Sex After a C-Section: What Are the Risks and When Is It Safe?

It’s easy to let your own needs fall by the wayside when you become a parent. In addition to your more immediate physical and emotional needs, if you have a partner, intimacy is also important.

If you had a C-section, it’s normal to wonder when and how you can safely and comfortably have sex once again. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about sex after a C-section.

We’ll cut to the chase and tell you that most doctors recommend waiting 6 weeks after a C-section before having sex again. 1

This allows several parts of your body to recover from childbirth:

• Uterus: It takes about eight weeks for your uterus to shrink back down to its usual size and for your cervix to close completely. This is important for preventing infections. 2
• Incisions: Your C-section incisions also need time to heal, both internally and externally. Pain from the incision can last several weeks. 3

After your incisions heal, they will leave C-section scars that, themselves, may take up to a year to fade. Fortunately, they shouldn’t cause discomfort (or limit your ability to engage in activities like exercise or sex) after the 6-week mark.

Lochia

Many women also have a certain amount of postpartum bleeding (called lochia) for several weeks after giving birth. During this time, avoid inserting anything into your vagina until the bleeding stops entirely. 4

On that note, it’s normal for the color of lochia to change from bright red to dark red or pink to yellowish, but if your bleeding is excessive, it could be a more serious issue, like postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Call your doctor. 5

If you have complications like an infection or PPH, it’s possible you’ll need to wait longer than six weeks before you have sex again. 6

If your doctor’s given you the go-ahead, you may now be wondering if sex will feel the same as it did before giving birth.

First off, know that after you give birth, your estrogen levels drop, and as a result, you might experience vaginal dryness due to producing less lubrication. 7 This may be more pronounced if you’re breastfeeding.

Moreover, your incision area may feel numb, sensitive, or even painful. Some women experience tingling, tightness, or a burning sensation as the nerves regenerate and heal. 8

Will you still want to have sex after a C-section?

Fatigue, stress, changes in your body image, and postpartum depression can all impact your libido and how much you enjoy sex. Many women—whether they had a C-section or not—experience changes in their sexual and emotional health after delivery.

The good news is that most of the time, any issues you have with sex post-delivery will improve over time as your body continues to heal and adjust.

Does sex hurt after a C-section?

Following childbirth, some women experience pain during or after sex. This is called dyspareunia, and can occur regardless of whether you had a C-section or gave birth naturally (in fact, if you had any vaginal tearing during childbirth, it will likely hurt more than if you had a C-section).

This pain can stem from scar tissue, pelvic floor issues, or other aspects of postpartum recovery, which can be a messy and difficult process. 9

Be patient with yourself and your body. Let your partner know what feels good and what doesn’t, and don’t hesitate to explore alternative forms of intimacy, which isn’t just about intercourse; cuddling, massage, and mutual masturbation can be fulfilling as well.

What about anal and non-penetrative sex?

While vaginal intercourse is typically off the table for at least six weeks, what about other types of intimacy?

Some of these activities can make good alternatives to vaginal sex. However, others have the same drawbacks.

You should approach anal sex, for instance, with caution; although it doesn’t directly involve your vagina, it can still put pressure on your pelvic area. As a result, this ups your chances of discomfort. 10 If you experience pain or strain, it’s best to wait a little longer or discuss options with your doctor.

But sex doesn’t have to be penetrative sexual activities. External clitoral stimulation or mutual masturbation can be safer alternatives while your body heals. Just bear in mind that orgasms can sometimes trigger postpartum uterine cramps, which might feel uncomfortable. 11

If you’re ready to ease back into intimacy post-C-section, here are some ways to make it more comfortable and pleasurable:

• Lubrication is key: As mentioned, it’s normal for your vagina to be a dryer during the postpartum period. 12 You can mitigate this by using a high-quality water- or silicone-based lubricant. But if your dryness persists, talk to your doctor about using vaginal estrogen creams.
• Experiment with new positions: Some sex positions will put pressure on your incision, and it can take time to find what works. You can try lying on your side or being on top, where you have more control over movement and penetration depth. You could also add pillows for extra support.
• Don’t skimp on the foreplay: Spend more time than usual on foreplay to get yourself more in the mood and stimulate your natural lubrication.
• Communicate openly: One of the best ways to improve your postpartum sex life is to communicate openly and honestly. (Actually, that’s almost always the case for your sex life in general.) Let your partner know what feels good and what doesn’t. Being honest about how you feel will make you feel more relaxed and connected.
• Try pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Strengthening your pelvic floor can improve circulation, increase your pleasure, and assist with your overall recovery. 13
• Consider pain relief: If you want to start having sex again but you’re just not comfortable enough to enjoy it, ask your doctor about safe pain relief options before engaging in sexual activity.
• Relax and unwind: A warm bath, gentle massage, or even a glass of wine (if you’re not breastfeeding) can relieve a little tension and make intimacy more enjoyable.

While many women adjust to having sex after a C-section with time, there are situations where you might need professional help:

• Persistent pain: If your pain continues or worsens, let your doctor know. They may recommend a pelvic floor therapist who can get to the root of your pain and offer treatment options.
• Emotional distress: Seek professional support if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Postpartum depression is very common, and it’s very treatable. 14
• Relationship issues: If you and your partner are struggling to reconnect emotionally or sexually, couples therapy can potentially improve your communication and intimacy.
• Infection: Watch out for a fever, redness, swelling, or unusual discharge from your incision. If you notice any of these signs, let your doctor know immediately.

The importance of your six-week checkup

Your postpartum checkup isn’t just about clearance for sex—it’s an opportunity to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Whether you’re worried about pain, your emotional well-being, birth control, or you just want reassurance that everything is healing properly, don’t hesitate to ask.

Restarting your sex life after a C-section isn’t a race. Whether you’re counting down the days to get back into the sheets or your libido rivals that of a panda, take your time.

Just communicate with your partner, and don’t feel shy to ask for professional help if you need it.