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What are the Best Tips for Intercourse After a C-Section?
Many medical professionals recommend that a woman should wait about six weeks before having intercourse after a Caesarean section. This period of time allows the incision to heal and postpartum bleeding to stop. Every woman's body is different, though, so it's important for each woman to wait until she feels ready both physically and emotionally. When a woman is ready to try having intercourse after a C-section, she and her partner might choose a position that avoids the incision scar and allows her greater control over the movements. Many women also find the use of lubricant can make the experience more comfortable.
A woman should feel ready both physically and emotionally before attempting to have intercourse. In order to determine her physical readiness, the woman should check the way her incision scar is healing and pay attention to any signs of discomfort associated with it, such as pulling or tearing. Attempting to have sexual intercourse too soon after a C-section can cause the incision wound to tear or get infected.
When preparing for intercourse after a C-section, women should also be aware of their emotional feelings toward sex. Many women experience fatigue, hormonal changes and even postpartum depression that can have great effects on their levels of desire. If the woman doesn't feel like she is in a healthy emotional place for sex after a C-section, she and her partner should wait until she feels more prepared. Attempting intercourse too early can have negative effects on the woman's healing process and on the relationship, so couples should communicate clearly about their feelings. They also might work to find new ways of sharing intimacy and connection.
After a woman is ready physically and emotionally to have intercourse, she and her partner might choose a position that avoids direct contact with the incision scar. Positions that allow the woman to be in greater control give her the flexibility to move around as needed. When the woman assumes a leading position, she can also direct the pace of intercourse to her comfort level.
The use of lubricant can also make intercourse after a C-section more comfortable for both partners. Hormonal changes and breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. By using lubricant, couples can ease back into sexual intimacy. In many cases, couples find that lubricant can ease discomfort until the woman's body heals fully.
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![It is recommended that women should cease from sexual activity for six weeks following a C-section.]()
By: drubig-photoIt is recommended that women should cease from sexual activity for six weeks following a C-section. -
![Any discomfort from a c-section scar can help determine if a woman is ready to have intercourse.]()
By: Artem FurmanAny discomfort from a c-section scar can help determine if a woman is ready to have intercourse. -
![Following a C-section it may be beneficial to select a sexual position that directly avoids the incision scar.]()
By: vgstudioFollowing a C-section it may be beneficial to select a sexual position that directly avoids the incision scar. -
![Intimacy may be emphasized more over intercourse following a c-section.]()
By: Ferrante PietroIntimacy may be emphasized more over intercourse following a c-section. -
![Very heavy bleeding may occur during the first week after having a c-section.]()
By: Dragos IliescuVery heavy bleeding may occur during the first week after having a c-section. -
![The use of lubrication can make intercourse more enjoyable for both partners following a C-section.]()
By: Artem FurmanThe use of lubrication can make intercourse more enjoyable for both partners following a C-section.
Discussion Comments
@indigomoth - Sometimes you don't feel like any kind of sex though. It can be especially hard if you are putting pressure on yourself and the article is right, this can lead to people feeling pretty awful about themselves. Especially if they end up with pain after intercourse, on top of everything else.
I think in some cases people just have to accept that when you've had a baby, you just won't be able to get it, or want it as regularly as you used to. After everything settles down, probably after a year or so, when baby is sleeping through the night, then you can get back to it. Before then, don't worry too much about it!
And especially don't make your partner feel bad.
You should also remember that sex doesn't all have to be about putting a penis into a vagina.
People often start thinking about the other options (hands, mouth, or even just cuddling) as only foreplay and only something that is done as a lead up to the "main event". But, if both people are getting satisfaction from other forms of stimulation (many of which can be done with much less risk of opening stitches), then what's the problem?
I think often, after a cesarean section, or any kind of delivery, people get into a slump because they are exhausted and don't feel like going all the way, then feel like failures and it becomes an issue.
Just try to make each other feel good. That's all that should be expected of anyone in a relationship.
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