Recovery of Sexual Activity After Childbirth and Contraception

After childbirth, a woman experiences various changes in her body. One aspect that is often discussed and questioned is the recovery of sexual activity. In this article, we will explore when it is safe to resume sexual relationships after childbirth and the advice given by doctors.

Obstetrician-gynecologist Lyudmila Radetskaya notes that there are no strict fixed timelines for when one can engage in sexual activity after childbirth. However, medical recommendations often suggest that women should abstain from active sexual life for approximately 4-6 weeks after giving birth.

However, this is a general guideline, and the recovery time may vary depending on the woman's body condition and the type of childbirth she experienced. In the case of natural childbirth, it is usually recommended to wait for at least 4 weeks. This allows the uterus to return to its normal state and ensures that all discharges have passed from the vagina, which is a natural part of the process.

However, it's important to note that even after natural childbirth, there may be microtears and abrasions that can make sex painful for the woman and lead to bleeding. Additionally, the incisions can be gateways for infections, which should also be considered.

After a cesarean section, sexual activity is also temporarily discouraged. While the surgical procedure itself is usually safe, the body experiences additional stress due to the presence of stitches. In this case, it's better to postpone intimacy so that the body can recover, including the healing of stitches. The period of recovery typically averages 6-8 weeks, but for some women, it can extend up to six months.

However, even after resuming sexual activity, it is important to remember contraception. Couples should be vigilant in this regard, especially if they do not plan to have another child in the near future.

When it comes to contraception, parties should take into account not only their own health but also the safety of their partner. The use of condoms is recommended as an important means of contraception. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also helps avoid infections that may enter the body of a recently postpartum woman.

Radetskaya points out that even during breastfeeding and within the first six months after childbirth, the possibility of becoming pregnant still exists. In such cases, doctors recommend the use of additional methods of contraception, such as vaginal suppositories, oral contraceptives, and intrauterine devices.

For women who are not breastfeeding, there are more options for contraception. However, the choice should be discussed with the treating physician to select the most suitable method.