For more information, read about treating constipation. There are no rules about when to start having sex again after you've given birth. In the weeks after giving birth, many women feel sore as well as tired, whether they've had an episiotomy or not.
Do not rush into it. If sex hurts, it will not be pleasurable. If you've had a tear or an episiotomy, pain during sex is very common in the first few months. If penetration is painful, say so. If you pretend everything is OK when it is not, you may start to see sex as a nuisance rather than a pleasure, which will not help you or your partner. You can still be close without having penetration — for example, through mutual masturbation.
Pain can sometimes be linked to vaginal dryness. You can try using a water-based lubricant available from pharmacies to help. Do not use an oil-based lubricant, such as Vaseline or moisturising lotion, as this can irritate the vagina and damage latex condoms or diaphragms.
You can get pregnant just 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, even if you're breastfeeding and your periods have not started again. Use some kind of contraception every time you have sex after giving birth, including the first time unless you want to get pregnant again. You'll usually have an opportunity to discuss your contraceptive options before you leave hospital if you've had your baby in hospital and at the postnatal check. You can also talk to a GP, midwife or health visitor, or go to a contraception clinic at any time.
Find sexual health services near you. Look out for any signs that the cut or surrounding tissue has become infected, such as:. Tell a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as you can about any possible signs of infection so they can make sure you get the treatment you might need.
Strengthening the muscles around the vagina and anus by doing pelvic floor exercises can help with healing and will reduce the pressure on the cut and surrounding tissue. If you have had an episiotomy, you will need stitches to repair it.
This is normally done using local anesthetic in the room where you had your baby. A healthcare professional will do an episiotomy if you are having an instrumental or assisted vaginal birth.
An instrumental assisted vaginal birth is when forceps or a suction cup ventouse or kiwi are used to help your baby to be born. An episiotomy may also be done if your baby needs to be born quickly, or if you at risk of a serious perineal tear. Wash your hands both before and after going to the toilet or changing your sanitary pads. Recovery from an episiotomy or tear can be uncomfortable or quite painful, depending on how deep and long the incision or tear is.
Pain typically affects sitting, walking, urinating, and bowel movements for at least a week. Your first bowel movement may be quite painful. An episiotomy or tear is usually healed in about 4 to 6 weeks.
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Top of the page. Overview An episiotomy say "eh-pih-zee-AH-tuh-mee" is a cut the doctor or midwife makes in the perineum say "pair-uh-NEE-um" , which is the area between the vagina and anus.
When is an episiotomy needed? Can you prevent perineal tears? But there are steps you can take to help prevent this: footnote 3 Pay attention to your position during labour. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. Vaginal and Perineal Tears After Childbirth.
Hospital Bag Checklist. View Sources. Johns Hopkins Medicine, Episiotomy , Pregnancy Groups. Vaginal Birth. Third Trimester. Jump to Your Week of Pregnancy. Pregnancy Week.
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