A caesarean section is a surgical procedure performed when vaginal delivery becomes impossible. It requires physical recovery. But to reconnect with a fulfilling sex life, there is only one thing to do: listen to yourself.
- Caesarean section, common these days, is not without risk.
- As after any surgery, the body takes time to recover.
About 20% of births each year in France are by caesarean section, according to theNational Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), which published a national perinatal survey in October 2017. The rate has almost doubled in 30 years, from 10.9% in 1981 to 19.6% in 2010. Since then, it has stabilized. But there are still disparities depending on the French departments.
Originally, caesarean section was used only as a last resort, when the delivery did not go as planned or when there were risks for the mother and the child. The surgeon makes an incision in the wall of the uterus to extract the newborn. This intervention, common nowadays, is not without risk. As after any surgery, the body takes time to recover. This disrupts the couple’s sex life. When can you make love again after a caesarean section? The answer is simple: there is no rule.
Listen to your body!
After having a baby, some doctors recommend waiting six weeks before having sex. But every woman recovers from a C-section at her own pace. Let’s not forget, when it comes to sexual desire, that the psychological state plays a big role. Some feel upset and tired when the baby arrives and have no libido for weeks. Conversely, others will want to quickly resume their sex life.
As the abdominal incision heals, care should be taken to avoid tearing. If some sex positions hurt, try others! Also beware of postpartum: bleeding, which can last for weeks, and mucous loss. This is not an obstacle to sexual intercourse, but it can delay it, because it is less pleasant for some. Changes after childbirth can also cause vaginal dryness. Consider using lube.
Protect yourself from infections
You should think about protecting yourself if you have sex in the first month after giving birth. Uterine infections are to be avoided, in the first place, because the cervix remains open and the vaginal flora decreases. Therefore, it is less effective against bacteria. In addition, it is not recommended to fall pregnant again less than a year after childbirth. The uterus must have time to heal to avoid complications. Your gynecologist can recommend birth control methods, such as birth control pills.
