The birth of a child is a major upheaval in our lives, both physically and emotionally, but also for life as a couple. It does not seem easy to find harmony with your partner when your body has experienced the adventure of childbirth and perhaps still bears some after-effects. And if a fulfilled postpartum sexuality was linked to a functional perineum ?
Why does sexual intercourse change after childbirth?
The perineum, an essential muscle for fulfilled sexuality!
Often ignored by many women and yet crucial! The perineum is a muscle located in the area of the small pelvis. Like a hammock, its main function is to retain our pelvic organs : the bladder, rectum and uterus.
Common to both men and women, it contributes to a healthy physiology when sufficiently supple and toned. Nevertheless, a hormonal variation or the alteration of its muscular tissues can make the perineum less functional.
The perineum put to the test, between pregnancy and childbirth
This includes women who gave birth with the assistance of a episiotomy, the operation aimed at incising the upper tissues of the perineum to facilitate the delivery of the baby and protect the mother from major tears.
In the event of non-episiotomy, we sometimes witness uncontrolled tears which also affect the perineum. Caesarean section is not exempt, since even women who do not give birth vaginally have carried their baby for 9 months.
More than childbirth, it is therefore in reality the pregnancy which challenges our perineum. This fetus splashing around in the amniotic sac of the maternal uterus weighs, in fact, more and more on the perineum as he grows.
We note, moreover, thata perineum that has never been worked on East more likely to relax during this test of its tonicity.
Postpartum perineal rehabilitation for fulfilled sexuality
It is therefore normal to have to strengthen your perineum after childbirth. It’s not for nothing that re-education, covered by Social Security, is prescribed by a health practitioner (specialized physiotherapist or midwife).
What does postpartum perineal rehabilitation consist of?
Rehabilitation usually begins six to eight weeks after the baby is born and should apply to all. Primiparous or multiparous woman, young or old, sporty or overweight: it therefore belongs to every mom to lean into this set of muscles.
Concerning these last two categories, let us specify that women who practiced physical activities particularly engaging for the perineum must all the more make it functional.
And the same goes for women with overweight, since the organs and in particular the stomach exert pressure on the perineum, making it, ultimately, less tonic.
The different methods of perineal rehabilitation
Concretely, perineal rehabilitation can be done in the office using different methods. It is the healthcare professional in charge of your rehabilitation who will determine best suited to your situation.
Perineal electrostimulation
Rehabilitation by perineal electrostimulation is a method commonly used in start of rehabilitation to teach the patient to locate her perineum.
Concretely, an intravaginal probe sends electrical stimulations to cause the perineum to contract under the effect of stimuli.
Although not recommended for postpartum rehabilitation due to nerve damage caused by childbirth, perineal electrostimulation is often used on a very short period of time for learning contraction.
Perineal biofeedback
Another method of perineal rehabilitation is based on biofeedback technology. It is also based on a principle of contraction of the perineum. But in the opposite direction, since it is not the device which stimulates, it is the patient who initiates the contractions.
There biofeedback probe collects the information transmitted: intensity of the contraction, duration, etc. and allows the patient to have a visual and real-time feedback on perineal contractions.
Perineal rehabilitation at home
In addition to perineal rehabilitation sessions carried out in the office, it is important to continue active work on your pelvic floor at home. And above all, throughout one's life, not just during postpartum period.
The purpose of this regular work? Avoid the appearance of intimate unpleasantness which could, among other things, alter the quality of your sexual relations.
Combined with a mobile application, the Emy probe offers this method by supporting the patient with fun exercises which she does on her smartphone at home. An additional advantage is that the patient can remain dressed, because the probe is not wired like those used in the office.
Designed with the support of specialized doctors, Emy is therefore as well indicated for postpartum women as for those who simply wish to flourish sexually with a shock perineum.
Learn more about the Emy probe
The perineum: our best ally for a TOP sex life!
Symptoms of a loose perineum
You will have understood, the perineum is the ally of satisfying sexuality on a physiological level. When the perineum is not exercised regularly, he can relax.
The consequences are daily inconvenience, resulting in urinary leakage, of the sexual disorders and, at a greater degree of severity: a prolapse, that is to say a organ descent.
We are talking about cystocele for bladder descent and rectocele for the rectum. It is therefore a matter of being vigilant and consulting if there is the slightest doubt because, in this matter, a quick reaction is the best solution for avoid surgery.
Perineum and postpartum sexuality
A functional perineum is therefore the key to fulfilling couple sexuality. A perineum that is too rigid or sluggish (which is not toned) offers less sexual pleasure.
The difficulties of a woman easily contract your perineum during penetration, for example, can attenuate her orgasms. And men are not left out!
Know, in fact, gentlemen that the tone of this muscle has an impact on the vigor of your erections. The benefits of a toned male perineum are: maintenance of erection and a favorable role in ejaculation.
How long after giving birth can you have sex?
It is recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth before resume sexual intercourse. This period varies depending on the woman, however it allows the body to recover from childbirth.
However, every woman has a different postpartum recovery. Make sure to feel comfortable physically and emotionally before resuming any sexual activity.
Wait, for example, until the healing of a possible episiotomy is completely cared for. Take your time so that the desire to resettle, without pressure. Above all, don't force things, give yourself and your body time.
And don't forget, by diligently practicing your postpartum perineal rehabilitation, you will be able to quickly regain fulfilling sex life after your baby comes!
4 tips for finding fulfilling postpartum sexuality
Finally, here are some more tips that you can apply to find a fulfilling sex life :
🗣️ The communication with your partner is essential. Express your needs, concerns and expectations. Take the time to discuss your feelings and adjust to this new aspect of your life together.
💕 Be patients towards each other. Tenderness and affectionate gestures are often excellent ways to gradually regain desire and physical intimacy.
🛌 Also choose comfortable sex positions. Positions that are less stressful for your perineum may be more suitable during this time.
⏳ And above all, don’t hesitate to go at your own pace. Resuming sexuality during the postpartum period can be a gradual process. Listen to your body and don't rush.
