Has your libido plummeted after childbirth? If yes, you're just one of over two billion women who feel the same way. A new study shows that roughly two-thirds of women start to experience sexual problems six months after welcoming their new bundles of joy.
Dr. Terri Foran of the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney told The Armidale Express that the most common problems are orgasmic disorder, sexual desire dysfunction, sexual pain disorder and sexual arousal disorder.
She encouraged women to get themselves checked if they think something in their system feels out of touch. The sexual health physician said, "We can't let things escalate and say, 'It's probably just because of the baby and it'll get better,' when the truth is, it probably won't. We know if pain is left unattended it gets worse."
Some factors that cause sexual problems in postpartum women are age, change in fatigue levels and depression after childbirth. Women with strong religious convictions are also more likely to experience sexual problems after childbirth than their non-religious counterparts.
A related study by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that women who gave birth via C-section or through vacuum extraction are twice likely to experience painful sex after childbirth than women who gave birth vaginally.
"Two things surprised us, [including] the fact that almost all women experience pain the first time they have sex after childbirth, whether they resume sex in the first six weeks or delay until three or even six months postpartum," said lead researcher Stephanie Brown.
What To Expect noted that there are also social and environmental factors that erode a couple's sex life after they had their first child. They can address this problem by being more creative with their sexual adventures like having intercourse in new places or making love while the toddler is still asleep.
The most important thing a couple should do is to openly communicate their needs and desires to each other. A simple kiss or a romantic compliment also add much-needed spice to a couple's sex life.
