Pain with sex postpartum?
Does the thought of returning to sex shortly after having your baby bring up any fear of pain? That feeling of fear is common, and can be present after both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
It’s typical to get the “all clear” from your provider to start engaging in intercourse again as soon as 6 weeks postpartum, which can feel a little scary considering how much work your body does throughout labor.
Once you feel mentally ready to return to penetrative intercourse, you can try these tips over a few weeks to prepare your pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissue to reduce pain:
Start by making sure the perineum (area between the vaginal opening and anus) is not painful or sensitive to touch (especially if there was tearing). You can use 1-2 fingers to gently massage that tissue back and forth and side to side.
You can start with external/clitoral stimulation with your partner first if this feels more approachable.
Once you know this is comfortable, you or your partner can start with one finger inserted and ease your way to tolerating two fingers.
If you don’t have any pain, you can move on to a larger diameter such as your partner’s penis if applicable or a toy.
Other tips to remember:
Go slowly! We don’t want our body to be anticipating pain every time you try to insert something.
Use lube!
If you’re uncomfortable with depth of penetration to start - there are products such as the “Oh-Nut” that can help this by reducing depth with silicone stacking rings.
If you do have pain when returning to intercourse - which is common, but not normal - reach out to your local pelvic floor therapist! We specialize in all things postpartum including painful intercourse, management of c-section scars, bladder and bowel health, hip and low back pain, tailbone pain and more!
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapists are specialized in treating both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. Our practice also integrates acupuncture and yoga and we are always excited to be a resource for the community we practice in. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us today!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team
