Is a Surgical Cut to the Perineum during Delivery Fatal for One's Sex Life?

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3.09.2012 | By: T. B.

Sex life of women who had the perineum cut during their childbirth usually drastically changes because of pain ...

Learn about your possibilities to have a delivery without any major consequences. (PhotoXpress)

Different techniques of relaxation are an important part of preparations for your delivery. (PhotoXpress)

Sex life does change after episiotomy. (PhotoXpress)

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What are the consequences of episiotomy?

Pain because of episiotomy

The intensity of pain due to the cut made to the perineum differs from woman to woman. Women can feel pain for three days after delivery or up to several weeks. Walking and sitting are unpleasant. Pain gradually eases when stitches are removed, except in cases where a severe infection of the tissue appears. In such cases, you have to inform your doctor of the pain!

Infections caused by episiotomy

Infections cause pain that is felt upon touching the spot, skin redness and swelling. In such cases, the use of antibiotics is necessary because an infection can spread and cause a wound to open.

Scars after episiotomy

Scars in the perineum area after delivery aren’t visible on principle. The scars formed as a result of an incorrect procedure are more drastic. Such scars have aesthetic consequences, but they also cause painful sexual intercourse. The scars formed as a result of episiotomy are a potential risk factor for tearing in the next childbirth.

Loss of blood in cutting the perineum

Women who have episiotomy lose more blood than those whose perineum was torn!

Sex life after episiotomy

Sex life after childbirth is different because of several factors. It’s also influenced by a cut made to the perineum. In addition, episiotomy often causes incontinence.

We're not talking only about a lack of sexual desire. Women are often disinclined to have sex because a cut to the perineum was closed too tightly with stitches and intercourse is unpleasant. In general, women can start indulging in sexual activities after four to six weeks. It’s recommended that you devote special attention to foreplay and the way of achieving a genuine state of relaxation. You should also use water-based lubricants because lubrication is problematic after delivery, especially if the woman is breastfeeding.

Unfortunately, all the aforementioned procedures cannot protect you against automatism in health care in general and in maternity wards in particular, which is too often a reason for a lot of episiotomies.