Sex After Childbirth: Is It Normal For Women Not To Want It?

After childbirth, women’s bodies undergo significant physical and hormonal changes, which can impact their sexual desire and function. Many women may experience a decrease in libido or even pain during intercourse, which can make them less interested in sex in the postpartum period.

There are several other reasons why women may not want to have sex after childbirth. 

Why Do Women Not Want To Have Sex After Childbirth?

Still Healing

Firstly, the body needs time to heal after giving birth, especially if the mother had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. This healing process can take several weeks or even months, and during this time, sex may be uncomfortable or painful.

Sleep Deprivation

New mothers also tend to have a lot on their minds, such as caring for a newborn, adjusting to their new role as a parent, and sleep deprivation. This can make it difficult to find time or energy for sex, and can also lead to a decreased libido. 

Physical Changes

After giving birth, women’s bodies go through a lot of physical changes. Besides the vagina, the uterus, and perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) being sore, swollen, and tender, women may also experience vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable or even painful.

Furthermore, women’s bodies produce a hormone called prolactin when they breastfeed, which can reduce their libido or sex drive and affect postpartum sex. Prolactin also suppresses ovulation, which is nature’s way of helping women recover and prepare for the next pregnancy. 

Mental and Emotional Changes

Giving birth is not only a physical experience but also a mental and emotional one. Women may experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or mood swings, which can affect their sex drive. They may also be overwhelmed with the demands of taking care of a newborn, which can leave them feeling exhausted and drained.

Furthermore, women’s body image may also change after giving birth. They may not feel as attractive or confident as they did before, which can affect their self-esteem and desire to engage in sexual activity.

All of these mental and emotional changes can make women not want to have sex after childbirth. It is essential to acknowledge and support women during this time, as it can be challenging and overwhelming.

It is perfectly normal for women not to want to have sex after childbirth. It is a natural response to the physical, mental, and emotional changes that women go through during and after giving birth. Women should not feel pressured or obligated to engage in sexual activity before they are ready, and their partners should be understanding and supportive.

It is important to remember that the lack of sexual activity after childbirth is temporary and will eventually resolve itself. Women should focus on taking care of themselves and their newborns, and not worry about their sex lives at this time.

Resuming Sexual Activity

When women do feel ready to resume sexual activity after childbirth, it is essential to take things slow and communicate with their partners. It is important to wait until the physical discomfort and soreness have subsided and to use plenty of lubrication to make sex more comfortable.

It is also important to understand that women’s libido or sex drive may not return to normal immediately after giving birth. It may take several weeks or months for women to feel like themselves again and want to engage in sexual activity.

Many healthcare professionals recommend that women wait until their six-week postpartum checkup before resuming sexual activity. This allows the body time to heal, and for women to adjust to the changes that have occurred.

Communication is key when it comes to resuming sexual activity after childbirth. Women should communicate their needs and desires with their partners and take things at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Physical, mental, and emotional changes can affect women’s sex drive, and it is essential to be patient and understanding during this time. When women do feel ready to resume sexual activity, it is important to take things slow, communicate with their partners, and not rush things. 

It’s also important to take good care of intimate hygiene before and after sex to avoid any infections, especially when you are still breastfeeding your infant. Make sure to choose one that is made with natural ingredients.

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Cover image source: freepik