Physical and psychological aspects of sexual life after cesarean section. Intimate life after caesarean section

After giving birth, a woman begins a new difficult stage of life, however, this does not in any way cancel out her joy and pleasure. But the list of issues that concern the new mother and her immediate circle is growing to incredible proportions. And one of the most pressing is the question of resuming intimate life. They are especially often asked by those women who have had a caesarean section.

Sexual life after cesarean

If natural delivery is not possible, the woman has a caesarean section. This is a surgical intervention that involves a dissection of the abdominal cavity and an incision on the body of the uterus, which is sutured after removing the child. That is, the suture is placed not only on the stomach, but also on the uterus. If the healing process of the external scar can be observed, then it is very difficult to vouch for the exact timing of restoration of the internal suture; a number of observations and examinations are required here. During this period, the woman is shown “sexual rest,” that is, the absence of sex.

After a caesarean section, sutures are placed not only on the abdominal cavity, but also on the wall of the uterus

Time frame for restoration of genital organs

Internal wounds take longer and are more painful to heal than external ones. And a woman after a cesarean section should be prepared for the fact that for some time after the operation the sutures will bleed, causing pain. Of course, during such a period it is unlikely that a young mother will want sex. As a rule, the question “is it possible?” occurs 7–10 days after surgery. And here you need to know the nuances of postoperative recovery. The healing process of the uterus depends on the rate at which scar tissue grows. The faster it thickens, the sooner the woman can return to the joys of love. On average, by 4–5 weeks after cesarean there is already a thin layer, and by 8–10 weeks, if there are no complications, the scar will become quite strong so that sexual relations can be resumed. That is, in the absence of contraindications, after examination by a gynecologist and ultrasound, approximately 2–2.5 months after cesarean, you can have sex.

Internal sutures heal slower than external ones

How to understand what is possible

A woman’s readiness to resume sexual life is determined by physiological and psychological indicators.

Physiological signs

The fact that healing has been completed can be concluded from the following external signs:

In addition, it is very important to evaluate the condition of the uterus. To do this, you need to go for an ultrasound, which will allow the doctor to draw conclusions and give or not give the go-ahead.

Psychological aspect

The postpartum period is also characterized by hormonal changes, which, in turn, leaves an imprint on the mental state of the woman.

Internal complexes

If the caesarean section was not planned, then many women, without having time to prepare mentally, after the operation begin to feel embarrassed about the suture, that is, a complex arises about the aesthetics of their own body. By the way, even if a cesarean section was agreed upon in advance, this does not eliminate the embarrassment about the stitch on the abdomen during intimacy.

Another reason to doubt your attractiveness is stretch marks and weight gain. You can get rid of these consequences quite quickly, just choose a competent set of physical exercises and adjust your menu, but both are prohibited or very strictly (!) limited during the healing period of the sutures and the period of breastfeeding. Of course, in this case, only the support of a loved one who loves the “ugly, fat” woman, not for her figure, but just like that, will help.

Sometimes humor is the most effective way to overcome a psychological barrier

This is interesting. If complexes intensify and new ones are added to them, then it makes sense to consult a psychologist.

Maternal instinct

Love for her child, which completely fills a woman’s world, sometimes displaces a man. And the new mother simply does not notice her once beloved husband. In this case, the woman herself must harmonize the components of her happy life so that there is a place and time for everyone. And the man will have to patiently and diplomatically remind him of his presence. Flowers, kind words, walks, etc. - There are no trifles in this matter.

Frequent feedings and caring for the baby can push a man out of a woman’s world

Cinderella syndrome

With the birth of a child, a woman’s volume of daily responsibilities does not decrease, but only increases: washing, cleaning, cooking, children - all this rests on the mother’s shoulders. Moreover, such a set does not always mean only physical fatigue; moral fatigue, which does not allow you to relax, is much more dangerous. Exit: a hot bath, beautiful lingerie, romance by candlelight - and everything will gradually return to normal.

Causes of pain during sex after cesarean section

Even if there are no obstacles to resuming intimate life: the stitches have healed, there is no discharge, there is attraction, contact can cause unpleasant, painful sensations. This is due to:

• lack of natural lubrication (again, this is due to psychological constraint, which leads to a decrease in arousal);
• overcrowding of the intestines or bladder (and often the woman does not even feel the urge yet, and the body reacts by refusing sex);
• weakness of muscles and ligaments after childbirth (carrying a child affects the elasticity of tissues, the condition of ligaments, etc.).

Pain may be a symptom of a serious health problem

In addition, pain can be caused by:

• mycoplasmosis;
• candidiasis;
• ureaplasmosis;
• chlamydia;
• gardnerellosis;
• genital herpes.

As a rule, pain is not the only symptom of these diseases. They are accompanied by:

• itching;
• burning;
• discharge of pus from the vagina during sexual intercourse.

In other words, pain during sex is a reason to go to the doctor to rule out infections, as well as choose the appropriate therapy if one is detected.

This is interesting. If the doctor confirms the presence of infection, then the nursing mother will be treated with antibiotics locally, and at the end of the lactation period orally.

Video: a doctor’s view of intimate life after childbirth

Saving oral sex

Human nature is such that if some doors are closed in front of him, he is sure to look for others to open. It’s the same with intimacy after a caesarean section: vaginal penetration is prohibited, but there are oral and anal sex. Regarding the latter, there is no need to delude yourself, the situation will be the same as with traditional sex: a ban for 2–2.5 months. There is only one loophole with oral sex: only a man can receive pleasure in this way. The fact is that a woman should not experience orgasm during the recovery period, as the uterus will begin to contract, and this can lead to complications in its healing.

Oral sex during the postoperative period can cause contractions of the uterus, which will lead to divergence of the sutures

The conclusion can be drawn as follows: oral caresses by a man are an acceptable way to return carnal pleasures to the life of a couple after a caesarean section during the healing days of the sutures, provided that the woman does not experience strong arousal. Otherwise, the uterus may still begin to contract.

Masturbation

Self-satisfaction is one of the ways to revive sex in a couple. Especially if a woman experiences a complex due to fear of pain during penetration of the penis into the vagina. Doctors believe that after 1.5–2 months, after the lochia has completely disappeared, a woman can masturbate. Before this period, there is a high risk of infections entering the vagina. At the same time, the danger of sutures diverging is still present, because during the process of caressing, excitement occurs, and therefore contraction of the uterus.

