TMI- but sex is painful

dibbleadabble

This is going to be WAY too much information for some, so please don't read if you're not willing to contribute in a positive way. Almost 6 months postpartum, and sex still hurts a lot.
I didn't not have a lot of tearing during delivery, the dr said I was between a stage 1 & 2 tear. But I think she sewed me up a little too much. It feels as if there is skin getting in the way, just on the outside. But OH MY GOD is it painful! It's like my husband doesn't "fit" in there anymore.

Please tell me someone else is having a similar problem? I'm unsure if I should contact my doctor.

SmrBrd2012

At least you're willing to try! I still am too scared, although I have some good reasoning.

This may also be TMI but I guess that's the nature of this post. You're saying you feel like there is skin getting in the way on the outside. There is such a thing as labial adhesions. Basically, your labia have gone through so much trauma from birth and healing that sometimes they partially fuse together (this is exacerbated by your hormonal changes). This is fairly common in newborn babies and less common in postpartum women. I speak from experience. At my 6 week PP check up they did not notice this issue nor did they notice the prolapse I had. You should definitely get checked out if you think one of these might be the issue. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

hirokotaki

I tried to have sex about 2 month ago, it was super painful!!! I mean I thought I will never have sex again, never!!!!
But I gave a try next week!! Super painful again... I am breastfeeding and its dry down there.
My baby is almost 6 month old, I had sex last week, it's painful but sooooo much better now.

Believe me, it gets better.
Keep trying, and be charge of movement.
Lots of lotion and foreplay. Lol

dec2018mom

I agree with lots of foreplay. You're already nervous because you expect it to hurt, so that might help. Also, lots of lube. I tore pretty badly and required 6 stitches. My rear was upwards instead of downwards and the pain was so incredibly intense that I had no idea how it would ever work again.

After stitches I felt a lot tighter than before which was a joy to him, but not so much for me. The lubricant we used was Astroglide. They say a little goes a long way, but we used quite a bit until it felt a little easier. It takes time! If it's extreme pain I'd mention it to your doctor though. They might be able to give you a better idea of things that can help!

jessie_olds28

My doctor recommended trying a vaginal lubricant or moisturizer every three days (like Replens). I just picked it up from the store and will see if it helps at all. We've used lots of lube, but it has still been uncomfortable! It's nice to know I'm not the only one struggling with this.

krislynn20

i didn't tear and sex is still extremely uncomfortable.. To the point that I'm not interested at all. We've tried many times, lots of lube and nothing helps. Maybe it will get better when I'm done breastfeeding.

Wish there was an easy fix because I haven't enjoy sex since I got pregnant. Here's to hoping it will get better someday.

Kendra322

I didn't tear at all beyond what is considered normal. No stitches here. However I experience the same pain. It's like he doesn't fit. I spoke to my doctor about it bc I was concerned and he said it could take your body up to a year to normalize, even longer if you're breastfeeding- which I am still. You're not alone in this.

jessieR358

Lurking from June 15. Sex is still really painful and uncomfortable for me. I had a second degree tear and unknowingly popped my top stitch. This created lots of granulation tissue, which doesn't have the same elasticity as normal skin. My doctor prescribed estrogen cream which has helped some. I would ask your OB about that.