A woman’s body goes through quite a workout during childbirth, and it can take time for the body to fully recuperate. For this reason, some OB/GYNs suggest waiting up to six weeks before resuming sexual activity. But some experts say it can take a year or two before the body fully heals.
Women may notice some genital changes, at least temporarily.
The Vagina
The vagina is a flexible, elastic organ, but it stretches considerably during delivery. It may remain “loose” for some time, making sex less pleasurable. This situation is called vaginal laxity. Pelvic floor physical therapy is one treatment option, and some experts recommend Kegel exercises.
Women may also experience vaginal dryness after delivery due to hormonal fluctuations, which can make intercourse uncomfortable. In addition, tears in the genital area, along with episiotomies (surgical cuts that widen the vagina to facilitate delivery) need time to heal as well. Using a lubricant, relaxing in a warm bath, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help.
The Vulva
Hormonal changes, along with any tearing or scarring during delivery, might cause the vulva to darken in color. (The term vulva refers to the external organs around the vagina, including the labia and the clitoris.) The clitoris may enlarge, too.
Usually, this pigment change is harmless, but women should see their doctor if they notice anything out of the ordinary.
The Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is sometimes described as a hammock that keeps the pelvic organs (the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum) in place. During pregnancy, the weight of the baby can weaken these muscles. There may also be damage to muscles, connective tissue, and nerves during the delivery.
When this happens, a woman’s pelvic organs may start to drop into her vagina (pelvic organ prolapse). She may also have problems with incontinence.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can strengthen these muscles. As part of therapy, women may learn to do Kegel exercises, which might relieve symptoms and have sexual benefits as well.
After delivery, some women have vaginal pain for several weeks or months. In fact, a 2015 study found that over half of new mothers had vaginal pain 8 weeks after delivery, and 49% still had pain a year after their child was born. Such pain can be due to the delivery itself, but it may also come from delivery procedures or equipment. In many countries, doctors don't always realize the extent of post-childbirth genital injury and pain. Women are encouraged to tell their doctors if vaginal pain persists.
For more information on sex after childbirth, please click here.
Resources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
“Pelvic Support Problems”
(October 2017)
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Pelvic-Support-Problems
Climacteric
Graziottin, A
“Vaginal biological and sexual health – the unmet needs”
(Abstract. Published online: September 14, 2015)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13697137.2015.1079408