SEX AND CONTRACEPTION AFTER BIRTH

Written by Caroline Meyer

Unless your doctor has specified a waiting period, there are no hard and fast rules as to when you can start having sex after having given birth.  For most women, the first few weeks after giving birth will be too painful to contemplate intimacy and they may also be fatigued from having a new baby and the healing process. There is no need to rush into it.  If sex is painful then it is unlikely to be pleasurable, so it may be better in most instances to wait a little longer. There may also be a lot of bleeding for around 6 weeks after giving birth which may put some couples off having intercourse in this time period.  

After having a baby, there are a lot of hormonal changes and there may be less lubrication than usual. Using a water-based lubricant will also help in making intercourse more pleasurable and prevent pain from friction etc.  Both men and women may feel a bit insecure after the birth of a baby. The woman may have concerns over their body shape and worry about conceiving again. Men may also feel tired and have concerns for their partners well-being that may put them off having intercourse in the first few months after baby has been born. It is a good idea to discuss how you feel and get on the same page when it comes to physical intimacy after having a baby so that when you are both ready, it can happen naturally.  

Even if you don’t have penetrative intercourse after having a baby, you can still be intimate and loving with your partner. If there are physical concerns, you can also make an appointment to speak with your doctor to allay fears. You may need to take it easy the first few times, especially if the woman is still feeling a bit tender. Spend time relaxing and exploring each other before attempting to have penetrative intercourse to get the focus on each other and not the baby and test for discomfort. If pain and tenderness persist for more than 2 months after the birth, you should consult with your doctor to determine the cause.  

It is possible to fall pregnant again just 3 weeks after having had a baby. It does not matter if you have not started a normal menstrual cycle yet or if you are breastfeeding, conception can still occur. It is important to use contraception after having the baby if you are not looking to fall pregnant again straight away. Your doctor can discuss options for short term and long-term contraception with you or you can attend a family planning clinic for more information.