Unable to have sex after childbirth

[voxnihili]

I had my first baby nearly 5 months ago. I had an episiotomy during the delivery and felt quite tender for about 3 months down below. Since then, DP and I have tried to have sex but it's impossible. I've had a coil fitted since her birth which took the doctor some time as insertion of the speculum was tricky and incredibly painful. I've also tried to have a smear test but it was not possible. I have to go back in a few weeks to try again but what happens if there's no improvement? I've struggled so much since DD has been born with how much of my identify I've lost but this feels like the nail in the coffin.

A friend of mine had an episiotomy, was stitched too tight and had to have a further op..

You need to see your GP and be referred to a specialist. You may well need a Fenton's Procedure. This is quite common and usually fixable. I had a Fenton's after first baby, and have since had two more children.

I think this, and similar issues are more common than you think,just never discussed. Talk to your GP and ask for a referral as this can't go on. If you're fobbed off, go to a different GP or take your husband to the next appointment.

I don't think women's health issues are always taken seriously when they're not life threatening which is a shocking state of affairs really.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than me will be along,but you don't have to live like this.

DS is two now and sex is just enjoyable after months of physio and stretching . I haven't had any procedures but I know two friends who had laser surgery to correct a similar issue.