How to Address Painful Sex After Giving Birth

February 9, 2020

Most postpartum women experience discomfort and pain during the first few sexual encounters after pregnancy. Sex after birth can become more comfortable and enjoyable with time as your vaginal tissues recover but if you are feeling pain after a couple of months, you may need to seek help from a medical professional! ⠀
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Pain that stems from intercourse can be a result of core/pelvic floor weakness and hyper mobility that results as your body/hormones transition out of pregnancy. The body can compensate and cause hypertonicity or muscle spasms in the pelvic floor. ⠀
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Pelvic floor physical therapy can address these issues. If you suspect anything, you can ask your OB/GYN for a pelvic floor physical therapy referral. The PT will perform an external and internal pelvic floor exam and determine if your pelvic floor is hypertonic. They may also check your posture and overall strength/flexibility. Treatment can include internal/external manual release techniques, relaxation/strengthening of the pelvic floor , core/hip strengthening, stretching and modifying strategies to make sex more enjoyable postpartum!⠀
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As a postpartum mama, you deserve to return back to a healthy and enjoyable sex life! If you are feeling any pain/discomfort with intercourse and don’t know where to start, you can book a Free 15-Minute Phone Consult with our physical therapists in Greenwich, CT and Manhasset, LI. We are proud to offer pelvic floor physical therapy with a holistic and integrative treatment approach.