Having sex after a cesarean delivery can be scary for some women. Moreover, stitches that are quite long in the abdomen often make women feel uncomfortable. So that you are more comfortable, know the right time to have sex after a cesarean delivery.
Many think that sexual intercourse will be easier to do after a cesarean delivery. However, this assumption is not entirely correct. One study showed that women who gave birth vaginally or by caesarean section both experienced various problems when they returned to having sex.
Condition of Female Reproductive Organs After Childbirth
After a cesarean delivery, you will usually be hospitalized for 2–4 days. Every woman who gives birth, either vaginally or by caesarean section, will experience postpartum vaginal bleeding. This bleeding is known as puerperal bleeding.
Puerperal blood that comes out after a caesarean delivery is usually less than after a normal delivery. This is because the blood has been cleaned during surgery. However, this puerperal blood can be out for up to 6 weeks.
The postpartum period is a recovery time for the uterus to clean and recover itself. During this time, the woman's uterus that had been enlarged will return to its original size. In addition, the cervix, which had dilated and opened while preparing the body for childbirth, will close again.
The process of uterine recovery between women who gave birth vaginally and cesarean was not much different. However, women who undergo cesarean section have to go through a longer recovery period due to the presence of stitches in the abdominal area.
You need to know that the cervix must be closed and the surgical suture wound must be completely healed so that sexual intercourse is safe. Therefore, it is not recommended that you have sex for a few weeks after giving birth by cesarean section.
So, When Can You Have Sex After C-section?
Generally, sex can be resumed about 6 weeks after delivery, either vaginal delivery or caesarean section. At this time, the cervix is generally closed again and bleeding is expected to have stopped.
To be sure, you must first check with a gynecologist. The doctor will examine your condition thoroughly, including whether the stitches after the C-section have healed. If you are declared recovered, the doctor will allow you to have sex again.
However, it's a good idea to reconsider the right time to have sex after undergoing a cesarean section. One of the things to consider is your own comfort.
Various Obstacles During Sex After C-section
After giving birth by caesarean section, the following are some of the obstacles or things that might make you feel less comfortable having sex:
Fatigue
After giving birth, you will often feel tired because you have to take care of and breastfeed your baby. This can make you lose a lot of energy and lack of enthusiasm when having sex with your partner.
Dry pussy
After giving birth, the body will experience hormonal changes, one of which is a decrease in estrogen levels. This can make the production of vaginal fluid is reduced, so the vagina becomes drier. A dry vagina can make sex painful and uncomfortable.
In addition, the use of certain types of contraceptives, such as birth control pills or injectable contraceptives, is also known to cause vaginal dryness.
Stress and lack of sleep
One of the things that also causes sex to be less comfortable is stress and lack of sleep after giving birth.
Especially if the stress is severe enough to make you feel overwhelmed or you may experience postpartum depression. This can make sexual desire greatly decreased.
In addition to the things above, another complaint that often interferes with sex drive in women after a cesarean delivery is discomfort around the surgical suture area.
Having sex after giving birth may be a little uncomfortable. Therefore, don't hesitate to talk to your partner if you are still not ready to have sex again after undergoing a C-section.
Tips for having safe and comfortable sex after cesarean section
So that sex after a cesarean section can feel comfortable, you can try the following tips:
1. Calm the mind
Before having sex, you can try to relax the body first, for example by taking a warm bath. Keep things that can disturb your mind and focus on your partner when having sex.
2. Do it foreplay
It is important to maximize communication with your partner before having sex. Ask your partner to make you feel more relaxed, such as massaging your back or waist. If the vagina feels dry, try using a vaginal lubricant to reduce pain during sexual penetration.
3. Choose a safe and comfortable sex position
Choose a sex position that does not put a lot of pressure on the area around the stomach, for example a sideways position or a penetration position from behind. This position can feel more comfortable because it does not put excessive pressure on the stomach, so the caesarean section is not painful.
4. Try to stay relaxed during sex
Sex is not only physically, but also emotionally. Fear, anxiety, or stress can certainly affect the pleasure of having sex. Therefore, try to stay relaxed during sex.
Every woman who gives birth, whether by caesarean section or vaginally, does need time to be able to rediscover comfort during sex. However, you don't need to worry, because understanding and support from your partner can help you feel more secure and comfortable during sex.
If after sex there is swelling in the area around the stitches, pain, fever, or even the stitches appear open, you are advised to immediately consult a doctor.
You can also consult a doctor if you are still in doubt or afraid to have sex again after giving birth. Your doctor will give you advice on when to have sex again after a cesarean delivery.