The search for alternative ways to obtain pleasure in the absence of a full-fledged sex life draws a woman’s attention to masturbation

Why does a woman want to masturbate after surgery?

The desire to have pleasure in itself does not require explanation. However, some women have such a strong desire to masturbate that it begins to bother them. In fact, having considered all the reasons for such an increased interest in one’s body, we can conclude that there is nothing seditious about it.

When not to

Despite the loyal attitude of doctors towards masturbation after cesarean section, there are several contraindications:

• soreness of the sutures;
• injuries to the uterus that were received during childbirth, requiring particularly careful medical supervision;
• complications of postpartum recovery (bleeding and resulting anemia, infections, etc.).

How can

This question concerns, first of all, the choice of pose. Usually, the traditional position for self-satisfaction turns out to be uncomfortable and even painful after surgery. Therefore, a woman needs to slowly choose the most advantageous location. And also do not forget that:

• hands and vagina should be perfectly clean;
• caresses are limited only to the external genitalia;
• Until complete recovery, you should not insert fingers or other special objects into the vagina for self-satisfaction.

The main rule for masturbation after childbirth is clean hands.

Looking for orgasm

Achieving the peak of pleasure from sexual arousal in a woman is 90% due to the psychological factors described above: stress, caring for a child, internal complexes. This not only reduces desire, but also reduces the likelihood that a woman will have an orgasm.

This is interesting. Another reason for the lack of orgasm is that during lactation, the hormone prolactin is actively released in a woman’s body, which suppresses libido.

Lack of orgasm undoubtedly has a negative impact on a couple's sex life

How to fix the situation if there is no orgasm

After the physical and psychological stress of having a baby, a woman needs to create all the conditions for her sex life to return to normal.

1. Contraception. This is the most important question that a couple resuming intimate contacts must decide for themselves. After all, to achieve orgasm you need to relax, and the thought of a possible unplanned pregnancy completely eliminates this possibility. Considering that oral contraceptives are mostly contraindicated for breastfeeding women, and an intrauterine device can be placed only six months after a cesarean section, vaginal suppositories and condoms remain.
2. Tenderness. A man should be as attentive and sensitive to his woman as possible, because sharp thrusts, deep penetrations, pressure can damage the newly healed surface, and pain is a bad companion to pleasure.
3. Correct postures. The first months after the operation (up to six months), the couple will have to be content with positions that exclude deep penetration and pressure on the lower abdomen (for example, when the man is on the side, the knee-elbow position, the standing position from behind, etc.). So it’s worth paying special attention to foreplay, which will help you get in the right mood and get excited.
4. Lubricant. The first penetration after a long break can cause a woman discomfort associated with vaginal dryness. In such conditions, the hope of obtaining pleasure is very slim. Therefore, it is worth taking care of lubrication in advance.

Gifts, gentle words and leisurely foreplay will do their job on the way to achieving the desired orgasm

Immediately after the completion of the postoperative recovery period, it may not be possible to achieve orgasm. This is normal and reversible. 1–1.5 months after the resumption of sexual activity, everything should fall into place: ligaments, tissues, muscles will become toned.

This is interesting. If after 4 weeks of regular sex in compliance with all medical recommendations, a woman still cannot experience an orgasm, despite the fact that the couple did not have such a problem before giving birth, it is worth contacting a specialist: first a gynecologist, and then, after excluding physiological causes, a psychologist or a sexologist.

Video: experience of first sex after cesarean

Intimate life after cesarean section is a very important issue that requires careful study by the woman and her partner. Only if you follow all the recommendations regarding the resumption of sexual intercourse can you expect that sex after childbirth will bring the same pleasure as it was before. And maybe it will even give you even more vivid and unforgettable sensations.

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A caesarean section is a surgical procedure performed when childbirth cannot be achieved naturally. The operation consists of dissecting the abdominal cavity and making an incision on the reproductive organ. As you understand, the structural elements of a woman’s female reproductive system are affected and it takes a lot of time to restore them.

Women who have had to go through this should be prepared for the fact that the wounds do not heal as quickly as they would like, and the stitches can bleed and cause severe discomfort and pain. Sexual activity after a cesarean section is possible, but not immediately, because the body must be completely rehabilitated. Otherwise, infection and rupture of the sutures in the uterus and abdominal cavity may occur.

When can you start...?

Answer to the question “When can you have sex after a cesarean section?” - ambiguous. Some mothers believe that they need to wait until the body is fully restored, which takes a maximum of six months. Others, on the contrary, rush things, and soon after the operation they succumb to temptation. But the main thing is to find a “golden mean”, taking into account the doctor’s recommendations.

It is important to know that it takes 6-8 weeks for a woman’s body to recover from surgery associated with childbirth. Only after they have passed can you begin to fulfill your marital duty. Everything should get better gradually. The specified period is conditional, because all people are individual. For example, one woman’s body is able to return to its normal state after 4 weeks, while for another, 8 weeks will not be enough. In order not to harm yourself, you need to be extremely careful about your health and psychological state.

Doctors, regarding when you can sleep with your husband after a caesarean section, say that you should return to intimacy if you are confident that postpartum lochia (bloody discharge) has ended. There should also be no problems with the seams; this can be determined through an ultrasound examination. After the doctor is convinced that there is no threat of suture dehiscence, he will tell you more specifically when it will be possible to please your husband. You must also be prepared for this psychologically, evidence of this is the feeling of attraction to the father of your child.

According to statistics, 10% of women in labor have the physiological ability to return to intimacy after four weeks after artificial birth, another 10% cannot be rehabilitated even by the eighth week. But in 80% of cases, women do not meet the deadline for more than six weeks.

Physiological aspects

When you can be sexually active after a caesarean section depends on the individual characteristics of each woman. But so that this does not result in suppuration, suture dehiscence, or infection, you need to be sensitive to your body. A few valuable tips will help with this.

