The Truth About Painful Sex Postpartum (And How PT Can Help)
So, you made it through pregnancy and brought this beautiful little human into the world—huge accomplishment! You probably feel like you just conquered the hardest thing ever… and honestly, you did. But now, as you and your partner start to reconnect, you might be thinking, Wait… why does sex hurt? This wasn’t an issue before!
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A lot of people experience pain during sex (dyspareunia) after having a baby, and there are plenty of reasons why:
Your body went through a LOT. Vaginal delivery can cause tearing or nerve sensitivity, and C-section scars can also contribute to discomfort.
Scar tissue can be sneaky. Whether from an episiotomy, a C-section, or natural tearing, scar tissue can create tightness or tenderness.
Hormones are all over the place. Especially if you’re breastfeeding, estrogen levels drop, leading to vaginal dryness (hello, unexpected discomfort).
Your libido might not be on board yet. Sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and just… life with a newborn can tank your desire.
PTSD or birth trauma is real. If your delivery was difficult or traumatic, your body and mind might need more time to heal.
Your pelvis might be out of whack. Pregnancy and delivery can throw off your pelvic alignment, making certain movements (and positions) uncomfortable.
The good news? There’s help! Things like pelvic floor therapy, using a good lube, scar massage, and taking things slow can make a huge difference. And most importantly—be kind to yourself. Your body just did something incredible, and healing takes time.
Does any of this resonate with you? Let’s talk about what might help! 💛
