OBGYN reveals when it’s safe to have sex after childbirth as she details the realities of postpartum intimacy

When exactly can you have sex again after giving birth? 

For many new moms, the idea of getting naked again, let alone having penetrative intercourse can feel terrifying.

Between healing stitches, leaky boobs, zero sleep, and a plummeting libido – not to mention a brand new human being you’re responsible for – postpartum can make intimacy feel like a distant memory.

But sex after childbirth isn’t just possible, it can actually be enjoyable and healing.

The key is to learn your new body, allow yourself to move at your own pace, and get real about what your mind and body need. 

DailyMail.com spoke to Dr. Karen Toubi, a board-certified OBGYN, to learn what no one tells you about postpartum sex and how to find your way back to pleasure when you’re ready.

Dr. Toubi started by saying: ‘Most people are told they can resume sex around six weeks after delivery, whether it was vaginal or C-section. 

‘But just because you can doesn’t mean you’ll want to – or feel ready.’ 

‘Healing takes time, and so does feeling like yourself again,’ she encouraged. ‘It’s OK to go at your own pace.’

She advised that women still dealing with ‘perineal pain or healing tears, a tender C-section incision, vaginal bleeding, or pelvic discomfort or tightness’ might not be ready to have sex again at six weeks.

‘It’s totally normal to wait longer. Readiness isn’t just about healing – it’s about feeling safe, comfortable, and in control of your body again,’ she assured.  

Along with healing, women can also experience vaginal dryness and irritation after becoming a mom.

‘This is so common, especially while breastfeeding. Estrogen drops significantly, which can lead to vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain with sex. It’s part of what we now call Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation,’ Dr. Toubi detailed to DailyMail.com.

She said the good news is: ‘Lubricants and vaginal moisturizers help a lot.

‘A low-dose vaginal estrogen is safe while breastfeeding and can make a big difference,’ she added.

Another post-birth symptom that women often experience is a low libido, so don’t be discouraged if it happens to you. 

‘Between low estrogen, high prolactin [especially if breastfeeding], lack of sleep, and sheer exhaustion… yeah, libido often takes a hit,’ she explained.

‘You’re not broken – this is normal. And it will shift as your body and routines settle. It’s basically temporary menopause.’

With a low libido and emotional blockages after birth, it can be hard to be intimate again with a partner. 

After birth, women may feel ‘touched out from caring for a baby, worry about pain or their partner’s expectations, not recognize their body, or feel disconnected or overwhelmed.’

Once both physical and mental healing begins, you can still take sex one step at a time.

Dr. Toubi suggested seeing a pelvic floor therapist after giving birth to help with pain.

‘Your pelvic floor muscles support your core, bladder, and sexual function. After delivery, they can be weak or too tight, which might lead to pain or decreased sensation,’ she explained to DailyMail.com.

The OBGYN said ‘core breathing, posture work, and slow strength-building’ also help. 

Many myths surround postpartum that Dr. Toubi wanted to clear up.

Many people assume that after a vaginal birth, the vagina gets ‘stretched out.’

Dr. Toubi said: ‘Nope – that’s a myth. The vagina is incredibly elastic, designed to stretch and then recover.

‘You might feel looser at first, but over time, with healing and pelvic floor support, most people bounce back really well.’ 

The OBGYN put a stop to a few other myths, adding, ‘Just because it’s been six weeks doesn’t mean you “should” be ready [to have sex].

‘Pain with sex is common, but not something you have to live with and definitely NOT normal.

‘Intimacy isn’t just penetration – there are so many ways to reconnect. Your body isn’t ruined – it’s recovering, evolving, and still beautiful.’