1. There is no need to rush, wait for the end of postpartum uterine bleeding. Examine the reproductive organ for the condition of the sutures; it should be satisfactory. In this case, having sex will not harm the body.
2. To avoid an extraordinary pregnancy, you need to take care of contraception in advance. Do not forget that birth control pills are contraindicated during breastfeeding, and an intrauterine device can only be inserted after 6 months. after childbirth. You will have to choose between barrier-type protection products and suppositories for the vagina.
3. It is very important for a man to be extremely careful during sex, so that careless movements do not damage the recently healed surfaces. At the beginning of the resumption of sexual activity, penetration is deeply contraindicated. For at least 6 months you will have to be content with having sex in classic positions.

What is the difference between children born by Caesarean section and other babies?

Intimate life after a cesarean section may initially be accompanied by unpleasant sensations and pain. These phenomena are natural, so there is no need to worry. It will take a little time for the internal tissues, muscle fibers, and ligaments to become toned.

Scientific studies have shown that during the period of feeding a newborn, a woman’s body produces the same hormones as during intimate intimacy with a man. This can explain the decrease in desire and reluctance to have sex.

Psychological barriers

Married couples often face a problem when intimate life after a caesarean section cannot be restored due to a psychological condition. In this case, the woman needs to work on restoring her mental balance; the “happiness” of her intimate life greatly depends on it.

Barrier 1 - complexes due to appearance. Often, female representatives who have undergone a cesarean section are embarrassed by the stitches left after the operation, as well as stretch marks after bearing a child. And if this is accompanied by excess weight and manifestations of cellulite, then it is very difficult to stop the development of complexes. If you are faced with this particular problem, then you need to consult a psychologist. Remember that men choose their wives not only for an attractive body; very soon it will be possible to go in for sports and bring it back to normal.

Barrier 2 - love for your child. Everyone's maternal instinct is developed differently. Some women completely forget to pay attention to their husband, which is absolutely forbidden to do, because this threatens the breakup of the family. If you do not want to later become a single mother, then you need to find time and desire for the one to whom you are dear.

Barrier 3 - chronic fatigue. After childbirth, a woman needs proper rest; this will help her recover faster after surgery. But she has to constantly take care of the child, and at the same time, run the household. All this together leads to chronic fatigue, not physical, but moral. Moral relaxation will help a woman get rid of it. Shopping and a romantic dinner help you get into the right frame of mind.

Suture after caesarean section and everything from its application to removal

The main thing is not only to know when you can make love after a caesarean section, but also to show patience and attention towards each other.

You have become a mother, but this does not mean that you have ceased to be a woman and a sexual partner. Whatever one may say, a caesarean section is a surgical intervention that leaves behind a certain trace in the form of a wound. During the operation, the woman’s internal genital organs are also affected, so a certain period of recovery will be required.

The situation of women after caesarean section

Compared to a natural birth, a caesarean section requires recovery time. The young mother's body is weakened. In addition, fatigue is accompanied by contractile pain in the uterus and mammary glands. It is not surprising that during this time a woman does not even think about sex life, and a man should support her in this and not put pressure on her. Caesarean section is also associated with a postoperative wound, which requires special attention. A woman suffers from a swollen belly and a pink scar. In addition, local pain around the scar will begin a few weeks after surgery. After the wound has healed and the crust has fallen off, the stitches will begin to pull. Although, as a rule, the scar no longer hurts, during this period the woman may feel numbness, burning, and itching.

It happens that at the site of wound healing, tissue thickening is observed, which requires surgical intervention. When it comes to wound care, in the first few days after scars heal, you can wash them with unscented soap and water. Women should wear breathable clothing and avoid artificial materials.

Sexual life after cesarean section: when to start

As you can see, in the first weeks after surgery, the condition does not allow women to live to their full potential, and the healing process depends on the individual capabilities of the body. Most often, doctors recommend 6 weeks of abstinence, or as long as the body requires, because some women in labor will need more time to regain strength, which is an extremely difficult task for the body and nervous system. Sometimes a couple has to wait up to three months.

You need to know that the more a partner supports his woman, the faster she can recover. Therefore, child care must be shared between two parents.

One of the main reasons that a woman refuses sex, even after 6-8 weeks, is vaginal dryness. However, this is not a problem, because today there are ways to help reduce friction. Therefore, if there is a problem such as an insufficient amount of natural lubrication, you can resort to the use of lubricants.

Major psychological problems

It happens that a woman does not want to start sexual relations after a CS. There has been no discharge for a long time and the stitches have tightened, and the doctor gave his permission. What is happening and what is preventing you from returning to your old life is often not understood by both partners. In fact, psychological problems may be to blame. Let's look in more detail at what exactly can interfere with a woman.

After the birth of a child, every woman is recommended to regain her strength, and for this she needs proper rest. But what kind of vacation can we talk about when there is a small child in the house, unwashed dishes and other household chores that have not gone away after childbirth?

Complexes

Everything seems to indicate that it’s time to start being sexually active, but changes in appearance quickly develop complexes. Stretch marks, stitches, possible fatness, and on top of all this, moral and physical fatigue simply completely kills this desire. In such a situation, a woman needs to please herself with something. For example, leave your husband with the child and go shopping, buy yourself a beautiful dress, underwear, robe. Perhaps even have a romantic dinner (while the baby is sleeping). All this will help not only lift your spirits, relax, but also tune in to the right wave.

Taking care of the child

Some women have such a strong love for their child that caring for him leads to the fact that the husband remains in the background. For this reason, sexual life may not resume very soon. This is wrong, and a young mother needs to think about whether she wants to raise a child alone? After all, few men can stand the lack of sex and attention from their spouse.

Physical health problems are only half the problem. Sexual activity may not begin after a caesarean section due to a disturbance in the psycho-emotional state. In such a situation, a man must act. Love and care for the woman you love will help eliminate the lack of sexual desire.

Timing: when can you start Physiology Psychological aspects

A caesarean section performed as a result of the impossibility of natural childbirth involves an incision in the abdominal cavity and an incision in the uterus. This type of surgery affects a woman’s genitals, so they require a certain period of recovery.

Wounds heal slowly, external and internal stitches often bleed and cause discomfort and pain. In this regard, sexual activity after a caesarean section is not immediately possible. The body must be given enough time for complete rehabilitation to avoid infection and rupture of the sutures. This may take weeks and even months - in terms of timing, the recovery interval after surgery is very individual.

Timing: when can I start?

