How to Resolve Postpartum Pain with Sex

Can you picture this scenario? You are 6 weeks postpartum and just got the go ahead by your OB or midwife to return to sex. It is very normal to feel nervous or still not ready at this stage, however, women often feel a pressure to try anyway!  Was it what you expected?  Did you have any pain? Postpartum women typically do not receive any guidance on how to prepare themselves to return to sex or how to resolve postpartum pain with sex.  At our clinic, we help women with this all the time and want to share 4 tips on how to resolve postpartum pain with sex. 

Tip #1: Use a vaginal moisturizer 

After delivering your baby you have decreased estrogen, especially if you are breastfeeding. This decreased estrogen can cause less vaginal fluid secretions (your own self lubrication), leading to dryness and pain with sex. One way to increase estrogen is by utilizing a vaginal moisturizer such as the Enchanted Rose Feminine Balm. It’s like a moisturizer that you apply to your face, but this is for the pelvic floor instead!

Tip #2: Address Tissue Restriction from a C-Section Scar or Vaginal Tear

Any form of delivery is a major event on the body.  If you had a c-section or vaginal tear, this could lead to postpartum pain with sex if the tissues become restricted during the healing process.  This is where pelvic floor physical therapy can help!  We are experts at guiding you in recovery from a c-section or perineal tear by using hands on manual therapy.  Our techniques will break up scar tissue and adhesions in order to increase mobility of the tissues and reduce pain! 

Tip #3: Experiment with Different Sex Positions 

We recommend trying these 3 different positions to help reduce postpartum pain with sex!  These positions help reduce pain by decreasing the depth of penetration, changing the angle of penetration, and allowing you more control in the speed of movement!

• Spooning

• Be on Top

• Modified Missionary- partner stands while you lay near the edge of the bed with hips elevated on pillows 

Deep Squat

Child’s Pose

Tip #4: Try an Ohnut

If you primarily have pain deep in the pelvic floor and don’t want to stop having sex, you could try using an Ohnut.  Your pain is likely stemming from overactive pelvic floor muscles that are best addressed by a pelvic floor physical therapist through manual therapy techniques, breathing strategies, and specific pelvic floor lengthening exercises. But as a temporary relief, you could try this 4 ring silicone device that helps to manage the depth of penetration while you are also in your therapy journey! 

No matter how smooth your labor and delivery went, returning to sex postpartum can feel challenging for many reasons. Give these tips a try first to improve or prevent pain with sex! If you are still struggling, one of the next best steps is to work with a pelvic floor physical therapist. Schedule your evaluation today at Revitalize Physical Therapy to work with one of our floor specialists to make sex feel more like a reward instead of a chore postpartum!