This article is consulted by Lai Thi Nguyet Hang, Specialist Level II, MD - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
After a c-section, a woman's body is still very weak and needs time to recover, stabilize its organs, and relieve the pain. Having sexual activity too soon after a C-section can lead to gynecologic infections and negatively impact the woman's health.
1. How long should you abstain from sexual activity after a c-section?
Typically, after about 4-6 weeks postpartum, when the lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) has completely stopped, women can resume normal sexual activity. Mothers who have had a C-section will take longer to recover than those who have vaginal delivery. Therefore, the period of abstinence from sexual activity after a C-section is also longer.
Although there is no episiotomy (surgical cut in the perineum) with a C-section, the mother still experiences pain from the surgical incision and changes due to the effects of the C-section. The woman needs time to rest, allowing the wound to form new skin and heal. The incision is very susceptible to infection, dehiscence, and tearing, so women need to abstain very carefully. Doctors advise women who have had a C-section to abstain from sexual activity for at least 3 months after giving birth to ensure safety.
However, recovery time varies from person to person, depending on their physical condition and postpartum care. When women feel truly healthy, are no longer in pain, and feel interested in intimacy, they can resume sexual activity. Absolutely avoid having sexual activity too soon because of pressure from your partner when the incision has not yet healed and the body is not ready. This not only causes pain and negatively affects health but also becomes a psychological burden and a source of distress for both spouses in future intimate moments.
2. Risks of early sexual activity after a C-Section
2.1. Vaginal Pain
Mothers who have had a C-section do not have stitches in the perineum, but after giving birth, estrogen levels are still low, causing vaginal dryness and reduced elasticity. Therefore, sexual activity can cause pain and discomfort.
2.2. Incision Injury
Early sexual activity after giving birth can impact and cause damage to the surgical incision on the uterus and abdomen of the woman, resulting in pain, infection, and wound dehiscence.
2.3. Increased risk of infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
After giving birth, a woman's body is very weak, her immune system is weakened, and her reproductive organs, especially the uterus, are in the process of recovering. This makes women more susceptible to infections.
Having sexual activity too soon increases the risk of physical disorders such as vaginal infections, abnormal bleeding, and even eclampsia, a life-threatening complication, directly impacting health and the ability to conceive in the future.
2.4. Psychological impact
After a C-section, it is already very difficult with pain, fatigue, and the pressure of caring for a newborn. Having sexual activity when the woman is not physically and mentally ready will create a psychological burden, causing inhibition, and fear, and negatively affecting future sexual activity.
3. Precautions for sexual activity after a C-section
- Only have sexual activity when your body has fully recovered and you feel ready.
- Use appropriate contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant too soon. Too short an interval between two C-sections can have significant impacts on the health and lives of both the mother and the fetus, such as the risk of wound dehiscence, the risk of cesarean scar pregnancy, placenta accreta, and fetal malnutrition.
- Avoid heavy sexual activity, as it could affect the incision.
- After sexual activity, clean and dry the genital area thoroughly to prevent infection.
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