Some women believe that sexual activity after a cesarean section can only begin six months later, when the body has completely returned to normal, so they are in no hurry to do so. Others, on the contrary, eagerly want to experience all the joys of sex again and give in to their husband’s persuasion too early. Ideally, a golden mean is needed here: there are medical recommendations that determine when, after a CS, intimate life can be resumed.

It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the body to recover after a cesarean section. It is at the end of this period that the couple can and should gradually return to their marital responsibilities and sex life. 6-8 weeks is a very arbitrary period, since one female body will recover after a cesarean section already in the 4th week after the operation, while for another even 8 weeks will not be enough. Therefore, a young mother should be attentive to her own health, both physiologically and psycho-emotionally. Doctors say that you can begin sexual activity after a cesarean section if postpartum lochia (bloody discharge after surgery) has ended and there are no problems with the stitches. To make sure of the latter, you must undergo an ultrasound to know what condition the stitches are in and whether having sex can cause them to separate. After the examination, the doctor will professionally advise whether you need to wait a little longer with this matter or you can already please your husband with the long-awaited news. Think about whether you are psychologically ready to resume sexual activity? If you feel attracted to your man again and want it, then the time has come and there is nothing to be afraid of.

The question of when it is possible to be sexually active after a cesarean section is decided individually in each individual case. 6-8 weeks is a conditional period that can only be used as a guide. After a thorough examination, the doctor can tell you for sure whether the time has come or whether you should wait a little longer. Moreover, it can only take into account the physiological preparedness of the body, while an equally important role here is played by the woman’s psychological mood.

A little about the timing. According to statistics, about 10% of women, after a 4-week period after a cesarean section, are already fully recovered and ready for sexual activity from a physiological point of view. Another 10% of mothers do not have time to rehabilitate even by 8 weeks after birth due to complications and individual characteristics. The remaining 80% falls within the interval from 6 to 8 weeks.

Physiology

In order for intimate life after a cesarean section to be enjoyable and not lead to complications (festering, infection, suture dehiscence, etc.), you need to listen sensitively to the body and know whether it is ready to return to sexual relations or not. A few useful tips will help young couples resume full-fledged sex without harming the woman’s health.

Wait until postpartum lochia ends before you start having sex. After this, undergo an ultrasound. The doctor must give a conclusion that the condition of the sutures is satisfactory and sexual activity does not threaten their divergence. Consider the issue of contraception so that sexual life after cesarean does not soon end in another pregnancy. During the lactation period, most birth control pills are contraindicated for a young mother. An intrauterine device can be placed only six months after a cesarean section. You will have to choose between a condom and vaginal suppositories (suppositories, tablets, ointments, etc.). A man must understand that all his movements during sex should be as careful, smooth, and gentle as possible, so as not to damage only the recently healed surface. Deep penetration, roughness, harshness, pressure in the first months of sexual life are excluded. For six months, enjoy only classic positions that exclude deep penetration. During the first intimate intimacy that occurs after surgery, a young woman may feel discomfort and even pain, but they are natural, so there is no need to feel complex or worry about it. Tissues, ligaments, muscles - everything should stretch and tone. Give your body a little time - and soon it will return to normal. Some impatient couples, trying to resume sexual activity as quickly as possible, despite a caesarean section, try to replace classical forms of sex with others. It is unacceptable. Firstly, any penetration (even with fingers or tongue) into the vagina ahead of time is fraught with infection. Secondly, a female orgasm, if it is too violent, can provoke tension in the pelvic organs, and the seams will come apart.

So, after completing the rehabilitation period after a cesarean section, you need to engage in intimate life with the utmost care, in accordance with these recommendations and the doctor’s permission. Sex is strictly prohibited in the presence of genital infections and inflammation in both partners, lingering lochia and bleeding sutures.

In addition to all this, the couple must understand that by the time of the first sexual intercourse after a cesarean section, the man must also undergo examination and be absolutely healthy. Sometimes psycho-emotional factors interfere with the resumption of full sexual life.

Scientific fact. As scientists have found, during breastfeeding a woman releases hormones that are similar in action to the hormones produced by the body during sex. This is what explains the decrease in libido and the reluctance to resume sexual activity (most often this happens just after a cesarean section).

Psychological moments

Often, the onset of sexual activity after cesarean section is complicated not by physiological difficulties and problems. It seems like the lochia has stopped, and the stitches have healed, and the doctor gave permission, but something is constantly getting in the way. Moreover, both spouses often do not understand what is happening. Because of this, the relationship in a couple can be upset. And the reason in most cases lies in the psychological discomfort that a woman experiences after a caesarean section. Therefore, she will have to work on herself and restore peace of mind, on which sexual attraction to a partner and the intimate life of a couple largely depend. How to do it?

Complexes about appearance

Very often, after a cesarean section, young mothers feel embarrassed about the stitches and stretch marks on their bodies. And if the matter is further complicated by excess weight with manifestations of cellulite, then internal complexes develop at cosmic speed. At the same time, it is impossible to fully engage in sports due to surgery, diets are contraindicated due to lactation. All this results in the refusal of sex to the beloved man.

If there is such a problem with sex life, it needs to be solved with the help of a psychologist. After all, your husband probably loves you not only for your beautiful body? Moreover, you will soon be able to start playing sports and will quickly return to normal.

Love for a child

Sometimes a woman’s maternal instinct is so strongly developed that with the birth of her baby, she practically forgets about the existence of her husband. She gives all her care, affection, and love to the new family member. It is quite understandable that in such a situation, even after the rehabilitation period after a cesarean section, the spouse is in no hurry to resume sexual activity. It's time to stop and think: are you really ready to become a single mother? After all, no man can stand a long absence of sex.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

After a cesarean section, a young mother is advised to get plenty of rest in order to recover after the operation. In fact, she has to take care of the child and at the same time continue to run the house. Cooking, cleaning, washing, shopping, feeding, walking, children's consultations - all this falls on the fragile shoulders of a woman.

And now it seems that the postpartum discharge has already gone away, the pain in the lower abdomen has stopped, there are no problems with the suture, and there has been no sexual activity. And it’s not even a matter of physical fatigue, but moral one. To want intimacy again, you need to relax, buy yourself beautiful erotic lingerie, have a romantic dinner by candlelight at home - all this will help you get in the right frame of mind.

