How to navigate your intimate health after giving birth
Resuming sex after giving birth can be difficult. Here’s expert advice on how to do so safely
By Shelley Wilson
Bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful, transformative experience. And, while your focus will naturally be on your newborn, it’s important to also consider your own wellbeing.
During this postpartum period, known as the ‘fourth trimester,’ your body can go through many physical and emotional challenges as it tries to bring you back to balance after pregnancy and birth.
One of these challenges can be with your intimate health. You may have experienced some pain or discomfort during sex, or perhaps you’ve just not felt ready. After all, there’s no rules about when to resume intimacy again after giving birth. But, if you do feel ready, here’s advice on what changes you might expect to see in the fourth trimester and how you can handle them.
How does your body change after giving birth?
From pregnancy to childbirth to the fourth trimester, your body has undergone significant changes. All of which can impact your vaginal health and your desire for intimacy.
You may have experienced changes, such as:
- Hormonal shifts — Fluctuations in your hormones can lead to vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable. It can also affect your desire to have sex in the first place.
- A weakened pelvic floor — Pregnancy and childbirth can cause your pelvic floor muscles to become stretched and weakened. This can lead to symptoms like incontinence or prolapse.
- Body image issues — Many women struggle with their body image after giving birth. The pressure to return to your pre-pregnancy weight can impact your self-esteem and, as a result, your sexual confidence.
- Stress and fatigue — As you’ll know, caring for a newborn can be exhausting and anxiety-ridden. Therefore, intimacy may be the last thing on your mind.
But, these changes don’t have to mean the end of your sex life.
There are techniques and support you can put in place to help heal your intimate health and regain your sexual confidence.
Here’s six you can try:
- Explore HIFU vaginal rejuvenation
High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) vaginal rejuvenation tightens, tones and revitalises your vaginal wall by triggering your body’s natural production of collagen.
Collagen is the protein responsible for the structure, support and strength of your skin, muscles and bones.
Boosting the collagen production in this area helps to tighten your vaginal tissue and treat other symptoms, like vaginal dryness and leaking urine.
It can also help you to have more comfortable and satisfying sex once you feel ready to after giving birth.
To book a consultation for HIFU vaginal rejuvenation, reach out to Shelley at FemRevive here
- Communicate openly with your partner
Intimacy after giving birth can be tricky to navigate.
Experiencing pain during sex or having issues with arousal can make what should be an enjoyable experience into something you try and avoid.
That’s why it’s so important to have open and honest communication with your partner.
Discussing your thoughts, feelings and concerns around resuming sex can help your partner to understand your needs, share their own and foster a deeper sense of understanding and connection.
- Strengthen your pelvic floor
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that work together to support your bladder, womb and bowel.
You may be aware of how they can work to prevent incontinence, particularly after you’ve given birth, but did you know strengthening these muscles can also help improve your sex life?
Regularly completing pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, can help to regain the strength and sensation in your vagina, contributing to better sex.
- Use lubricants
Vaginal dryness is common after you’ve given birth. In fact, one 2018 study found that 43% of 832 first-time mums experienced a lack of vaginal lubrication at six months postpartum.
Where there’s dryness, there may also be pain. That’s why using water-based lubricants can help make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
However, it’s best to avoid using scented products or those containing any irritants, as your vagina may be more sensitive during the fourth trimester.
- Explore new forms of intimacy
Remember, intimacy isn’t just about sex.
You can strengthen your bond with your partner in a variety of ways.
Why not try giving each other massages? Or, perhaps just make an effort to hug and kiss more.
You could even try pretending to be a new couple and regain that feeling you had when you were first starting to get to know one another.
Creating emotional closeness in this way can help you to regain intimacy during this transitional period.
- Be kind to yourself
Your body has just undergone this remarkable process. It’s completely normal for it not to have returned yet to your pre-pregnancy and birth expectations.
Be patient with yourself. Over time, your body will heal and you’ll make any necessary adjustments for regaining intimacy.
There isn’t a strict timeline for this process, everyone’s journey looks different. So, make sure to prioritise your wellbeing and not be too hard on yourself.
Of course, it’s important to stay in contact with your healthcare provider during this time.
Regular check-ups can help you address any physical concerns you’re having and give you the space to ask questions.
Your healthcare provider can also offer guidance on safe timelines for you to resume having sex.
And, if you can, connect with other new mums.
This can help provide you with reassurance about what you’re going through, as well as support in the knowledge that others are experiencing similar things.
The first few months of parenthood can be tricky.
Remember to congratulate yourself on small wins and trust that, with time, you’ll find a new ‘normal’ for your intimate well-being that’s right for you and your body.
For more information on HIFU vaginal rejuvenation after giving birth, reach out to Shelley here