Sex after delivery

It is best to wait to have sexual intercourse until you feel no more pain. If you had an incision in the tissue between the vagina and the anus (perineum) or it has torn, wait until it is healed. The doctor can advise you.

Be careful when you have sexual intercourse for the first time after delivery. Take it slowly and very gently.

As a couple you have to find a new balance in life. Lack of sleep, stress and emotions may influence your sex life:

• A lot of women are tired, have a painful or dry vagina and painful breasts. They do not feel like having sex (less sexual desire). This is also often related to breast-feeding.

• Also men may find it difficult to have sex again for fear of hurting their partner. 

Kinds of sex

Sex is more than penetration. There are different kinds of sex. You can also masturbate, caress, massage, cuddle or have oral sex with your partner.