Postpartum Sex: 5 Things No One Will Tell You

The mere prospect of engaging in postpartum sex can be taxing, so health professionals frequently recommend delaying it until between four and six weeks after the delivery before engaging in penetrative sex.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise considering all the factors working against new parents, including baby blues or postpartum depression, raging hormones, strange physical changes, and, of course, the sheer weariness of caring for a newborn. 

After holding a baby for the majority of the day, you could also feel “touched out.” Although sex now might be the last issue on your mind, it won’t always be the case. 

Before jumping into bed, it’s crucial to understand that connection can take many forms and that postpartum sex requires time and effort. Here are some things about postpartum sex that no one will tell you.

Things About Postpartum Sex No One Will Tell You

1. Reduced libido: 

During postpartum, sexual desire might come and go depending on the sort of birth you experienced. Stress, lack of sleep, exhaustion and hormone imbalances are some of the issues you will be dealing with post the birth of your baby. Getting used to your fresh start as a parent is challenging. Your mental health can also impact your libido. Anxiety and depression after giving birth are also common factors for reduced libido.

2. Body changes:

Your physical appearance is frequently an influence on the intensity of your sexual desire. Your breasts and belly may now seem very different from how they did before becoming pregnant, giving birth, and caring for a small human. Additionally, it could take some time to comprehend how the body’s genital organs may change after giving birth in terms of appearance and sensation.

3. Chances of pregnancy:

If you thought that you won’t get pregnant if you indulge in postpartum sex since you are still breastfeeding your infant, then you’re in for a surprise! The truth is that you can get pregnant even if you’re still breastfeeding. 

Pregnancy can occur as soon as you ovulate for the first time after the birth of your baby. 

4. Breast leakage:

Yes, your body will do weird things postpartum; if you are breastfeeding your little one, your breasts may start leaking during sex. That’s because orgasm releases the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for milk letdown. Don’t be surprised if milk starts dripping during sex! 

5. Breastfeeding affects postpartum sex:

The vagina might become dry, tight, and sensitive as a result of breastfeeding and low estrogen levels. When you are breastfeeding, however, other hormones are also in action.

• Sexual desire is also impacted by testosterone. Although testosterone is frequently thought of as a hormone only found in men, it is actually present both in men and women. It affects women’s libido in general. Breastfeeding causes testosterone levels to fall, which reduces sexual drive.

• Prolactin aids in the formation of milk but can also affect the hormonal cascade involved in romantic desire. Dopamine, which aids in sexual arousal and enjoyment, is counteracted by prolactin. Consequently, prolactin has the potential to reduce libido.

The bottom line is that you eventually come to the realization that life with kids will always be chaotic and that you simply have to do some things, like having fun whenever and wherever you can.

Cover image source: freepik