Painful sex after C Section

[Jendra]

I tried to have sex six weeks after my C section. My incision felt good, had healed well and despite my new overhang (Ugh) was feeling pretty good to go.

But it burned. Used plenty of lube and it burned. My husband couldn't even get in all the way. Losing my virginity didn't hurt this much. I thought at the very least one thing about a C section was an unaltered vagina.

But no.

Anyone else experience this? I will be bringing it up with my doctor in the coming weeks, but if anyone knows why this could be, I'd love to hear it.

 

[AmyB1978]

I am having this too. We've not had sex much but the few times we have it has HURT! The last time it was a tiny bit better but I am 4 months post csection. I am not sure why but, I agree, it sucks. Between being exhausted, busy, hormonal, etc i am having a hard enough time being in the mood even without it hurting!

 

[lch28]

I had a little pain but def not that much.. and i was in labor for 18 hours before hand

 

[izzlesnizzle]

I had this too after my CS. It was so painful for a while afterwards. I cant remember how long but it was very painful for a good couple of months. It was really bruised inside and it would burn and I would be in agony but it eases off and gets better. Its fine now. It just needed time to repair inside and settle down again.

 

[candyem]

I got to 9cms before having an emcs with my little boy. There were two attempts to push the last cm of cervix behind babies head which was agony.

It hurt the first few times but I'm not sure if it was more in my head?! As soon as I relaxed it felt much better.

Hope it becomes more comfortable soon.

 

[seoj]

I'll give you my story- not that it necessarily applies to you, but good info to have (as I didn't have ANY info when going through it- still going through it). But after my LO was born and we DTD again (7wks later)- it was UBBER painful, worse than the first time like you mentioned. I've never experienced pain like that during sex. It slowly, over 6mos, got better and better... then suddenly, it got worse again and stayed there (no worse, no better). So I saw my OB- and turns out I had BV (Bacterial overgrowth)- and got meds, and it *seemed* better- but then worse again a few weeks later, more meds, but didn't work this time... got more tests... and all were "normal"- although sex is still painful- like burning/stinging from start to finish. Sometimes worse or better than other times- but always irritating. Ugh... sorry for the long story- but ultimately, I got referred to a specialist where I live- and they are currently reviewing my chart. Hoping to hear back soon... but, if it is what I *think* it may be (based on a convo I had with a friend of a friend who experienced similar symptoms)- it could be vulvadynia. I'm certainly not saying that is what you have- but hormones can play a huge part. And I was BF/pumping after LO was born- and my OB even said that can affect my "balance" down below and cause pain... so it could very likely just be that and slowly get better in time. Fingers crossed. For me though- I'm still waiting for an answer....

I truly hope it's just hormonal for you and get's better soon. But, if not, then at least you know there are some answers out there... just don't "wait and see" for 6mos like I did!!! I'm not sure why I waited so long- I just kept thinking it would get better... and it would, but then it would get worse. So, if that happens, be proactive and get checked. I wouldn't want anyone experiencing this for as long as I have... it's frustrating (to say the least).

 

[Feline]

Are you bf-ing? As another poster mentioned, the bf hormones change your internal lining, making it much more thin/sensitive in some women. I have this and it has meant sex is still too painful to go through with. Bummer! Xx

 

[justmeinlove]

I have this, just the last bit before he is fully 'in' absolutely Hurts!! Am giving it one more try before I go to Dr...

 

[Juniperjan]

yup, me too. I'm putting it down to breastfeeding. Also had c-section.

 

[Jendra]

I talked to my doctor about this yesterday. She said it was likely hormonal, that the vagina can atrophy. She prescribed me a hormonal pill to insert into my vagina. She said it wouldn't interfere with breastfeeding. My supply sucks as it is, so hopefully she's right. We'll soon see. It should take a week to kick in. I'll report back.

 

[Jendra]

Further info, I've been experiencing night sweats, which also may be caused by low estrogen levels. So low estrogen could cause both the sweating and also the atrophied vagina, which would cause the pain. It's starting to make sense. Took one dose of the pill vaginally, and will continue to do so through the week.

 

[justmeinlove]

Interesting! Look fwd to update

 

[AmyB1978]

Me too! Good luck!

 

[Jendra]

I've been taking Vagifem for a week now, my sweats have reduced and interestingly my sore joints have lessened (I never mentioned this, but it was awful and it's improved). I seriously think my body was experiencing menopause symptoms from the too-low estrogen levels. All that's left now is to try sex, which should be tonight. I've noticed a little more natural lubrication so I have optimism. Wish me luck. I'm not expecting much, but if it doesn't hurt, I'll consider it a success.

 

[AmyB1978]

Glad you are feeling better, good luck tonight!

 

[Jendra]

Had sex two nights ago and it wasn't painful! It was a little uncomfortable, but we slowly eased in and used lube (Like the last time) only this time it was doable. It even started to feel better at the end to the point it became enjoyable.

Overall, a success

 

[AmyB1978]

Thanks for the update and I'm glad it worked!