When a woman gives birth to her child, she may have to undergo a episiotomy at the time of delivery. We generally know this term without precisely identifying the operation to which it refers: a small incision in the superficial muscles of the perineum, For prevent any risk of major perineal tears when the baby passes its head to come into the world. Let's see together how the recovery is going sexual intercourse after an episiotomy.
The immediacy of postpartum
A source of distrust, “the episio” has consequences in the short term of the postpartum period, since it leaves a scar to heal.
It is important to better understand what happens in our body, to take control of this situation and not not suffer from sexual blockage.
Resumption of sexual intercourse after an episiotomy
First of all, it is necessary to distinguish the period which directly follows childbirth from that, more distant, when you will be able to regain your bodily balance and your sexual harmony.
Indeed, in the first weeks following the birth of a baby, it is normal for the mother to have a drop in diet and in particular for what concerns theintimate activity. Even more so if an episiotomy has taken place, it is completely normal that it can impact the resumption of sexual intercourse.
The dual role of oxytocin
It's physical: postpartum hormones kick in, libido drop. The hormone particularly involved is that of oxytocin.
It has the double advantage of being that of maternal attachment, as well as that of breastfeeding. However, it acts as a curb on sexual desire.
Libido and breastfeeding
Therefore, lactating women see their libido go back later than a mother who does not breastfeed, if anything perineal pain do not come to add their two cents.
So episiotomy or not, don't panic, it is normal that your sexual activity and your relationships may be a little chaotic at first.
(Re)take care of yourself and your body
However, there is no resignation on the matter. Things gradually get back to normal at the end approximately one to two months, the time for the body to regain its bearings.
Young mothers will also agree that the fatigue following childbirth is comparable to a marathon.
It is therefore a question of saving money and the same goes for the partner, as baby's first nights are short and, in fact, trying for parents.
Not counting the emotional whirlwind into which a birth plunges us and the stability to be found in a home with one more little member.
Sexuality and episiotomy: letting time take its course
Find your libido
Once the beginnings of postpartum are behind you, you should be able to reconnect with your libido. However, in some women, the flame takes a little longer to reignite.
The reasons are multiple (different morphology, loss of self-esteem, exhaustion), but we must keep in mind that it is not serious since it is possible to rekindle the spark.
How long after an episiotomy to make love?
Episiotomy, or rather its scar, simply puts an asterisk on the resumption of activity and sexual intercourse. You must take care of it, while allowing yourself to resume the somersaults.
Indeed, your intimacy must recover from the operation. For this reason, it is recommended to leave a delay of 4 to 6 weeks between giving birth and when you start to resume intercourse.
This lapse of time also slowly brings you to the date of the postnatal visit, a moment where you can dialogue with the midwife and express to him any difficulties you encounter in finding a satisfying sex life.
Scar and episiotomy
On a daily basis, and especially in the early days, your scar may have been painful, swollen and cause unpleasant pulling sensations. The fact that the scar risks pulling during penetration is a barrier for many women.
How to sleep and relieve your episiotomy scar?
In the majority of cases, the application of a repair cream after each shower alleviates this discomfort. You can choose to reinforce its soothing action by combining it with an analgesic cream, particularly in prediction of an intimate relationship.
Furthermore, the use of a lubricating gel, at least initially, is advisable. He will come facilitate penetration, by countering vaginal dryness possibly induced by episiotomy.
How to massage an episiotomy scar?
Finally, it is recommended by health professionals to massage regularly the place which bears the scar, in the shower or during foreplay precisely.
This aims to improve the healing process, so that the scar is better accepted by the body and tends to be absorbed over time.
It has in fact solidified from two to three weeks after giving birth. To find out how to properly massage your episiotomy scar, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice. physiotherapist or your midwife.
The mind to the rescue
Beyond the helping hands to be provided on the physiological level, it is on the side of mental that a large part of the journey has been made. To resume confidence in yourself and your partner is essential. Whether for reasons related to the episiotomy or for taste, you will certainly want to change your sexual positions.
Vary sexual positions
Adapt positions allows you to win a different pleasure, which may even surprise you. This could initially allowavoid pain related to episiotomy during sexual intercourse.
Among those that stand out in the top health magazines, we can cite Andromache or the overturned horse.
Also, while waiting for penetration to take place smoothly, alternative sources of pleasure are legion. Foreplay, caresses, massages, chewing… take your pick.
Resume sexual activity gently
Without rushing things or skipping steps, do not put this area of your body to rest for an indefinite period, which will end up weighing you down. Remember that recovering from an episiotomy is a transitional phase which is, by definition, not intended to last.
It is certainly necessary monitor the risk of complications, correlative to any operation. However, this is the only concern of this order that you should have! The life of a mother is challenging enough not to block you with fears or unnecessarily hindering complexes.
If after your postnatal perineal rehabilitation your libido should not increase, you can be referred to a sexologist.
The final word, as you will have understood, is thatepisiotomy and fulfilled sexuality are by far not incompatible !
