Sex post birth

[Anna2006]

When did people not feel discomfort post birth?

I’m nearly 8 weeks postpartum and had episiotomy and suffered 3rd degree tear. Scar tissue is quite sensitive but was eager to get back on the horse.

Attempted but wasn’t able to and it became sore an was like little paper it/tear at entrance of my vagina almost like it was too tight an cause it to tear a bit.

Has anyone else has this? I’ve recently only just stopped bleeding and still have yellow Lochia so no period back yet. Is maybe the hormone levels not helping things?

Are you breastfeeding? The hormones tend to make you dryer down there. Either way, plenty of lube once you get back on the horse is a must.

I've never had either a tear or an episiotomy so can't speak to that - I find things a bit sensitive in the first 4-8 weeks pp but then fine, but I think with tears and cuts it's very individual and you have to take it as it comes.

Nope not breastfeeding but period is yet to return so don’t think my hormones have settled back to the norm yet

I had an episiotomy and also experienced the 'too tight' feeling.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to have sex without significant pain until ten months postpartum. I think that might be unusual though.

I had 3rd degree tears for both mine. After my DS I didn’t have sex properly for 8 weeks, we tried at 6 but Is was too uncomfortable. After my DD we waited a bit longer as the stupid nurse stitched me up a bit wrong and I had a few problems regarding piles etc. After 11 weeks I was comfortable enough to try properly. You are not alone and I know some people that didn’t have sex for about 6 months after. Hope everything gets sorted soon x

@Sophisticatedsarcasm thank you! It’s good to hear from another 3 degree tear sufferer

Can I ask you at what point your scar an perineum became non sensitive? Did it ever?

Mine is painful just to touch (was advised y physio to try massage it) an concerned I’ve healed tight an the pain won’t get any better unless they re do it all.

8 weeks? Jesus, there's no way I would have been ready for sex that soon, it makes me squirm in discomfort just thinking about it! Definitely wait a few more weeks to heal properly.

With DD1 I had episiotomy (no natural tear though) and attempted sex 4 weeks pp - too painful, waited until 8 weeks pp and think it was probably 3-4 months before it felt ‘normal’. Definitely had the ‘tight’ feeling

With DD2 I had her quickly and was intact but I think because it happened so quickly I was quite sore and learnt from first time and waited until the 8 weeks!

It’ll be fine! Try not to worry too much as it’ll all return to normal and then you’ll just be worry about not getting pregnant too soon after 😂😂 xx

Had sex after about 4 or 5 weeks and it was bad because I was so dry even though I stopped breastfeeding. By month 2 it felt totally normal - I guess the hormones were back to normal then. I had no tears or cuts though. Give it time it will get back to normal.

@sophisticatedsarcasm - You shouldn't have had a nurse repair a 3rd degree tear...should always be a Dr.

Try to use a lot of lube to help you.

2 years 4 months and only just getting back to normal.

I've had 12 months of physio too.

Was awful and doubt it'll ever be as good again.