Published on: 6/20/2025
What are some reasons for painful sex postpartum?
Painful intercourse after giving birth can happen due to several reasons, such as from tears or cuts, hormonal changes causing dryness, and emotional factors.
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Explanation
After having a baby, some women might feel pain during intercourse. This can happen for different reasons:
Physical Changes: Many women experience perineal trauma, which is injury to the area between the vagina and anus during childbirth. This can include tears or cuts that need time to heal, and may cause pain during sex.
Hormonal Changes: After giving birth, hormone levels change. Lower estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable.
Emotional Factors: Having a baby is a big life change, and stress or anxiety can also play a role in making sex painful.
Understanding these reasons can help women and their partners be more patient and seek help if needed. If you have concerns, it can be helpful to talk to a healthcare provider.
(References)
- Ram-Weiner M, Hayman-Mendelson A, Allouche-Kam H, & Lev-Sagie A. (2023). Postpartum dyspareunia: clinical evaluation, causes, and .... The journal of sexual medicine, 36763952.
- Barrett G, Pendry E, Peacock J, Victor C, Thakar R, & Manyonda I. (2000). Women's sexual health after childbirth. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 10688502.
- Rathfisch G, Dikencik BK, Kizilkaya Beji N, Comert N, Tekirdag AI, & Kadioglu A. (2010). Effects of perineal trauma on postpartum sexual function. Journal of advanced nursing, 20735499.
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