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When to have sex after a cesarean section

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Gynecologists recommend waiting about six weeks to have sex after a cesarean section. Although this time may vary from one woman to another, the truth is that after cesarean delivery, the female body needs a reasonable time to recover and return to normal. In addition, the wound points must heal correctly. Therefore, it is not advisable to make physical efforts or sudden movements. Rushed intimate relationships can lead to complications, such as vaginal infections, more severe pain, and poor wound healing. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we answer the question of when you can have sex after a cesarean section. We show the best tips to resume sex and avoid the possible discomfort that may arise.

How long to wait to have intercourse after a cesarean section

According to gynecologists, it is best to wait about 40 days or about six weeks to have sex after a cesarean section. It is advisable to wait for what is known as the quarantine period to resume sex and ensure that the woman has an optimal recovery, feels well, and there are no complications of any kind.

During the so-called quarantine or puerperium period (between 6 and 8 weeks), the woman will have vaginal discharge or bleeding (lochia). Once this bleeding begins to have a lighter red color and is not so strong, it will mean that it is correctly carrying out the healing process and that the body is returning to normal, so that is when intimate relationships will be safe.

However, if, after that period, you still experience discomfort or some wounds have not fully healed, you will have to wait a little longer. Usually, at 6 weeks, the woman will have an appointment with her gynecologist, so it is advisable to take advantage of this visit to ask the specialist about resuming sexual intercourse after a cesarean section. In this way, accurate and appropriate information will be available for each case. Likewise, sex should be resumed when the woman finally feels good and considers the time to do so.

Risks of having sex after a cesarean section

Specialists recommend waiting a reasonable time to have intercourse after a cesarean section because the woman’s body needs a recovery period so that it can return to normal, the organs return to their place and recover their average size and leave to expel lochia, which are vaginal secretions through which traces of blood, placental tissues, and cervical mucus are eliminated.

Among the principal risks of maintaining intimate relationships immediately after giving birth by cesarean section are those detailed below:

  • The uterus and cervix undergo significant changes during labor and take time to heal fully. The inner walls of the uterus are much more susceptible, so the risk of infections is much higher. During sexual intercourse, bacteria may enter the vagina, leading to diseases.
  • The cesarean section scar can take about 3 or 4 weeks to heal completely. After delivery, it is not recommended to make significant physical efforts or move excessively during the first days after birth. The wound points could jump and increase the risk of further discomfort or infection.

How to resume relationships after a cesarean section

Once the woman feels good about her body and wants to resume her intimate life with her partner, she must consider some tips so that relationships are as pleasant as possible and no new discomforts arise or the practice is painful. Here are the most important recommendations to resume sexual intercourse after a cesarean section:

  • It is not only about penetration. If penetration is still painful, you can use other ways to enjoy yourself with your partners, such as manual stimulation or oral sex.
  • You should try different sexual positions until you find the most comfortable and pleasant for the woman. Situations, where the woman does not have to exert great physical effort are advisable.
  • If you suffer from vaginal dryness and feel discomfort, it is advisable to use some intimate water-based lubricant to facilitate penetration.
  • Kegel exercises are highly recommended to help strengthen the pelvic floor after childbirth and improve intimate relationships. These should be done when the doctor indicates it, and the wound from the cesarean section allows it. The following article talks about exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
  • Some women experience a low libido after childbirth. In this case, it is convenient to identify all the causes and put yourself in the hands of a specialist to remedy them. In the following article, we explain the causes and treatment of lack of sexual desire in women.

Care after a cesarean section

Once we know when it is possible to have intercourse after a cesarean section, let’s see what other care is essential for the woman to consider to have a good postoperative recovery and to return to all her daily activities as soon as possible:

  • It is advisable to walk slowly and progressively after the intervention to shorten the recovery time.
  • To reduce pain, take drugs prescribed by your doctor.
  • The cesarean section wound should be washed with mild soap and water, and an iodinated antiseptic can be placed. It should also dry well and set a gauze to cover it. If the doctor recommends it, and abdominal girdle can be used.
  • You should not perform gymnastics or physical exercise until one month after the intervention. It is best to have a medical discharge to start doing physical activity.
  • You should not lift weight after cesarean section, only the baby, and you should have the necessary help to care for the baby.
  • Maintain a balanced and healthy diet and drink plenty of water daily.
  • It is essential to see your doctor urgently if the scar is very red, hot, swollen, or oozing. Also, suppose there is swelling in the legs. In that case, the pain is very intense. You have a fever. There are significant changes in the vaginal discharge. You experience burning when urinating, the urine is very dark, or you feel like urinating very often.

We expand on this information in the article Care after a cesarean section.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to When can you have sex after a cesarean section, we recommend that you enter our Sexuality category.

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