What to expect when having sex after a c-section
In this article
What's the lowdown?
It’s best to wait 6 weeks after a caesarean section (or c-section) before you start having sex again
Sex after a c-section may feel different to begin with
There are tips and tricks you can use to help make it more comfortable
It’s important to remember contraception! There are a range of options that you can use after birth
How long after a c section can you have sex?
When can you have sex after a c section? This is different for everyone. It depends on how well your body and mind recover after birth. You may wish to have your postpartum check up (around 6 weeks) before you have sex.
It’s important not to get to have sex too quickly; a c-section is a big operation. Rushing into sex after c-section can lead to unwanted complications. There are a few important things to think about.
Your emotional state
It’s normal to have a lower sex-drive after you’ve had a baby. Baby-blues are common too. So don’t put pressure on yourself if you are not yet ready.
Making sure you are completely emotionally ready as well as physically, is important. Be honest about this with your partner.
You might think after a c-section you may be ready to resume having sex more quickly. However, it often takes longer for women who have had this operation to feel that they are ready1. So, take your time.
Your c-section scar
- It takes a variable length of time to heal – usually a c-section scar will be healed within 6 weeks. It might still feel tender and sore for a while longer.
Vaginal bleeding
- Generally, 6 weeks after a c-section, vaginal bleeding will have stopped. The uterus takes about this long to return to its usual size. It also takes about 6 weeks for the cervix to fully close.
- Many women find that bleeding stops for a few days and then starts again, so this can be unpredictable.
What to expect when having sex after a c-section
C-section sex may be a bit different to begin with!
Your hormones change during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Once you have delivered your baby, your oestrogen levels fall. Lots of women suffer with vaginal dryness, even if this hasn’t been a problem for you before. This can make sex uncomfortable.
- Breastfeeding can make vaginal dryness even worse. Your doctor may be able to prescribe oestrogen cream to use in the vagina to help with this.
- Using a water based lubricant during sex can make sex after a c-section comfortable. You could try Yes Organics.
- If a lubricant isn’t cutting it, you could try vaginal moisturisers. Your doctor can also help with a prescription for vaginal oestrogens if you need.
Positions you used to enjoy may no longer be so great!
- Positions where your partner is on top (such as missionary) may be uncomfortable. This is because they put pressure on your c-section scar.
- It’s normal for the scar to be slightly irritable when touched. As long the scar is well healed, then sex is perfectly safe.
- You might need to experiment to find what’s most comfortable for you. Side-lying or being on top may help, as you can control the depth of penetration. If something doesn’t feel good, say so!
- Don’t be too concerned if it takes some time before sex feels great again. Try lots of foreplay, use lubrication, and communicate with your partner. As time goes on, things will return to normal for you.
Changes in your pelvic floor:
- Even if you haven’t suffered vaginal trauma through delivery, your pelvic floor muscles can become weakened in pregnancy. This might make sex feel different.
- Regular pelvic floor exercises can help make sex better2
Risks of having sex after a c-section
Generally, as time passes after your c-section, you should start to feel better. There are a few things to look out for when you start having sex again after a c-section. If they occur, see your doctor.
- If your scar is becoming red, painful or swollen, or there is any discharge or pus coming from the wound, this can be a sign of an infection.
- Bleeding after sex (especially if heavy) should be checked by a doctor.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, or discharge with an unpleasant smell can be a sign of infection.
Sex potentially introduces bacteria and increases your risk of infection. That’s why it’s important to wait until everything is well healed before you get active again!
Contraception options after a c-section
Remember that after delivery, (including a c-section), you can start ovulating quickly, before your first period. So, considering your contraceptive options is important. Guidelines state that you should start contraceptives 21 days after birth3.
Contraceptive options depend on your medical history. You might also want to think about if (or when!) you might want another baby. Your post natal check is a really good time to discuss this with your doctor.
You might find that what suited you for contraception before your pregnancy no longer works for you. So take some time to think about what might work best for you. Here are some options….
- Lactational amenorrhea (i.e using breastfeeding as a contraceptive)3
- Hormone-containing pills
The progesterone only pill (also called the mini pill) is safe to use while breastfeeding4. It can be started at any point after birth3.
he combined oral contraceptive pill (which contains both oestrogen and progesterone) can be started between three to six weeks after delivery5.
- Longer-term options
Longer-term contraceptives such as the IUD (intrauterine device) or ‘coil’, can be fitted within 48 hours or four weeks after your c-section and are considered safe to use whilst breastfeeding 6. This applies to both the hormonal and copper IUD.
The contraceptive implant (which contains progesterone) can be used safely at any point after birth3. The contraceptive injection can also be used at any point after delivery3. You can use both of these options if you are breastfeeding.
- Non-hormonal contraceptives
Barrier methods (condoms!) can be used at any point after delivery3.
If you use a contraceptive diaphragm, you should wait until 6 weeks after delivery to have this re-fitted3.
You can read more about different contraceptive options and read reviews of how other women have got on with them here.
There are a few things to think about when wanting to get your sex-life started again after a c-section. Make sure that you have had your post-partum check up. You need to be in the right emotional state of mind. Choose the right positions and pay attention to the changes in your body. Make sure you talk to your doctor about the right contraceptive choice for you.
Dr Gemma Dovey
Medical Copywriter
Dr Gemma Dovey is a GP with a passion for women's health with experience of these issues herself as a patient. She loves communicating complex medical issues in a way that patients understand. She also have experience in writing and editing medical information, both for patients and for doctors.
Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.
