After giving birth, it’s best to “make a promise to have sex”
The arrival of a child often makes couples' sex life worse than before. According to a report by the US "Fox News" on June 1, a latest survey completed by the British company Kegel8 showed that 44% of women felt nervous having sex for the first time after giving birth, and 20% felt nervous about having sex for the first time after giving birth. Men experience "sexual initiation difficulties" after their wives give birth to children.
Dr. Lauren Strecher, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said sex before and after giving birth is indeed different. The results of the gynecological examination at 6 weeks postpartum were normal. However, the couple felt uncomfortable, painful or weird when they resumed sexual intercourse. One reason is that the tears, stitches, and stretching caused by childbirth can change the pelvic floor, causing pain and problems with bladder control and difficulty having sex. Another major reason is that the level of prolactin in women during the breastfeeding period increases, resulting in reduced sexual desire and estrogen levels, which may also lead to vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and unresponsive sexual response. In addition, postpartum weight gain, stretch marks, sagging skin, increased breast milk, etc. will make women feel less confident or unsexy about postpartum sex, which may also affect their partner's sexual interest. Experts say that while sex after childbirth is more difficult and takes time, taking the following steps is sure to help.
Look at gynecology. After 6 months of stopping breastfeeding, if you still feel pain or discomfort during sex, or if you seem to have a hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with your doctor. Disease factors can be ruled out through gynecological examination, and pelvic floor physiotherapy can be received if necessary.
Use lubricant. According to Dr. Strecher, silicone lubricants are more lubricating, longer-lasting and less irritating, which can greatly improve vaginal dryness.
Promise to have sex. Dr. Berman said that the biggest change in postpartum sex is that couples' sex is no longer as "available at any time" as before. Once you have kids, looking forward to "spontaneous sex" often requires a long wait. Therefore, couples may wish to "make a sex agreement", for example, make a mark on the calendar and ensure that they have sex at least once a week. It would be even better if you have sex on a whim at other times.
Get your sexy back. Lack of exercise after giving birth can make women less sexy. Dr. Berman recommends setting aside a certain amount of time each week to exercise with friends (without the kids) or to enjoy alone time with your partner. Sexy and romantic activities help couples regain their sense of being a man or a woman.
Adjust appropriately. Postpartum women don't have to worry about stretch marks and body weight, because men are far less careful than women in observing this aspect. Berman suggests that wearing sexy lingerie will give you a boost of confidence, and changing your bedroom lights to pink bulbs will also create a more emotional atmosphere.
