How long after c-section can you have s*x

Question

I just gave birth on July 24th to my son. I ended up dialating to 10 cm and pushed for 3 hours, however he was just too big and I ended up having a c-section. I realize right now I can't because I have an infection of my c-section incision. But I'm wondering when other women under similar circumstance had s*x again. Thanks

Answer 1

Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many doctors recommend waiting four to six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for the cervix to close, postpartum bleeding to stop, and any tears or repaired lacerations to heal.

But the other important timeline is your own. Some women feel ready to resume s*x within a few weeks of giving birth, while others need a few months — or even longer. Factors such as fatigue, postpartum blues and changes in body image may take a toll on your s*x drive.

Your v****a may be dry and tender, especially if you're breast-feeding. To ease any discomfort, take it slow. Start with cuddling, kissing or massage. Gradually build the intensity of stimulation. If vaginal dryness is a problem, use a lubricating cream or gel. Try different positions to take pressure off any sore areas and control penetration. Tell your partner what feels good — and what doesn't.

It's also important to stay centered on the moment. For most women, sexual response requires the entire brain. Keep your mind on yourself and your partner — not the diapers, laundry and other household chores.

If s*x continues to be painful, consult your doctor. A low-dose estrogen cream applied to the v****a may help. Rarely, complications of healing may require additional treatment

After several vaginal deliveries, decreased muscle tone in the v****a may reduce pleasurable friction during s*x — which can influence arousal.

To tone your pelvic floor muscles, do Kegel exercises. Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of urine. Try it for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions. Once you've got the hang of it, do at least three sets of 10 Kegel exercises a day.

Answer 2

I did it after 5 weeks (before I got the ok from the doc, which was at 6 weeks).  But I wasn't sore anymore, and I thought I'd give it a shot.  It wasn't the greatest experience, it hurt a bit, but not bad overall.

Answer 3

It depends on the circumstances. I would talk to your doctor about this, but would guess it is around 8 weeks...

Answer 4

We have very similar stories... I was at 9cm for 9 hours, and she was too big to come down the birth canal, so I needed a c-section.  I ended up with a strep A infection 9 days after giving birth, and was hospitalized for a week.  

Unfortunately, I lost my s*x drive in the first trimester, and it hasn't returned yet.  I would think that after 6 weeks it should be okay, as long as the infection has healed.

Answer 5

i had a c-section (barely labored) and had s*x 8 weeks postpartum. physically i could have done it at 6 weeks. i probably could have done it at 5 weeks even, but, not any earlier. 1) i was just too freaking tired 2) s*x was the last thing on my mind 3) the demands of having a baby left little time for doing IT......but, by the time 8 weeks rolled around i was definitely itching to do it...  

Answer 6

i was an emergency section due to foetal distress and slow progression of labour after 23hrs.

i waited my 6weeks, i bled for near enough 5.5 weeks and my wound was infected so i was still quite sore.

id say do it when you are ready, when you are comfortable - but remeber protection!!!! you are extremely fertile after delivery and the last thing you want is pregnancy so soon after birth, especially with a section, as there is a chance of the uterus rupturing during the stretching of pregnancy.

Nxxx

Answer 7

My doctor told me that it was ok as soon as I felt comfortable.  I waited until I stopped bleeding, which was 3.5 weeks.  He said that it wasn't really necessary to wait 6 weeks, but that a lot of women weren't interested and it was a good way to keep their husbands at bay =P  You should ask your doctor though, since all doctors have different opinions.

Answer 8

6 weeks or whenever you feel up to it and its not painful.

Answer 9

Usually after you had your final vaginal exam and pap smear which is in 8 weeks or when the doctor gives you the green light.

Answer 10

I had a c-section with both of my children and both times I was given the green light at 6 weeks.

This last Dr told me (at my 6 week apt last Tuesday... dangit making me wait LOL) it's fine to return to sexual activity once the Lochia (postpartum bleeding) stops (between 4 and 6 weeks) and you feel up to it. If I had known this before, daddy and I would have gotten re-acquainted 2 weeks ago LOL

Answer 11

ultimately you are supposed to wait until your 6 wk check up.

honestly, i only waited 4 wks. i felt fine and READY..there was no pain experienced what so ever.....