To restore sexual activity after a cesarean section, patience and attention are required from both spouses. The absence of health problems and complications after childbirth is only half the solution to the problem. It is necessary for a woman to feel comfortable psycho-emotionally. If her husband makes her feel that she is loved as before and even more, there will hardly be any difficulties with sexual attraction.

After cesarean section, sexual activity does not begin immediately. A woman needs time to restore her body. After childbirth, the body experiences enormous stress. Lack of sleep, psychological state, pain and other aspects play important roles.

What is a caesarean section?

A caesarean section is performed if it is not possible to give birth to the baby naturally. The fetus may be positioned incorrectly, poor health of the mother in labor, a number of diseases, extreme situations, etc. During the operation, the abdominal cavity is dissected and a uterine incision is made. This surgical intervention affects the genitals of the woman in labor. Therefore, after surgery they need recovery.

Is it possible to start sexual activity immediately after a cesarean section?

After a cesarean section, postoperative wounds often heal very slowly. Sutures, both external and internal, can bleed heavily. This creates not only discomfort and pain. After childbirth, a woman's genitals are very vulnerable to any infection. Therefore, doctors do not recommend starting sexual activity immediately after childbirth. This can be deadly for a woman.

How long does it take for the body to recover after a cesarean section?

Some women after a cesarean section want to resume sexual activity as quickly as possible. But the body needs time to recover after such an operation. At a minimum, to avoid suture rupture and infection. Since the human body is strictly individual, this takes weeks for some, and months for others.

When can you start having sex after a cesarean section?

There are recommendations from doctors when you can resume sexual activity after a cesarean section. In most cases, it takes six to eight weeks for the body to recover. It is necessary that the placenta attaches to the uterus and the suture heal. After this period is over, you can slowly start having sex again.

But this period is conditional. Some organisms recover within a month, while others take much longer. Even if the seam on the skin has healed quickly, this does not mean that the uterus has recovered from the operation.

If an episiotomy (surgical cutting of the perineum) was performed during a caesarean section, you should abstain from sex for approximately three months while the post-operative scar heals.

How to make sure that you can return to normal sex life?

Doctors are confident that if there are no complications, then sexual activity can begin as soon as the bleeding after the operation (lochia) has stopped, and there are no problems with the sutures. In order to verify this, you need to perform an ultrasound. This procedure shows how strong the stitches are and whether they will come apart during sex.

Even if a woman feels that she is ready to resume sexual activity and has a desire, consultation and permission from a doctor are necessary. Only a specialist will be able to determine how the postoperative suture is healing.

Besides the stitches, the fact is that after the placenta separates from the uterus, an open wound is formed. We must not allow it to become infected. Therefore, any tampons are excluded, as is sexual activity. Until the wound heals completely.

Statistics

After cesarean section, sexual activity begins no earlier than a month later. According to statistics, the bodies of 10 percent of women after surgery fully recover within four weeks. And from a physiological point of view, you can already begin to be sexually active again. Another 10% of women, due to the individual characteristics of the body and complications, cannot be rehabilitated even after 8 weeks. The remaining 80% recover after cesarean in a period of 1.5 to 2 months.

Physiological side

After a cesarean section, a woman needs to listen to her body. Before resuming sexual activity, you need to wait until the bleeding stops. After this, do an ultrasound and consult a doctor.

At first it is necessary to use contraceptives. But during the lactation period, birth control pills are most often contraindicated, and the IUD can only be inserted six months after surgery. The best options are condoms or vaginal suppositories.

The onset of sexual activity after cesarean section should be gentle. The man must move very carefully, smoothly, to avoid damaging the recently healed stitches. In the first months, sharp, rough movements, pressure and deep penetrations are excluded. For six months, only classic poses are recommended.

During the first intimate relationship after surgery, a woman may feel discomfort. Pain often appears after a caesarean section. But these feelings will pass over time. Ligaments, muscles and tissues of the body will stretch and become toned. This takes time.

Some ardent couples, in the very first months after resuming sexual life, try to replace classic poses with others. This should not be allowed, since penetration of fingers and even tongue can introduce bacteria into the body. Another danger is if the woman reacts violently. In this case, the tension may cause the seams that have not yet strengthened to separate.

According to scientists, during breastfeeding a woman produces hormones similar to those produced during sex. This often explains the reluctance to resume sexual activity. And this happens most often after a cesarean section.

After cesarean section, sex life fades into the background for women. The thing is that a woman in labor is not adapted to a quick return to sex. The partner will have to be patient, since prolactin (the maternal hormone) forces the woman to focus only on the newborn. The body is very “busy” at this time. He is engaged in feeding the offspring. At the same time, sexual desire is not perceived by him as parallel and is considered less important. This condition goes away after some time.

At first after surgery, a woman may not always experience orgasm. For some, it takes about a year to experience the same pleasure again. But 40 percent of women note that after a while they began to experience orgasm twice as often.

Psychological side

At first, when sexual activity resumes after cesarean section, a woman often experiences fear of sex. Fatigue, worries about the child, sleepless nights, and depression are largely to blame. Most often, the first time after resuming sexual life, it will not give the same pleasure as before.

In such a situation, a woman needs to talk to her partner and tell her about her fears. And the man must be patient and not only support her morally, but also help with household chores and let her get enough sleep if possible.

A woman often feels unattractive. After childbirth, the stomach and chest sag greatly. Excess weight often gets in the way. But this can only be corrected over time. During this period, a man needs to be more attentive to his soul mate. Over time, the desire will return. To “stimulate”, doctors often recommend romantic dates or watching erotic films together.

Pain after caesarean section during sex

After a cesarean section, pain may occur during sex. Moreover, their localization most often changes. They can also appear in the vagina. The thing is that the hormonal process of contraction of the uterus and vagina starts, but it was not subject to deformation. Discomfort during sex is experienced due to excessive contraction.

Sexual activity after a caesarean section in the absence of lubrication can cause severe pain to the woman. Often the reason is psychological constraint. In such cases, you can use special hygienic gels or lubricants. If during sex there is a sharp pain or discharge begins, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Do's and don'ts after cesarean section

You cannot begin sexual activity if your partners have sexually transmitted infections or inflammations. And also if the lochia has healed and the sutures continue to bleed. Before starting sexual activity after surgery, the partner must undergo a full examination. Anal sex and heavy lifting are strictly prohibited.

