How Should Postpartum Sexuality Be?

Sexual Intercourse After Vaginal Birth

Sexual intercourse after vaginal (normal) birth can generally be safely resumed from the sixth week after the postpartum period. This timeframe for postpartum sexual intercourse may vary depending on the mother's physical recovery and the doctor's recommendations.

• Important note: 40 days is the minimum recommended time for the uterus and vagina to recover, physical fatigue to decrease, and safe sexual intercourse to occur.
• Sexual intimacy doesn't just mean penetrative intercourse; touching, kissing, and cuddling are also important parts of sexual intimacy.

Sexuality After Cesarean Birth

Sexual intercourse after a C-section is planned based on the mother's physical recovery . Women who have had vaginal stitches or a C-section can safely resume sexual intercourse after a doctor's appointment.

The general consensus is that it takes six weeks for a postpartum woman to recover mentally and physically. However, heavy discharge during this period can cause difficulties, and that postpartum intercourse can actually begin after the 40th day . This 40-day period allows the uterus and vagina time to recover , return to their original state, and reduce physical fatigue.

What we understand by the term " sexual intercourse " is crucial here. Underlining that touching, hugging, and kissing are among the most important ways to establish sexual intimacy after birth, we can say that it's appropriate to begin sex immediately after birth.

What truly matters is that couples feel ready for sex, and this timeframe can vary. Even if intercourse is delayed, initiating sexual intimacy immediately after birth will be beneficial for both the woman and the man, as well as the couple's relationship. Undoubtedly, this sense of closeness and the positive impact it has on the couple's relationship will also positively impact the baby's development.

Postpartum Period and Sexuality

Postpartum sex life encompasses a period of postpartum recovery, both physically and mentally. During this period, women adapt to the role of motherhood and experience the effects of both hormonal and emotional changes.

Caring for a baby is a source of joy for new parents, but it also presents unusual challenges and can be tiring. At the same time, the house becomes crowded. Undoubtedly, it becomes more difficult to enjoy sexual pleasure during the postpartum period. There is also a risk of experiencing postpartum blues and developing postpartum depression.

Along with psychological processes, women also experience physiological changes. Postpartum hormonal changes and the hormones released during breastfeeding can lead to a decrease in a woman's sexual desire and arousal, and vaginal lubrication may be delayed or absent. Because human sexuality is not solely determined by hormones but is also influenced by social conditions, some women may experience no change in their sexual lives. Undoubtedly, a sexual life that can be maintained without problems allows a woman to feel desirable, attractive, and appreciated again, despite her changing body, and positively impacts her mental health.

Researchers have found that women return to their pre-pregnancy sexual frequency within an average of 12 weeks postpartum. It's generally accepted that couples who had a pleasurable sex life before pregnancy also experience pleasure during the postpartum period.

Breastfeeding and Sexual Life

It can have both positive and negative effects. Breastfeeding is known to offer numerous advantages for the child. Providing these benefits strengthens a woman's sense of femininity, and feeling more feminine can increase sexual desire. It's also been reported that women who breastfeed experience a shorter physical recovery period. While some studies report that breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy sexual desire and activity levels earlier, others suggest that breastfeeding negatively impacts sexual activity.

As long as breastfeeding continues, the hormone prolactin remains elevated, and it's known that this hormone can reduce sexual desire and delay vaginal lubrication. Pain during intercourse can be alleviated with the use of a lubricating cream.

On the other hand, during sexual intercourse, milk may come from the breasts, and to prevent this from causing distress, overstimulation of the breasts should be avoided.

Postpartum Pain and Sexual Intercourse

Pain during intercourse after childbirth, or more accurately, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), is a common condition. Changing hormones reduce sexual desire, arousal, and this decreased arousal leads to little or no vaginal lubrication, leading to painful intercourse. Recurring pain increases reluctance, and the vicious cycle continues as desire and arousal and lubrication decrease. As can be seen, this condition is often physiological and resolves spontaneously as hormones return to their previous levels. The use of lubricants can prevent pain during this temporary period. Pain during intercourse after childbirth will actually decrease with prolonged intercourse, increased stimulation, and increased vaginal lubrication.

• The pain usually subsides on its own as hormone levels return to normal.
• The use of lubricants provides temporary relief.
• Appropriate product recommendations can be obtained from your gynecologist.

If you discuss your problem with your obstetrician, he or she will recommend a suitable lubricant. If the problem persists, it's important to seek professional help for a differential diagnosis.

Aesthetic Concerns and Sexuality

Women who experience weight gain, aesthetic concerns due to changing bodies, or dislike themselves may avoid sex and intimacy after giving birth out of fear of being undesirable to their partners. A woman needs to know that she can still look attractive and still be desirable, and she needs to receive feedback from her partner on this matter.

It's important to keep in mind that men may also have challenges with their new role, may feel excluded from the mother-baby relationship, may have concerns about the inappropriateness of requesting sex from someone who has just given birth, and may also seek understanding and support. Sharing these concerns will also help resolve the issue.

Postpartum Sexual Tips for Couples

It's important to remember that the postpartum and postpartum period are temporary. It's crucial for partners to anticipate potential challenges from the very beginning of pregnancy and strive to maintain sexual intimacy, making it a conversational opportunity. The period following birth is a time for partners to adjust to their new roles and responsibilities. During this period, the baby's caregiver will undoubtedly require the support of extended family. Creating a living space at home, despite the crowds, striving for even brief periods of solitude, and arranging the baby's own room will protect both the couple's relationship and their sexual life.

Beyond all this, women experience both physiological and psychological changes in the postpartum period, and loss of sexual desire can often occur during this period. For more detailed information on this topic, you can review our article "What is Low Sexual Desire in Women? "

Undoubtedly, the needs of the child are important, but considering the difficulties of this period, sexual pleasure is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time for ourselves due to its easily accessible feature.

Additionally, you can read the page "How to Be Sexual During Pregnancy ." You can find practical information and advice on how to be sexually active during pregnancy. You can also check out the page " Menopause and Sexual Life in Women ." This page provides practical information about menopause and sexual life in women.