Sex After C-Section: What You Need to Know

What you need to know about being intimate with your partner after a C-Section...

You knew giving birth would change your life in more ways than just your sleeping schedule. And though you both might be a little sleep-deprived, chances are you feel more connected with your partner after seeing the little bundle of joy you brought into the world.

But while you feel emotionally closer than ever, it’s important to listen to your body after a C-section (or Cesarean) to help you decide whether or not you’re ready for some quality time with your partner between the sheets.

Here’s what you need to know about intimacy after a cesarean. This article will cover:

• How Long After C-Section Can You Have Sex?
• First Time Having Sex After C-Section: A Timeline
• Discuss Postpartum Birth Control Methods
• Safe Sex Position After C-Section Delivery

How Long After C-Section Can You Have Sex?

If you are wondering about when can you have sex after a C-section: your doctor will most likely recommend you wait at least six weeks to heal before being intimate. Surgery incisions need at least that long to heal properly, and your cervix needs to close and return to normal¹. Having sex 3 weeks after a C-section is not usually recommended unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

In addition, your uterine lining is susceptible to infection during the healing process, which is another reason it’s wise to hold off on intimacy. Getting physical too soon could rupture stitches and delay your healing process even longer. That’s why you need to be patient with yourself and be cognizant of your recovery process before you get back into the saddle.

Communicate with your partner about how you’re feeling, and take your time when easing back into intimacy on your own timetable!

First Time Having Sex After C-Section: A Timeline

Though your doctor will recommend a timeline for when you can be intimate again, you might not feel ready after six weeks, or perhaps not for months². Every woman is different, and that’s perfectly okay. Communicate with your partner about how you’re feeling, and slowly ease back into intimacy on your own timetable.

Discuss Postpartum Birth Control Methods

Even though you just had a baby (not to mention a major surgery), you can still get pregnant. In fact, since you ovulate two weeks before your period, you can get pregnant even before your first postpartum period. You can also get pregnant while breastfeeding. So unless you and your partner want to have another baby, talk to your doctor about the birth control you should be using now.

Your hormonal birth-control method might need to change after you’ve had a baby. Your doctor will likely prescribe a progestin-only pill if you’re breastfeeding, as it won’t affect your milk production. Some doctors suggest barrier methods, such as condoms, for postpartum birth control.

Safe Sex Position After C-Section Delivery

Any pressure on your abdomen after a C-section can be painful; some women experience pain during sex the first few times after a Caesarian even after the prescribed wait period of six weeks. If you do feel ready, these positions can help:

• Spooning
• Lying side-by-side
• Oral Sex
• Cowgirl and other straddle positions

You will probably find that a water-based lubricant will also ease the way for sexual activity and make it a much smoother activity. Whatever you do, avoid rougher positions such as traditional missionary, doggy style, and standing positions.

Listen to what your body is telling you, and don’t try to rush into intimacy if you don’t feel ready. If you have questions, just talk to your doctor.

Resources

1. Mayo Clinic, 2024, Sex After Pregnancy
2. Baby Centre, 2022, Can I Start Having Sex Before My Six-Month Checkup?

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