What can you do after a cesarean section? It is necessary to use contraceptives to avoid pregnancy, since the next one can be planned only after two years. Over time, you can start choosing a pose. This must be done very carefully and gradually. The most successful will be those in which the woman herself can control her own movements. Most often this is the “on top” position.

Recovery after cesarean

During the first period of recovery after cesarean section, the woman is prescribed bed rest. She should lie in bed from 3 to 12 hours. You need to get up carefully, without sudden movements, slowly and preferably gradually. It's best in someone's presence. You can start sitting up only on the third day after cesarean section.

If the operation was performed under general anesthesia and gurgling and wheezing are felt in the chest, you need to cough to get rid of the mucus accumulated in the lungs. Rocking in a chair, deep breathing and eliminating any foods that can make you gassy and carbonated drinks from your diet will help you cope with gas.

If constipation begins, physical activity (but moderate), dried fruits and vegetables help to normalize stool. All of the above can be reflected in the psychological background of a woman. And during this period, sexual desire is reduced.

During the recovery period after a caesarean section, lubrication is often poorly produced. In this case, active petting helps a lot. You can use aphrodisiacs or incense. To minimize stress on the abdomen and hips in the first months, it is best to use the “back” or “missionary” position. You can try others gradually, but at the same time pay attention so that pressure on the vagina does not cause pain.

Sex after cesarean is an important aspect of motherhood. All couples have questions about starting sexual activity after surgery. To obtain permission from a gynecologist, a number of restorative measures must be followed. The patient will need some time to go through the recovery period. Only after this can the issue of starting a sexual life be decided.

Recovery period

Sexual activity after a caesarean section is possible only with the permission of a specialist. The order in which the body recovers must be taken into account. The following conditions must be met:

suture healing; cleansing the uterine cavity from lochia; rejection of a variety of poses; doctor's permission; availability of protective equipment.

The main aspect at the beginning of sexual life after surgery is the complete healing of the sutures. Particular attention should be paid to the suture on the uterus. Caesarean section is an abdominal intervention performed in various ways. Most doctors cut through the abdominal tissue above the pubic area at the junction of hair growth. This placement of the seam allows the scar to remain invisible. During the operation, tissues are held together with various materials. A staple or self-dissolving thread is placed on the uterus. Gradually, the junction of the wound edges is covered with scar cells. Increased cell division causes the formation of a postoperative scar.

The first weeks after surgery, the scar is thin. The tissue covering the scar is thin, transparent. If sexual activity occurs early after a caesarean section, there is a risk of damage. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully monitor the healing of sutures. If the incision does not heal well, you should consult a doctor and refuse to resume sexual activity.

After surgery, the endometrium remains in the uterus. It is formed at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and is the basis for the attachment of the embryo. During pregnancy, the endometrium changes its structure. The flakes that appear are called lochia. After a natural birth, the uterus is cleansed in the delivery room. During a caesarean section, only the fetus and baby's place are removed from the uterus. The remaining tissue remains in the cavity. Lochia begins to emerge from the uterus the day after a cesarean section. They can be released for 4–6 weeks. By the end of 3 weeks, the discharge begins to lighten. Gradually, normal cervical discharge appears. Intimate life after a cesarean section is possible only against the background of complete cleansing of the uterine cavity from lochia.

Please note that sex after a caesarean section is only allowed in the missionary position. Whether it is possible to have sex in other positions can be answered by your attending physician. Sudden movements and strong muscle tension can lead to rupture of the uterine cavity. For this reason, contact should be carried out only in one position without deep penetration. This condition is also necessary for faster restoration of the size of the uterus. A variety of sexual contacts are accompanied by orgasm. In the first months after surgery, orgasm can affect the contractile function of the uterus. Restoring its shape will take longer.

Sex after a caesarean section must be approved by your doctor. Before this, you need to make sure that the woman does not have any complications.

To do this, a specialist performs ultrasound diagnostics. Diagnosis allows us to determine the thickness of the scar tissue and the presence of uneven healing. After the ultrasound, the woman must undergo a series of tests. The blood is examined for the presence of a high content of leukocytes. White blood cells indicate continuation of the healing process. If their number is increased, the body recovers. A smear is also examined for the composition of the microflora. After a cesarean section, the wound is an ideal environment for the proliferation of a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. The microflora of the uterus always contains opportunistic microorganisms. During surgery, these bacteria attack beneficial microflora. Healthy flora may be replaced by pathogenic flora. This can be determined using a smear that is taken from the walls of the vagina. If the woman is healthy by all indicators, the doctor gives permission for intimate life.

The patient is also advised to choose protective equipment. After surgery, early re-pregnancy is unacceptable. The onset of the next birth is possible only after 3–4 years. To avoid early conception, it is necessary to use various methods of protection. Preference should be given to tablet forms. Oral contraceptives consist of hormones. Since hormonal levels are disrupted after a caesarean section, this method of protection will have a positive effect on the patient’s health. Hormonal pills help the system quickly adapt to postpartum mode.

Timing of the onset of sexual activity

There is a lot of controversy about when you can have sex after a caesarean section. The timing is individual for each woman. They depend on the speed of recovery of the body. Sutures are removed on days 7–10. If complications arise, the date of removal of the threads is postponed. After this, the presence of scar tissue and its thickness in the uterus is examined. The formation of small tissue occurs 4–6 weeks after surgery. If we take these dates as a basis, then sex is allowed from 8–10 weeks after surgery.

Before this, the woman must make sure that the uterus is completely cleansed. This is indicated by the absence of lochia and spotting. You should also monitor your general health. The presence of dizziness, pain and other manifestations is a consequence of a cesarean section. You can have sex only after the signs of surgery have completely disappeared.

Psycho-emotional state

Not all women are willing to have sexual intercourse. This is due to the presence of a psychoemotional disorder. It occurs due to hormonal imbalance.

