A guide to sex and contraception after giving birth

What’s covered?

An Overview

Many couples may be unsure how to begin having intercourse after they have delivered a baby. It is normal to have different feelings on the matter, especially if you were the one to give birth. This is a guide on how to resume intercourse with your partner after giving birth.

It is important to know that sex can be had in various ways. You could feel the need to experiment with something other than penetrative sex after giving birth. However, you should be sure to discuss your feelings with one another because everyone may feel differently.

Giving birth and parenting a new-born is exhausting, so both you and your partner might feel too worn out for sex. Many couples may also find that they are emotionally unprepared, while some women may even feel too physically strained from giving birth to resume having sex shortly after the birth.

At these times, if both of you have consented to try having intercourse again, it's a good idea to use some lubrication and take your time. You'll likely both be a little scared, so stop and talk to your spouse if you're finding that sex is hurting.

You'll undoubtedly want to have sex at some time, so it's smart to plan and consider contraception because even if you're breastfeeding, your fertility can return rapidly, so it's possible to become pregnant again.

Before your child is delivered, you can discuss contraception with your sexual and reproductive healthcare team for family planning.

Woman's sexual feelings after birth

You could believe that you won't ever have sex again after giving birth due to the physical requirements of the process but once you've recovered, you'll want to have sex again. It's typical for this to take longer than three months, but usually, it happens within that timeframe.

When nursing their child, some mothers report feeling sensuous and erotic. The hormone oxytocin, which is involved in milk let-down and sexual stimulation, is partially to blame for this. It's entirely common.

It's also common for breastfeeding mothers to discover that they are less interested in having sex while nursing.

Sex after giving birth to a child

When to have intercourse again largely depends on your level of readiness (unless your doctor has advised otherwise).

Your body will require time to heal if you had a tough birth or required stitches. While many new mothers experience pain or discomfort during intercourse, this normally gets better over time. Sex may be more comfortable if lubricant or oestrogen lotions are used. Muscle cramps or anxiousness can sometimes produce discomfort.

However, due to the muscles being too flexible after being extended during childbirth, some new mothers and their partners find that sex is less satisfying. Exercises for the pelvic floor might assist in helping the muscles regain tone.

Using a lubricant can help with vaginal dryness resulting from breastfeeding and milk production. Additionally, if you're breastfeeding, you can have breast milk leaking during sex. Before having intercourse, it might be wise to try to feed your child.

It's possible that your body won't revert to its pre-pregnancy shape after giving birth. Your breasts, tummy, or legs could have changed, among other body parts. You may experience changes in how you feel about yourself due to these changes. Speak with your general practitioner, the child and family health nurse, or a fitness professional if you're having trouble accepting the adjustments.

Issues with sex after giving birth

You may have read about painful postpartum sex or heard about it from other mothers. Perhaps you anticipated that having sex after having a baby might be uncomfortable because hormonal changes make your vagina drier and as a result, you may not feel ready for sex.

It is important to inform your doctor if having sex after having a baby is more painful than enjoyable. They might advise taking an over-the-counter pain treatment

Contraception after birth

You must pick a reliable form of contraception if you don't want to get pregnant again shortly after giving birth.

Any form of contraception that works for you may be used if you are not breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional which solutions are best for your health and way of life and when you can begin using them.

Following are some of the effective contraceptives for family planning after giving birth

1. Mini pill

This progestogen-only pill thickens the uterine lining, which prevents sperm from passing through. Ovulation is not stopped by it. The small pill is 99.7% effective if used correctly, which involves taking it at roughly the same time each day. It is less efficient when used conventionally. Oral contraception after birth is not recommended if you are a breastfeeding woman.

To order a mini-pill, take our online consultation form here.

2. Female condoms with a vaginal ring

The female condom is a ring-endowed, soft pouch that resembles rubber. You place it in your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching your womb.

The female condom is 95% effective when used perfectly (when used correctly each time you have sex). But you must remember to put the condom on every time before having sex and ensure it's in the right spot.

Only one use of each female condom is permitted, and it cannot be done at the same time that your husband uses a male condom.

3. Male condoms

To use the male condom, your partner will put on the male condom, which is a thin covering made of rubber or synthetic material, on their erect penis. It stops sperm from getting into your womb and vagina.

When used correctly, condom effectiveness is 98%. Male condoms are less effective when used on average or frequently.

The benefit of condoms is that they offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

4. Diaphragm

The silicone cap known as a "diaphragm" is worn within the genitalia and covers the cervix. Sperm cannot enter your uterus because of it.

A diaphragm can be used at any time, even during your menstruation. The diaphragm is placed up to 24 hours before sex and taken out afterwards. Since it is washable, you should do so after each usage. However, the diaphragm is not as effective a contraceptive as other methods of contraception.

5. Intrauterine devices (IUD)

Your uterus receives a tiny contraceptive implant that prevents future pregnancies.

IUDs made of copper are made to last up to ten years. IUDs containing progestogens can last up to five years.

If you're unsure about any stage of your post-partum recovery, consult with a healthcare specialist.

If you would like to view our range of contraceptives, click here.