period of time after giving birth. Even if the so-called weekly flow has not yet dried up, from a medical-gynecological point of view nothing speaks against it if the woman is otherwise healthy and there were no complications during the birth.

As long as the weekly flow is not yet fully completed, there is an increased risk of infection due to the delayed wound healing during sex. The attending gynecologist should therefore decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not sex should be practiced after the birth even if the weekly flow is present.

To prevent infections, it is imperative to pay attention to hygiene and ideally condoms are used. It is also to be expected that the first sex after the birth is usually not completely relaxed. In the beginning it can lead to previously unknown problems, but also to unpleasant pain during sexual intercourse.

Tips for having sex after giving birth

A few helpful tips can help prevent common problems with having sex after giving birth. Because of the low level of estrogen, the lining of the vagina is often dry when breastfeeding. Lubricants should therefore be used for the first sex after birth to avoid pain as much as possible. The sex position is also important during the first sex after the birth.

In the postpartum period, women particularly find positions that are comfortable in which the depth and intensity of penetration can be controlled. Breastfeeding put a lot of strain on the female breast, which is why touching during lovemaking is perceived as particularly unpleasant in this area. This can easily be avoided by giving the partner a corresponding notification before the sexual act.

Breastfeeding just before intercourse can also help reduce the sensitivity of the breasts to touch. Postnatal exercise has also proven helpful for more intense sensations during sex after childbirth. Whenever pain occurs and persists during postpartum sex, the doctor should be consulted.

Getting pregnant despite breastfeeding: don't forget your contraception!

Many couples ignore the issue of contraception during postpartum sex. It is extremely important not to neglect contraception, especially in this phase. While fertility is reduced by breastfeeding, no couple should rely on it as a natural method of contraception.

Gynecologists often make the right method of contraception after the birth dependent on whether or not you are breastfeeding. The focus is also on the child's health, because contraceptive hormones administered can easily get into breast milk. The temperature method is unsuitable as a method of contraception for sex after childbirth, because the hormones in the female body first have to slowly level off again.

In principle, condoms or diaphragms, the coil and the hormone coil as well as the so-called mini pill with only progestin as an active ingredient are useful when it comes to contraception during sex after birth.

Sour cucumber time after giving birth: take it easy!

Pleasure takes time and this is especially true for the period after the birth. Since it is quite normal that the desire for sex only returns some time after the birth, serenity and patience on the part of both parents is the right attitude to deal with it. Often times, opportunities for tenderness and closeness are simply missing after the birth.

However, by being together, this lost closeness can be quickly rebuilt for most couples. Having a baby that sleeps permanently in the parents' bed is not conducive to postpartum sex.