Natural labor is accompanied by preparation of the body. The hormonal background begins to change a few days before the onset of labor. Oxytocin is responsible for the occurrence of contractions. It helps the uterus push the fetus into the pelvis. After birth, oxytocin triggers prolactin, the substance responsible for breastfeeding. All these substances are formed in the body within 3–5 days. Surgery does not allow the body to prepare. The date of the intervention is determined by the doctor. The specialist does not wait for contractions to begin. This is what causes stress. The hormonal system begins to rebuild from 7–10 days. The relationship between mother and baby begins around this period. The absence of hormonal changes leads to a disturbance in the psycho-emotional state of a woman. She cannot quickly recover and return to her normal lifestyle.

Also, section is often accompanied by postpartum depression. It occurs for the same reasons. In order for a woman to recover quickly, the help of a psychologist and household members is needed. If loved ones do not help a woman overcome stress, sex becomes impossible.

Appearance after surgery

Refusal of sex also occurs against the background of a woman’s experiences. The figure causes complexes and anxiety. In the first days after surgery, the patient retains her abdomen. The abdominal cavity is distended due to an enlarged uterus and the presence of lochia. The uterine cavity is gradually cleansed. The abdomen can persist for up to six months.

The presence of a tummy causes various complexes in a woman. She begins to feel shy about her man. Many ladies try to get their figure back to normal immediately after surgery. This leads to complications. The problem of excess weight after surgery is observed for the following reasons:

breastfeeding; ban on physical activity.

Breastfeeding a baby excludes adherence to a diet. A woman is prohibited from dieting. During lactation, nutrition should be varied. This is necessary for the normal intake of vitamins and microelements into the child’s body. You should also maintain the ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. For this reason, the patient cannot dramatically reduce weight through a protein diet.

After a caesarean section, a woman is prohibited from active physical activities. She cannot play sports or run. Maintaining physical rest also negatively affects weight.

But you shouldn't despair. Body weight will be fully restored within a year after surgery. The husband or psychologist must eliminate the complex. The greatest effect comes from their joint work.

Relationship with the child

Many couples experience problems in the sexual sphere with the arrival of a child in the house. All the woman’s attention is focused on monitoring the child’s behavior and actions. The man remains unnoticed.

Excessive affection between a mother and her baby has a negative impact on sex life. She may refuse contact if the child's behavior causes anxiety. For this reason, doctors advise against constant monitoring. So that a woman does not worry, a lot of different techniques have been developed. A baby monitor provides good assistance in this regard. This device allows you to hear the child at any end of the apartment.

If the patient refuses to tear herself away from the child, she should seek help from a psychologist. Otherwise, the risk of divorce increases.

Increased mom activity

Problems in your sex life may arise due to household chores. A woman needs rest after a caesarean section. During the first few days she needs help from family members. In most cases, help arrives only in the evening. During the day it is necessary to monitor the child, wash, clean, cook. All these actions exclude the mother from resting from the operation.

Constantly performing routine tasks is accompanied by increased fatigue. Severe fatigue leads to refusal of sexual intercourse. To eliminate the problem, you should use the following advice from psychologists:

change of situation; a walk between spouses without a child; creating a romantic atmosphere.

A change of environment helps a lot. The couple should visit public places. Go out to the cinema or cafe more often. This will help relieve a woman from feeling the pressure of household chores. Rest will allow her to unwind and recover a little.

Experts also advise taking a walk without your child once a week. The reasons are the same. A woman associates constant going outside with walking her child. If you do it without the baby, it will help the patient to unwind psychologically.

The best effect is created by creating a romantic atmosphere. This is what will allow you to tune in to the sexual wave.

First contact

Many patients wonder whether it hurts to have sex after childbirth. The first sexual intercourse after a caesarean section may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations. This phenomenon occurs due to the active contractile work of the uterine cavity. Over time, the muscular frame of the genital organs gets used to it. During the contact process, they stop straining too much. Your muscles will no longer ache.

Patients are also worried about possible loss of sensitivity. This phenomenon is observed only in those patients who underwent emergency surgery. Emergency intervention is carried out in the presence of natural labor. This entails partial dilatation of the cervix. There is no need to worry about sensitivity. After some time she will recover. Some women note increased sensations during sexual intercourse after a caesarean section.

Sex life is important for married couples. Its beginning after the operation allows the couple to get closer. This is due to the fact that sexual activity for many patients is prohibited from the beginning of the third trimester. The resumption of sexual activity contributes to the emergence of a relationship between a man and a woman.

Unfortunately, not every pregnancy proceeds without complications and ends in natural birth. Women with difficult pregnancies benefit from a caesarean section. When sex after a caesarean section ceases to be taboo, this article will help you find out.

The operation is performed according to indications, in cases where the process of natural childbirth is impossible. The operation involves cutting into the abdomen and uterus to remove the baby. Naturally, such interference in the body affects the female reproductive system. To fully recover, the body requires a certain amount of time and favorable conditions.

A woman who has undergone a cesarean section should treat herself and her condition with special care and attention. Then the recovery will be complete and will not affect your health in any way.

There are a number of rules that must be followed to make the recovery period faster and easier:

1. It is strictly forbidden to have sex until postpartum discharge has completely stopped. On average, this period takes from 6 to 8 weeks, and is individual for each woman.
2. After the discharge has ended, you can enter into intimate intimacy only after examination by a gynecologist, and with his approval.
3. It is necessary to have sex only with reliable contraception, which will be prescribed by a gynecologist - even in cases where your period has not yet arrived.
4. During sex (especially in the first month), extreme positions should be avoided to avoid excessive stress on the woman’s weakened body.

Timing of the beginning of sexual life

After giving birth, a woman and her partner are faced with the question: “When can you have sex after a caesarean section?” Speaking about the timing, it is worth noting that each woman’s body is individual, so the duration of the recovery period depends on the characteristics of the body.

According to average statistics, it is possible to have intimacy after a cesarean section in the period from 8 to 10 weeks after the operation. Sex a month after cesarean can only take place after approval by the gynecologist.

The procedure for removing sutures is carried out in the period from 7 to 10 days, subject to normal fusion of tissues and the absence of complaints from the woman in labor. If complications arise, the doctor may postpone the suture removal procedure for several days.

After the sutures are removed, an ultrasound machine is used to examine the formation and thickness of scar tissue on the surface of the uterus. Normally, a stable scar forms between 4 and 6 weeks after surgery.

