It is best to wait to have sexual intercourse until you do feel any more pain. Did you have an incision or did the skin between your vagina and anus (perineum) tear during delivery? Then it is best to wait until the wound has fully healed. The doctor can give you advice.

Be careful when you have sexual intercourse for the first time after delivery. Take it slowly and very gently.

As a couple you have to find a new balance in life. Lack of sleep, stress and emotions can affect your sex life:

• A lot of women are tired, have a painful or dry vagina and painful breasts. They do not feel like having sex (less sexual desire). This is also often related to breast-feeding. In this case you can use lubricant.
• Men can also have difficulties having sex again because they are afraid that they will hurt their partner.

Kinds of sex

Sex is more than just penetration. There are different kinds of sex. You can also masturbate, caress, massage, cuddle or have oral sex with your partner.

Contraception

A woman is fertile again around 3 weeks after delivery. She can get pregnant if she has unprotected sex, even if she has not yet had a menstrual period. Use a method of contraception when having sexual intercourse.

While breast-feeding, it is best to use a condom or the mini-pill.