The Go-To Guide To Dealing With Dyspareunia After Childbirth
You just had a baby.
You’re so consumed in taking good, extra care of this amazing bundle of joy that you already love so much.
But, you’re spent, have little sleep, and simply exhausted.
So, you might not be thinking about sex. And that’s perfectly understandable.
Your body adjusts back to its normalcy that includes being physically intimate again. But, the first time you have sex after having a baby isn’t how it used to be…
All this because of childbirth.
You’re still a woman who enjoys sex. But, being a mom now, don’t let painful sex get in the way of achieving pleasure.
If you’re a mother who enjoys sex (but hesitant because of the pain it brings lately), then read more about ways to relieve dyspareunia after giving birth.
Dyspareunia Symptoms: Can They Be Treated?
To start with, dyspareunia is a condition that occurs in some women who have given birth. Simply put, it’s painful sex. Incidentally, dyspareunia is also common during menopause.
Dyspareunia simply means “painful sex” - so symptoms of dyspareunia are any symptoms that are involved in painful sex.
One study reveals that 1 in 3 moms experience painful intercourse in the first year after childbirth. Dryness in the vaginal area is what mainly causes pain and discomfort due to little or no fluids that help the skin retain its moisture and health.
Now that may cause some panic, but it’s treatable. It’s the kind of pain that happens in some women and it doesn’t go away by itself.
We encourage you to read this helpful guide that has helped thousands of women like you, who experienced dyspareunia.
Can I Still Enjoy Sex After Childbirth?
Yes, absolutely! You can still have all the fun and pleasure sex has to offer. Sex is really great, but dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, can take away all that.
Women have different vaginal fluids. Before having sex, fluid is released when aroused, which serves as a natural lubricant in the vaginal area.
Not having enough lubricant can cause you to feel pain in sex (dyspareunia) and soreness. This vaginal dryness happens to many moms who have sex after childbirth.
Vaginal dryness causes that annoying, sore pain inside. But don’t let it ruin the mood.
We’ll give you helpful strategies to bringing back the pleasure in sex.
Amazing Ways To Enjoy Postpartum Sex
Although dyspareunia can dampen your spirits when having sex, don’t let it affect your mood.
There’s always simple, but proven ways that can help you enjoy sex over and over again.
Here are some amazing ways to enjoy postpartum sex:
It may be difficult at first to adjust to your new role as a mother, but a routine helps you manage more time for yourself. A body that is well-rested affects the mind, too. You can focus on sex and get the stimulation you’ll need.
Make time for you and your partner. Plan a good date, and be playful. Remember how you used to set the mood for sex? It’s never too late for that.
In fact, you might surprise your partner how good in sex you’ve become, and that’s a good start already.
There’s a study that says mindfulness or meditation helps in pain management. Mindfulness doesn't have to be a seated meditation. There are dozens and dozens of mindfulness practices that you can do.
While meditation doesn’t eradicate dyspareunia, it’s been proven to reduce pain as opposed to reacting to it in a negative way.
1. Use An-All Natural Lubricant To Make Sex Less Painful
There is no reason for you not to indulge in the joys of sex. One of the best ways to enjoy amazing sex and not feel pain from it is by using a lubricant.
But, the thing is - there are many lubricants that are mixed with heavy-duty chemicals that can cause irritation, allergy, and skin infection.
Your vaginal skin is highly absorbent - meaning that anything that touches it (either good or bad) gets soaked into your bloodstream. So, it'really important to be careful when choosing a sex lube.
Your safety comes first, so please read on to guide you further in choosing a good sex lube.
Be Wary Of Chemicals In Store-Bought Lube
Here are some of the chemicals found in common lube companies:
- Methyparaben: a chemical known as a fungicide and preservative used to extend shelf-life. It also mimics estrogen which could cause breast tumors.
- Hydroxyethylcellulose: Its active ingredient is formaldehyde which is commonly used in jet fuel and paint, and can seriously harm the immune system.
- Sodium Hydroxide: commonly known as lye, and used in making soap. Lye has a strong reaction with acid, and is highly corrosive.
- Propylene Glycol: This is a common ingredient found in antifreeze and brake fluid. Propylene Glycol also causes abnormalities in the liver and kidney damage.
- Benzoic Acid: A chemical that’s damaging to the nervous system, lungs, and mucous membranes.
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate: Highly toxic, can cause serious damage to the lungs and other organs.
2. Eat Healthily To Regulate Your Body Functions
Moms need all the proper nourishment they can get because they’re recovering from childbirth. It can take a year for them to bounce back and the demands of everyday life can drain them. Eating healthy, revitalizing foods can boost energy and make new moms feel better.
How Eating Healthily Can Improve Your Sex Drive
A good diet for moms is essential. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need a good supply of healthy fluids such as freshly-squeezed juices for proper milk production.
It’s also worth considering that you should eat foods that help boost AND improve your sex drive.
Walnuts, asparagus, and some spices are some of the many foods that induce substances in the body that may help trigger sexual stimuli.
3. Postpartum Exercises To Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
Pregnancy triggers a lot of anatomical changes in women that can go on even after giving birth. Hormones do that, and when they get out of control, a host of health issues can manifest in ways you’ll never expect.
But, there are exercises you can do that help reduce pain and feel better. These postpartum exercises for moms can be used to regain overall strength, especially pelvic floor strength.
As the old saying goes, a healthy body comes from a healthy mind. This is especially true for moms who want to get back in shape and have a clear mind.
Dyspareunia can happen to any women - thankfully these exercises after childbirth can help regulate blood flow in the body to mitigate dyspareunia after having a baby.
Here Are Some Postpartum Exercises That You Can Do At Home
Carrying a baby inside you for 9 whole months is probably one of the world’s most challenging tasks for moms, but you made it!
You gave birth to a healthy, beautiful child. It’s one of life’s best rewards.
But, you have some massive lifestyle changes since pregnancy. And those changes probably make it hard to go to the gym as much as you'd like.
Some great news: you can do postpartum exercises at home, such as:
Kegel Routine. This exercise is known to strengthen muscles in the pelvic floor. It’s also practiced by many moms to help them in enjoying sexual intercourse after childbirth.
Swimming. Swimming is considered one of the best cardio exercises around and is suitable for moms. Aside from the arms and shoulders, swimming helps the muscles in the lower half of your body (thighs, calves, and buttocks) to regain balance and strength.
Brisk walking. It’s been proven that brisk walking strengthens leg muscles and your glutes which and improves mobility and balance. A short trip to the nearest grocery shop can do so much for your health.
4. Regular Doctor Appointments To Make Sure Nothing Is Seriously Wrong
It’s still best to discuss things with your doctor, especially if painful sex persists. If that’s the case, it may indicate a much deeper issue caused by childbirth.
When Should You Go To the Doctor After Childbirth?
A regular check-up with your OB-Gynecologist can tell you if you’re doing great postpartum.
Always seek the help of your doctor whenever you feel something weird. Here at Chiavaye, we still prioritize medical advice and conventional solutions. Your health comes first.