Most embarrassing question of the day...

Count Choculitis · January 2012

So I posted on here awhile back about having sex during twin pregnancy -- specifically, after whatever cutoff point your doctor gives you (mine said 24 weeks). Well - it occurred to me that I never received clarification as to WHY I can't have sex after 24 weeks. Is it because the sperm "ripens" the cervix, as I keep on reading everywhere? Or is it the penetration itself that's dangerous? Or...is it because an orgasm causes your uterus to contract, which in turn might cause preterm labor (although I think that sounds mighty silly).

I was given this "no sex after 24 weeks advice" way early in my pregnancy, only because that's what my OBGYN tells ALL twin mothers-to-be. It's just standard for them. As far as my specific pregnancy is concerned, I don't have any other risk factors other than just the fact that I'm having twins. The doc said my cervix was "perfect" -- whatever that means -- and everything is perfect with me and with the babies.

The reason why I'm so curious about this is because - honestly - I can go without sex with my husband for three more months with no trouble, but my hormones are making me crazy and I really want to take things into my own hands (so to speak). In that case, the only danger factor, if there is one, would be if having an orgasm itself is dangerous.

Embarrassing? Yes. Awkward to ask my doctor? Yes. But I was curious if anyone else knew the reasoning behind this warning. It would help me decide how to proceed without putting my babies in danger.

*Side note: I have an appointment with my OBGYN this Thursday and I plan on asking him this...I'm just very impatient for an answer and very curious.

E&RMommy · January 2012

Ask your doc for advice...only he/she can say.

O is a big ole long contraction. Unlikely to cause PTL but if there is something else going on a big contraction doesn't help.

Sperm does have properties which may cause cervical ripening....however likely only if your cervix is ready to be ripened.

Since they don't really know what causes PTL many docs are conservative and just say no.

Sexy time is a very common reason for preterm contractions and trips to L&D.

HisBelovedPrincess · January 2012

I personally didn't have enough energy to have a whole lot of any kind of sex past 24 weeks. lol. Maybe your doctor just likes to give women a "dr's orders" so their husbands can't be upset when they just plain feel tooo HUGE to make love for the next 10-16 weeks

Temp6313048411121614 · January 2012

Don't be embarassed to ask us or your OB about sex, we and he knows how those babies got there, and your OB will in no way think anything of your question. You can be damn sure I asked my OB about sex when I went into PTL at 32w and he said no nookie until I was released from BR.

LewisTwins · January 2012

Definitely not embarrassing, as it's an integral part of many relationships. I was told at 16 weeks to cut out the sex. Hubby and I are both very disappointed by this, as you definitely tend to want what you can't have.

Reasoning he gave was the contractions in the uterus as a result of orgasm. Contractions can possibly lead to PTL complications. I was given these orders early on b/c I complained of pressure in my pubic muscles which began after a Sunday morning romp. In addition to the pressure, I was also experiencing a good deal of pain in the uterus which lasted about 24hrs. All of this began immediately after sex. Needless to say, self-satisfaction is also out.

Maybe you doc will have better news for you. Good luck.

blueberries8 · January 2012

My doctor said there is some evidence that prostaglandins in the sperm (hormones that cause contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle) can trigger PTL. He also said that it appears to be something only a subset of women have a sensitivity to (i.e. many women will not respond to prostaglandins in the sperm with contractions), but that unfortunately there is no way to tell in advance who that subset of women will be until they try it and have PTL symptoms and/or contractions. If this is the main concern with sex, then by this criteria, self-pleasuring should be ok

Like other people mentioned, I have read that orgasm itself can trigger contractions, but my doctor didn't mention this. I would definitely see what your doctor says - they definitely get Qs like this asked ALL the time.

Count Choculitis · February 2012

LewisTwins:

Definitely not embarrassing, as it's an integral part of many relationships. I was told at 16 weeks to cut out the sex. Hubby and I are both very disappointed by this, as you definitely tend to want what you can't have.

Reasoning he gave was the contractions in the uterus as a result of orgasm. Contractions can possibly lead to PTL complications. I was given these orders early on b/c I complained of pressure in my pubic muscles which began after a Sunday morning romp. In addition to the pressure, I was also experiencing a good deal of pain in the uterus which lasted about 24hrs. All of this began immediately after sex. Needless to say, self-satisfaction is also out.

Maybe you doc will have better news for you. Good luck.

Well put. This is enough for me. No "sexy time" either with my husband or solo.

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