Real talk: sex is probably not very high on your to-do list right after you have a baby. I mean, if showering and eating regular meals take a hit, it's understandable that getting busy is the last thing you're concerned about. That being said, if you're one of the rare people aching to get back in bed, so to speak, this sexual hiatus is only temporary With this in mind, you may be wondering how soon can you have anal sex after having an episiotomy?
Sure, this question could make even the most dedicated backdoor fan cringe. If you get an episiotomy, there are very likely stitches involved. Stitches. Still, it's a legitimate question. Most of your postpartum sexual advice likely revolves around your vagina, so do the same rules apply to other areas?
In a word, yes. Although they are still pretty common procedures, an episiotomy is no walk in the park. According to the Mayo Clinic, an episiotomy is a surgical incision made to your perineum area during childbirth, typically to prevent excessive vaginal tearing or help deliver a large baby. During the healing process, it's common to experience pain during urination, bowel movements, or even sitting, as further explained by the Mayo Clinic.
Because every delivery is different, and everyone heals at a different rate, there is no set timeline for resuming your regular activities following an episiotomy, let alone getting back to your sex life. Waiting at least a few weeks appears to be the norm, however, depending on how quickly you're healing. What's more, you may want to ease back into your usual activities slowly. According to the National Health Services, around 90 percent of women have reported painful sex following an episiotomy, although this did not make a distinction between vaginal or anal penetration. Suffice it to say, that this procedure will likely throw off your usual routine for at least a few weeks. If you want to be extra-careful, then have a frank discussion with your doctor about what sexual activities are OK during your time of healing, and which ones need to be taken off the table for the time being.
This does not mean you have to give up all affection while you wait for your episiotomy incision to heal. Talking with your partner about postpartum sex, and enjoying cuddling in the meantime, can help you both get through this major transition in your lives. And one day soon, your doctor will give you the all-clear signal for whatever kind of sex you'd like to try.
