How long after giving birth can a new mother resume sexual activity?

by cshelive9520 on 2012-03-04 22:05:56

A. Contraceptive Measures Are Indispensable

Research shows that women who don't breastfeed may resume ovulation 40 to 50 days postpartum, while those breastfeeding partially may resume ovulation between three to eight months postpartum. Even fully breastfeeding women have a pregnancy rate exceeding 2%. However, many women believe they won't get pregnant after childbirth, especially those who partially or fully breastfeed, thinking that nursing prevents pregnancy. Therefore, they often "confidently" choose not to use contraception. As a result, menstruation hasn't resumed, but they are already "secretly pregnant." The uterus during the postpartum breastfeeding period is more fragile. If an abortion is performed during breastfeeding-induced pregnancy, serious surgical complications such as uterine perforation can easily occur, adversely affecting the woman's physical and mental health. Thus, once sexual activity resumes postpartum, reliable contraceptive measures should be implemented, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or condoms.

B. Moderation in Sexual Activity, Gentle Movements

The ovarian function of breastfeeding women is suppressed, and the follicles within the ovaries remain dormant. These dormant, undeveloped follicles cannot produce estrogen. Due to the lack of estrogen, the vaginal mucosa becomes thinner, more fragile, and less elastic. Therefore, after resuming sexual activity postpartum, the amplitude of penile thrusting should not be too large, the frequency shouldn't be too fast, and the movements shouldn't be too vigorous, especially during the first sexual encounter when restraint is advised. If the thrusting amplitude is too large, the penis penetrates too deeply, or the frequency is too fast, it can lead to vaginal lacerations, particularly crescent-shaped horizontal tears in the posterior fornix of the vagina. The primary symptom of vaginal lacerations caused by postpartum intercourse is active vaginal bleeding after sex, with bright red blood, and some women may experience pain. In case of active bleeding after intercourse, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent excessive bleeding. After diagnosis, stitching the tear usually results in proper healing.

C. Avoid Premature Resumption of Sexual Activity

At least six weeks are needed for the uterus to recover and perineal incision wounds to fully heal. Therefore, it is advisable to resume sexual activity around eight weeks postpartum. A postpartum checkup should be conducted before resuming sexual activity. Currently, women delivering vaginally, whether naturally or with difficulty, almost always undergo episiotomy. After the delivery of the fetus and placenta, the episiotomy wound is sutured. During the healing process, granulation tissue formation on the vaginal mucosal portion of the episiotomy wound is common. If the granulation tissue isn't removed, it can hinder normal healing of the vaginal mucosa. Moreover, granulation tissue is fragile and prone to damage and bleeding during postpartum intercourse.

It is recommended that new mothers undergo a postpartum examination at the hospital before resuming sexual activity to promptly detect abnormal conditions such as granulation tissue at the wound site and receive timely treatment.

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