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5months PP, still not had sex

4 replies

Newmum19880 · 24/10/2024 21:31

Hi,
As the title says, I'm 5 months pp and I've still not had sex with my husband since giving birth...
He's super supportive and in no way is pressuring me, but I feel like I'm supposed to have moved past the birth by now and back to 'normal'.
I had such a traumatic birth (also probably tmi but my clitoris ripped horribly) and the idea of having sex honestly is just so off putting and scares me.
So I guess I'm wondering if anyone experienced something similar?
Struggled to have sex post partum, and/or ripped their clitoris during childbirth?
How did it heal? Did you ever have sex again? 😅🥲🫠🙃
Jokes aside, I'm beginning to feel a bit depressed about it to be honest and was just hoping for anyone to share their experiences and not feel so alone in this.

OP posts:
Joyfulincolour · 24/10/2024 22:59

I'm so sorry that this has happened to you @Newmum19880 I think it is understandable why you are hesitant- i would be.
Have you been to your GP to check that everything is healed correctly and back to normal? I would see a female GP and explain your hesitation & they might do a careful examination to reassure you that you've healed and you are safe to have sex again. If there are any concerns, a womens/pelvic health physio might be worth seeing (via the NHS or privately if you prefer).

I would imagine lubrication will also be important and going very slowly to check how things feel. You might want to explore this on your own first, to give yourself the time to check how it all feels. If things don't feel right or you feel unable to have sex, a psychosexual therapist might be useful to speak to.

I hope things improve for you.

NavigatingAdulthood · 25/10/2024 00:01

I agree with @Joyfulincolour

Sex shouldn’t feel like a “must” but a “want”
Birth and trauma is perceptive and it’s completely understandable that the experience you had is now affecting your overall postpartum life.

Clitoral tears are pretty nasty (I’m a midwife and I refuse to suture one - that’s for the doctors!) However, I think it’s also the main component for pleasure! It has thousands of nerve endings. Clitoral tears are also common, as is any tearing in childbirth.

I would start just by getting used to “looking” at yourself again. You know what you looked like, what you enjoyed and how those things felt pre-baby. Gaining confidence independently is a great step to allowing you to regain confidence with sex. It’s okay to feel nervous and unsure but your partner sounds super supportive! It’s also important that you explore at a pace you’re comfortable with and also be okay with the idea that things may feel different and this is now a process of finding what is enjoyable again. Remember, sex is supposed to be fun!

I think, without going too far down the rabbit hole, it may even be worth seeking support with birth trauma and a birth reflections programme. Understanding what happened when we aren’t in childbirth can help improve our moods and feelings about our experience whilst also keeping in mind that your feelings are valid!

I had an elective c-section and I was still drastically struggling with postpartum experiences and sex, simply because my body just felt different. Couldn’t have my DP touch my chest, I felt embarrassed about my scar and the hormones all over the place causing insane dryness (and my DS didn’t even come out that way!) Lubrication is PARAMOUNT!!

Sending you lots of wishes!

Newmum19880 · 26/10/2024 18:59

Thank you both so much for your replies xx
@Joyfulincolour I did see a gynecologist about 15 weeks after and she said that everything healed great, which was very reassuring, but I've still been afraid to even look down there 🙈
I think I need to purchase a handheld mirror and just start there.
@NavigatingAdulthood we were referred for a birth reflection actually as the hospital sent me home– didn't believe I was in labour or that it would go so quickly as a first time mom. When my waters broke at home I called and begged to come back and they said to put a pad in and wait at least 1 hour, so I ended up having my daughter at home 40 minutes later with no one but a scared (and amazing!) husband.
We still haven't been contacted regarding the referral sadly.

OP posts:
NavigatingAdulthood · 26/10/2024 23:52

@Newmum19880 Oh no, that’s annoying you haven’t heard! I would definitely chase them. Not to stick up for them but they often don’t have capacity for frequent clinics but you should’ve heard!! Hope you get through to them!

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