Pregnancy, Sexuality and Contraception

During pregnancy and after childbirth, sexuality is experienced in different ways by each couple. The changes that occur in a woman’s body and the fear of harming the unborn baby can influence sexuality. Sexual desire, in both the man and the woman, may change.  Some couples prefer to express their sexuality in other ways than having penetrative sex (vaginal sex), for example, through caressing one another or oral sex.

During Pregnancy

Penetrative (vaginal) sex presents no risk unless:

• there are premature contractions and the neck of the womb (cervix) has opened, or if the placenta is lying in a low position and covering the cervix.
• tte waters have broken.
• There is bleeding.

After Childbirth

Having a baby is an emotional event and it takes time for a woman to recover from giving birth.

If there are no medical reasons to the contrary, penetrative sex is possible when sexual desire returns and when any stitches following the delivery or caesarean section are almost completely healed.

Fear of pain or causing damage to the scar can reduce sexual excitement and consequently sexual desire. It is often easy to imagine that a scar is much bigger than it really is.

Vaginal dryness can occur in women who are breastfeeding. Using saliva or a lubricating gel can help this.

Contraception

It is important to choose an appropriate method of contraception after giving birth if another pregnancy is not immediately desired. A woman can ovulate and become pregnant even before her periods (menstruation) have returned, and also while breastfeeding. The postnatal check-up that occurs a few weeks after delivery is the ideal time to discuss this. Sexual and reproductive health services in Switzerland also offer advice about contraception.

Possible Contraceptive Methods while Breastfeeding

• Male and female condoms
• Progestogen-only contraception (such as: the progestogen-only pill; the contraceptive hormonal implant; or an injection every 3 months)
• IUD (intrauterine device or coil)
• Diaphragm
• Under certain, specific conditions, breastfeeding can also act as contraception. More information can be obtained from a doctor or midwife.

2016, SANTÉ SEXUELLE SUISSE, Fondation suisse pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive; ALECSS Association suisse latine des spécialistes en santé sexuelle, Éducation – Formation – Conseil; faseg, Fachverband sexuelle Gesundheit in Beratung und Bildung