Sex after childbirth - not one of my better ideas. Don't think TMI..

[Bloodyhellthathurts]

Some advice and possibly sympathy needed. I gave birth 11 weeks ago - long labour, forceps delivery, episiotomy, 3rd degree tear. It was less than wonderful. But I made a fantastic recovery I think, really wasn't bothered by it after less than a week. Haven't felt much like sex but I decided best to get back on the horse, so to speak, and jumped my husband this weekend. Twice. It hurt quite a bit the first time but nothing too bad, we took it slowly etc. I thought that I'd give it another go as I am nothing if not a trier and once more, it hurt, but still pretty good and I thought - fine. All working. Dandy.

But it hurts now. Horrible burning pain if I sit down too quickly and it really stings when I pee. It is just stretching that's done this do you think? Should I see a doctor?

My husband was very complimentary about the stitch up job and said things felt as good as ever. I am thinking maybe they were a bit TOO enthusiastic with the repair?

I'd be making an appt with the GP. Do not put up with these issues; early treatment is very important.

I think you need to go to the Dr just to check.
However, I think it is possibly 'lack of use' as I can get quite tight if it has been awhile. After DD it was uncomfortable a fair few times until it was fine again and I had very little trauma. Amazing how it all springs back though!

Balls. I was hoping that someone would say it sounds totally normal. I was quite looking forward to keeping my privates relatively private for a little while longer.

With the burning do you think you have a UTI? I am more prone to them since childbirth (never suffered previously) and sex is usually the trigger.
Other than that I would say it is normal, you could wait to see if it settles by itself, just worth getting checked out if your worried.

I don't think it feels like a UTI would, the pain is lower down. It feels like I've got a big graze somehow?

Maybe it has irritated some stitches then... Maybe best to get it checked in this case. Sorry!

But but but - it was eleven weeks ago! Surely the stitches have gone by now?

Oh sod it. I'll see a doctor. I'm sure my bits will be glad of the outing.

Probably the stitches are gone but the scars remain, better to be checked than having anything split....!
Good luck with it, I think there is a cream which can help things heal quicker if things have gone a bit awry.

If you've dissolving stitches one may not have dissolved and needs taking out. I'd go to the doctor.

11 weeks is nothing. It's a distant memory now but I am sure that I was in a chastity belt for at least 6 months after DC1- my choice.

If you are breast feeding your hormones could also be low and this would make you "drier" below.

I haven't been to the doctor yet as everything seems okay again - the stinging lasted a couple of days and then went. I got my sodding period back after eight weeks and used tampons and that seemed fine.... so I think perhaps we were just a bit more enthusiastic than we realised (sorry).

To be honest Amelia, it was more in the interests of checking that everything worked rather than any lustful feelings. I have not told my husband this. I have told him that it won't be happening again any time soon though.

Sorry to be blunt, but have you...errr...had a look down there?!

I've had loads of problems since the birth of DD in May and according to my lovely GP, it can take months for everything to 'settle into place'. I had no feeling back yonder 'til DD was 19 weeks - that was down to swelling on a nerve, and then it just came back over a couple of days. As everybody is telling, go to your GP and talk it through.

(And I'm trying not to be jealous of your tighter than ever. I liken our doing-the-do to lighting a match in the Albert Hall...)

Muriel, I am not that brave. I've had a feel but I foolishly had a peek when I first got home from hospital, and I am not ready to look again. Ever.

I've already got an appointment to see a consultant the week after next. Given that if anything is broken they'll just want to refer me, do you think its okay to wait until then? I'm not scared, honestly, but I am not going to be having sex before then, no siree bob, so maybe I'd be better off talking to the expert rather than my GP?

Oh definitely! the consultant is who you end up seeing anyway, so wait until then and pour your troubles out.

And do come back and let us know how you get on.