When can you have sex after a caesarean section, and what do gynecologists say about this? It is recommended to abstain from sex for 2-3 months in cases where the birth ended with a caesarean section.

This period of time is required for the woman’s physical and mental health to fully stabilize.

During this time, the uterus will completely contract and return to its original shape and position, and the scar will become softer and more elastic, which will reduce the risk of accidental injury to the postoperative scar. Sex early after childbirth increases the risk of wound infection.

The postoperative recovery period is important not only for stabilizing the physical but also the mental health of a woman. During this time, the young mother gets used to the new role and adapts to the child’s daily routine.

In order to shorten the recovery period, gynecologists advise treating sutures with special absorbable gels. Daily use of such products in combination with massage of the seam accelerates the healing process and makes the scar soft and less noticeable.

It is important to remember that the uterine scar heals completely within 2 years, so pregnancy before this period can be dangerous to the life and health of a woman. It is recommended to plan your next pregnancy 3 years after a cesarean section.

Whether or not to follow the advice of a gynecologist is up to each woman to decide for herself. However, if she values ​​her health, she will wait until her body is completely rehabilitated.

Sexologists agree that Immediately after childbirth, a lot of things change in your sexual life and become completely new. After surgery, a woman must get used to her body again, as the sensitivity of the erogenous zones changes.

In order for a woman to better know her body during the first sexual intercourse after surgery, more time needs to be devoted to foreplay. This can be a real discovery for both the woman and the partner. It is “petting” that is the first harbinger of a return to normal sexual life.

3 simple steps to prepare for sex

In order to make your first sexual intercourse after surgery as comfortable and painless as possible, just follow 3 simple steps.

Changes in hormonal levels after childbirth greatly affect the psychological state of a woman.

1 Lubricants. After the birth of a child, the hormonal levels in the body of a young mother go astray from their normal rhythm. This causes dry mucous membranes, so the vaginal walls produce virtually no lubricant.

During the first sexual intercourse, you need to use special products: gels, creams and oils that serve to moisturize and create comfort during intimacy.

You can easily buy such a product at a pharmacy or cosmetics store. Lubricants are produced either based on water or based on fat and oils. The composition is usually enriched with vitamins and components that have anti-infective properties.

It is better to use products that do not contain hormones, especially if the woman is breastfeeding. Read what to do if you need to reduce lactation. from birth control pills during breastfeeding - the topic of the article at the link. It also talks about other methods of contraception.

2 Caution. When having sex for the first time after childbirth, don't rush. More time should be spent on foreplay to give the woman the opportunity to open up and relax. The partner's movements should be soft, smooth and gentle.

Otherwise, it will cause severe pain to the partner, and can provoke both physical and mental injuries. Having experienced pain, the desire to have sex again can leave a woman for a long time.

3 Initiative in the hands of a woman. It is better if the man gives the woman the right to take the initiative into her own hands and allows her to completely control the process. Let the woman choose a position and pace that is comfortable for her. This way she can be more confident in herself and not be afraid of accidentally causing pain.

Why intimacy hurts

Do not be surprised if a woman finds it painful to have sex for the first time after a caesarean section. As a rule, a woman will not experience pleasant sensations as before. The first sexual intercourse in 99% of cases causes discomfort, or pain.

This is quite natural, and is explained by the fact that the tissues of the female genital organs are elastic and mobile. When they move during sexual intercourse, tension occurs on the non-elastic scar at the site of the sutures. These cause a feeling of tension and pain.

There may be a feeling of tightness in the area of ​​the outer seam. Often after childbirth, the gastrointestinal tract does not function stably, which is one of the reasons that causes discomfort during intimacy.

Anal sex after cesarean section is not recommended. The position during anal sex will certainly cause tension in the abdominal muscles, and, as a result, pain in the scar area. Anal sex can provoke an exacerbation of hemorrhoids, if present, or their formation.

For several months after childbirth, the female body’s immune system is still weak and cannot resist infection. Therefore, it is possible that the anus can become infected and provoke an inflammatory process. If the pain does not go away within a month after childbirth, this should be a reason to visit a gynecologist.

Partner behavior

The father of the child needs to be a caring assistant for his wife

A woman should not keep her fears to herself and go through unpleasant and frightening moments alone, so that postpartum depression does not occur.

In a difficult situation or when disturbing thoughts arise, you should definitely share with your partner.

Mutual understanding and support from a partner are very important for a woman during the postpartum period. Changes in hormonal levels affect a woman’s mental state, and it is not resistant to shocks and stress. Sometimes you even have to resort to using sedatives.

If a woman does not share her experiences with a man, this only aggravates the situation. The man begins to rack his brains, wondering what he is doing wrong. These circumstances lead to understatement and tension in relationships. A man, in turn, should not put pressure on his partner, and insist on intimacy if she is not psychologically ready for this step.

Intimate life after a cesarean section becomes less active. A woman has a lot of troubles and worries about the baby, as well as serious responsibility, which affects the psychological state. In the first six months after the birth of a child, a man is obliged to take a particularly active part in raising the child.

The first 6 months are the most stressful for a woman.. If a man can take on part of the care of a newborn, then the young mother will have more rest, devote more time and attention to herself, and become fully accustomed to the role of a mother. A woman’s body, charged with positive emotions, will recover faster, and intimate life will resume as before. Whether the first six months after birth is a reliable method against unwanted pregnancy is discussed in a separate article.

1. Sex should not depend on everyday problems. It is necessary to find time in which a woman and a man can devote all the attention, care and affection only to each other.
2. A man must give a woman confidence that she is as beautiful as ever. Many mothers experience embarrassment and tightness after surgery. For this to pass, the husband must compliment his wife as often as possible. How to help a mother with stretch marks on her stomach after childbirth, topic.
3. The birth of a child is not a reason to give up romance in a relationship. A woman should feel loved and desired, especially in the first six months after childbirth, when her emotional state is not stable. A man must make every effort to surround his partner with care and affection.

conclusions

A woman’s attentive attitude towards herself and her health will help to avoid problems in the postoperative period. If a woman follows the rules prescribed by the gynecologist and attends doctor’s appointments on time, this will allow her to avoid problems in the reproductive system, quickly recover and begin sexual activity.