While there are no sex positions that are off-limits after a C-section, penetrative intercourse can irritate the incision or even tear it. This is why it’s important to get your doctor’s approval before you attempt sex.
It’s best to wait until your six-week checkup. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t try some fun foreplay and lubrication to get in the mood.
1. Vaginal Bleeding
Women who have had a C-section often have questions about when they can get back to their normal sexual activity. While it is generally recommended that women wait six weeks to resume sexual activity after a C-section, it is important for every woman to listen to her own body and follow her personal recovery timeline.
It’s also important for women to remember that sex after a C-section can be uncomfortable. This is due to the fact that the uterus may not have returned to its original size, and hormonal changes can suppress natural vaginal secretions. Women who use lubrication and engage in foreplay can help to make the experience more comfortable.
Women who have a C-section should always use a condom for protection, and they should avoid sex that involves penetrative positions. If sexual activity becomes painful, women should consult with a doctor immediately. It’s also important for women to be aware of the symptoms of an infection. Bleeding, pain or redness near the incision site can be signs of an infection and should be reported to a doctor right away.
2. Infection
C-sections cause scarring, which makes the area more prone to infection than a vaginal birth. Having sex can further increase the risk of infection by placing external stimulation near the incision site.
Most doctors advise women to wait at least six weeks before having penetrative sex after a C-section. This gives the incision time to heal and the cervix time to return to normal.
However, if you’re eager to resume sexual activity sooner than that, your doctor might give you the green light as long as you follow certain precautions. For example, you’ll need to use a condom to prevent bacterial infections and you’ll want to make sure you’re using lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly, Astroglide or Sliquid) that’s safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Many new moms assume sex after a c-section will be easier than sex after a vaginal birth because they’ve been spared from the trauma to the pelvic floor and hormonal shifts that occur during vaginal delivery. However, that’s not always the case, says Staci Tanouye, a board-certified OB-GYN who has had both vaginal and C-section deliveries herself.
3. Inflammation
Women who have had a C-section might not be eager to resume bedroom activities, but they should do so only after getting their doctor’s approval. Rushing into sex can irritate the incision, especially if the woman engages in sexual positions that push against it. Hormonal changes also suppress natural lubricants, making the incision site feel dry and sensitive.
Doctors generally recommend waiting about six weeks after a C-section to begin sexual activity. This allows the cervix to close and reduces the risk of infection. However, every woman is different. Some may be ready to begin sexual activity sooner than this.
Women who are breastfeeding can work around this timeline by using anal sex, but doctors typically advise against this because the movements can irritate and reopen the incision. Women who are not breastfeeding should use a condom to prevent pregnancy and to help protect the cervix from infection. For women who choose to have penetrative sex, they should wait up to eight or ten weeks before trying this. This also gives the cervix time to heal and close.
4. Damage to the Incision
It’s common for new mothers to have questions about their body after giving birth. For vaginal deliveries, this includes whether it’s safe to have sex and what positions might be comfortable for both parties. But the answers are slightly different for women who deliver via cesarean.
The most important thing to remember is that it’s usually best to wait until after your incision heals before you attempt sex. Most doctors recommend waiting around six weeks, which gives your incision and cervix time to close. This timeline also allows for a checkup with your doctor, which is important for your postpartum health.
During this healing period, you’ll likely notice that the area is tender, especially around the incision site. You can help reduce this by using plenty of lubrication and trying foreplay that doesn’t put too much pressure on the incision.
In general, sex after a c-section can be safe as long as you and your partner are both willing to take things slow. Experimenting with sex position and taking precautions can make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
5. Pain
Women who rush into sex before their bodies are ready risk complications including pain at the incision site. It’s also more likely to cause the cervix to open and increase the risk of infection. It’s recommended to wait for at least six weeks before engaging in penetrative sex after having a C-section, and get the go-ahead from your doctor.
It’s also important to remember that pelvic pain is common after pregnancy, despite whether you gave birth vaginally or by Cesarean. This is because your body is adapting to the demands of motherhood and adjusting to new hormones. It’s best to experiment with different sexual positions and use lubrication until you find one that feels comfortable for you and your partner.
Many women find that sex after a c-section is more painful than before, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. You can try to make it more pleasant by using lubrication, focusing on foreplay and engaging in slow, deep penetration to reduce pain. If it still doesn’t feel quite right, talk to your partner and experiment some more until you find what feels like a good fit for both of you.