How long to wait for sex after giving birth?

Also read: Why sex is often more difficult after giving birth

How long no sex?

How quickly the body recovers after childbirth is different for every woman. It depends on how the delivery went. It usually takes a while for the vagina and pelvic floor to fully heal after childbirth. Count on 4 to 6 weeks. Then any stitches will have been removed and the cervix will have closed completely again.

• A caesarean section, a difficult and long delivery, a poorly healing “incision” can be reasons to postpone lovemaking a little longer. Discuss this with your doctor.
• You should not have sex if you are still bleeding.

Also read: 10 Things No One Tells You About Sex After Giving Birth

Less desire for sex?

Both the new mother and the father can have less desire for sex after giving birth. The emotions and the fatigue of giving birth and new parenthood, the physical changes… Everyone has to try to find a new balance. This applies to both men and women. So give each other enough time, make time for each other and talk about it. When the desire for sex returns varies from person to person. For some women, this only happens when their menstrual periods have started again.

Also read: No more sex drive since giving birth? Sexologist Vanessa offers advice

Pain during sex?

The first time after giving birth, sex can be a bit disappointing and possibly painful. That is normal. Start slowly, take your time to get aroused and use a lubricant if necessary. It is also possible that you do not come at first. Be creative and discover other ways of intimacy and sex. Massaging, kissing and licking each other can also be very exciting. If the pain does not subside after a few weeks, you should contact a doctor. Also go to your GP if you feel pain deep in your vagina during sex.

Also read: Sleeping separately as a couple: bad for your relationship or good?

Does breastfeeding affect your sex life?

If you are breastfeeding, you may have less desire for sex. This can be due to various factors.

• Your vagina is less moist due to breastfeeding hormones. A lubricant can help.
• Your breasts are more sensitive or your nipples feel (very) painful, for example due to cracked nipples.
• Due to the drop in testosterone, you are less sensitive to sexual stimuli. A (longer) foreplay can help.
• Your breasts leak during sex.

Also read: Breasts: For the baby or for the partner?

Which contraception to choose?

You can be fertile from the second week after giving birth. Use contraception again from the second week if you do not want to become pregnant. In case of full breastfeeding, it is best to start with contraception four to six weeks after giving birth. Breastfeeding does offer some protection, but strict rules must be followed.

• Are you breastfeeding? Then choose a condom or a contraceptive without the hormone estrogen, such as the mini-pill, injection, the hormone rod or the hormone or copper IUD. These methods do not affect breastfeeding. The pill, contraceptive ring and contraceptive patch are discouraged because of the possible adverse effect of estrogen (via breastfeeding) on ​​the development of your baby.
• Are you bottle feeding? Then you can choose any form of contraception.

Sources:
https://www.uzleuven.be
https://www.mayoclinic.org