After the baby is born, new mothers can finally bid farewell to abstinence and share intimate moments with their husbands. However, rushing into intimacy too soon can lead to complications.Below, experts share insights on cultivating a fulfilling postpartum sex life!
I. Practice Effective Contraception to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies
Surveys reveal that 60% of expectant mothers mistakenly believe breastfeeding and absent menstruation guarantee pregnancy prevention. While lactation hormone secretion increases during breastfeeding, it suppresses follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, thereby inhibiting ovulation.However, sensitivity to FSH varies among individuals. Those with high sensitivity experience a more pronounced inhibitory effect from prolactin. After 6-8 months postpartum, as breastfeeding frequency decreases and daily routines normalize, this ovulation suppression gradually weakens.
Long-term breastfeeding allows the body to maintain milk production with less reliance on prolactin. Once prolactin levels decline, normal ovulation may resume, though menstruation may not necessarily return. Therefore, even if breastfeeding continues and menstruation is absent, pregnancy remains possible. Typically, non-breastfeeding mothers resume menstruation within 2 months postpartum, while breastfeeding mothers may experience an absence of menstruation for up to 6 months.
Experts caution that new mothers' bodies are still recovering after childbirth. An unexpected second pregnancy would be an added burden. Therefore, contraception is essential during postpartum sexual activity to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
The following methods are available:
1. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Principle: Inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilized eggs from implanting.
Usage: Inserted by a physician.
Advantages:
1. High contraceptive effectiveness;
2. Can be removed at any time;
3. Does not interfere with breastfeeding;
4. Small size, easy insertion;
5. No preparation needed before intercourse;
6. Fertility returns after removal.
Disadvantages:
1. May expel from the body;
2. Requires regular follow-up visits;
3. Must be replaced after a certain period.
Side Effects:
1. Possible light vaginal bleeding;
2. Mild lower back pain or abdominal heaviness;
3. Increased menstrual flow;
4. Increased vaginal discharge.
Q: Can an IUD cause uterine erosion?
A: Such cases occurred in the past, primarily due to the use of ring-shaped IUDs resembling rings, which were difficult to remove. However, modern IUDs have been improved. After insertion, a string remains near the cervix for easy removal, so mothers today need not worry excessively.
Furthermore, the clinical risk of infection or inflammation from IUD use is low. The effect is more akin to localized irritation rather than true inflammation, designed to interfere with fertilized egg implantation. Generally, replacement is required every 5 years. Failure to replace it may lead to pregnancy, but ulcers or inflammation are uncommon.
2. Birth Control Pills
Principle: Suppresses ovulation using hormone-like components.
Usage: Taken daily at the same time.
Advantages:
1. High contraceptive effectiveness;
2. No need for pre-intercourse preparation, does not interfere with sexual activity;
3. Suitable for any healthy woman;
4. Fertility returns after discontinuation.
Disadvantages:
1. Requires a doctor's examination and prescription;
2. Must be taken daily with regular follow-up visits and refills;
3. Contraindicated for those with liver disease, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, blood disorders, or diabetes;
4. Requires a doctor's checkup every six months to determine continued suitability.
Side Effects:
1. Symptoms similar to early pregnancy, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches;
2. Light vaginal bleeding;
3. Reduced menstrual flow.
Q: Can I take birth control pills while breastfeeding?
A: Some mothers worry that birth control pills may harm their babies. However, the current doses of active ingredients in these pills are low. After being metabolized by the body, they do not pass through breast milk to affect the baby's health. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers can safely use birth control pills for contraception.
II. Exercise Extra Caution During First Postpartum Intercourse
After a period of postpartum recovery, new mother Xiaofang's perineal wound had fully healed. Yet during her first sexual encounter, the wound reopened and bled. What should have been a moment of joy turned into silent agony.
Xiao Fang's experience is common among many new mothers. The ten months of pregnancy bring significant changes to a mother's body, with particularly noticeable alterations in the reproductive organs. Experts therefore advise expectant mothers to exercise caution and vigilance during postpartum sexual activity to prevent unexpected complications.
The most common complication during the first postpartum sexual encounter is perineal bleeding. What causes this?
1. Timing of resuming sexual activity: Perineal incision wounds typically require 7 days to heal before sutures can be removed. At this stage, the surface tissue has healed, but the deeper muscle layers and fascia take 6–8 weeks to fully repair.Resuming intercourse too soon may cause wound reopening and bleeding.
2. Related to the mother's overall health: Conditions like anemia, malnutrition, or inflammation in the vaginal/perineal area can delay perineal wound healing.
3. Related to suture type: While the perineal epidermis is sutured with silk thread, the inner muscle layers and subcutaneous fat layers use catgut sutures.Due to significant individual variation in human tissue absorption of catgut sutures, combined with factors like suture quality and whether the perineal area was thoroughly sterilized, tissue absorption may also be affected.
4. Related to the husband: Since the male partner has abstained for an extended period during the wife's late pregnancy and postpartum period, once sexual activity resumes, vigorous movements often occur. This can easily cause perineal tissue damage, bleeding, or tearing.
Expert Advice: Postpartum sexual activity should only resume after complete healing of perineal wounds. During the first encounter, the husband must be gentle. If vaginal bleeding occurs either upon resuming intercourse or afterward, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to stop bleeding yourself out of embarrassment, as this may delay necessary treatment.