Okay, fine, its about a vagina :)

[krystals]

Mine, actually and I'm a bit embarrassed about posting, but wondering if other people had the same issue...

I'm pretty sure the doc stitched me up too tight! Sex is very painful... actually, we haven't ben able to get to that part, because I'm in tears before he's even close to being 'in'. It was never a problem before, so it's obviously a post-birth issue.

Please tell me 1. I'm not the only one 2. What helped???

[Arcadia]

How old is your baby? We didn't dtd until about 6 weeks post partum because attempts beforehand were too painful. We also had to use ALOT of lube and go very slow! Things went back to normal quickly after that, but it takes a while!

[krystals]

Bubs is 4 1/2 months! We've tried a number of times, and it's still not working
Good to know things are back for you and you have another on the way!!

[raffy]

after a 3rd degree tear i had the same problem and i thought they had stitched me up to much to lol but bubs was about 10 weeks and we used pretty much a whole bottle of lube and went EXTREMELY slow to start with and it took a few attempts for it to feel even remotely normal, and even now it hurts so so bad to begin with, buuut seen as ur bub is 4.5 months and ur still having trouble i would go and see a gp or ob JIC. couldnt hurt to ask huh?

[Trillian]

Are you still breastfeeding? If you are, that can sometimes interfere with the vagina's natural lubrication, so it may not be a case of being too tight, but that there isn't enough lubrication kwim? If you think you need help, go and see your Dr about it and see if there is a problem with it being stitched too tight.

[krystals]

Hi Trillian,
Yup, still BFing...I don't think lubrication is the problem though- I think you're right, should go see the doc
Thanks

[AndiE]

Krystals - my thoughts would be to go and see your gp or ob. Don't be embarrassed as I'd imagine many women with tears and stitches have encountered this problem after their VB.
With both my kids I had the same minor tear with minimal stitching - and yes, sex the first time after both kids was a little uncomfortable but I didn't have ongoing pain. It was a matter of taking it slowly and feeling comfortable at all times. I think most of us have felt a little anxious about sex the first time post-birth, let alone when it's physically as painful as what you've said. All the best, xx

[krystals]

I ended up with a 2 1/2 inch cut after a very difficult labour and eventual forceps delivery- the stitching goes right up into my bum cheek! LOL I thought it'd healed ok, but I think you're right... will get it checked out Thanks x

[dusty]

Same issue here. My Gynacologist said she will do a small procedure (I assume cut) in her rooms if I want it - I assume under a localised anaestetic. Doesn't sound terribly invasive and will probably help a lot with my confidence around DTD.

[krystals]

Good info Dusty, Thanks! Will check it out, like you, I would love to be more confident, I feel like a teenager, like it's my first time or something! I'm not used to feeling like this, and it's having an effect on my overall relationship confidence. Hubby is great though, it's all in my own mind *rolls eyes*

[onthefly]

With my first episiotomy, it was 7 months before it was totally comfortable and we could complete the deed.
This one is even longer and taking longer to heal, so who knows...

[black_rose]

I had the same after both vbac's one with a tear and stitching and nothing after the second. What I finally realized is that a lot of it was me holding my pelvic floor muscles tight. I guess when we dtd I tightened up even more. Lots of lubricant, condoms and trying to release my muscles beforehand eventually worked for us.

[Jaycee]

Relaxing during sex is the key as well as lube. Having said that, I had a small tear which required stitching and it took almost a year for me to relax and for sex to feel "normal" again. You'll get there hun

[CrazyLady]

I had issues relaxing my pelvic fkoor post bub as well. Sometimes if I am tense still I can get some discomfort but I am pretty sure it's because i'm tense. I would go see your dr about it though hun, it might look healed but stuff is still knitting back underneath iykwim.

HTH

[~Hestia~]

Although I didn't have stitches, sex was pretty painful for me for many months. It just gradually got better and more comfortable. I don't think it completely went away until DS weaned!

So you're definitely not alone! I hope it gets better for you soon

[angelaartsstudent]

You are NOT the only one!!!

I literally tear myself a new one every time DH even tried to get close to it, and it's 19 months post birth!

Here's the insane thing - I literally tore myself trying to get the swab for the Strep test up there!!!

I have no vagina (well, not much of one, anyway)! :-(

[angelaartsstudent]

I ended up with a 2 1/2 inch cut after a very difficult labour and eventual forceps delivery- the stitching goes right up into my bum cheek! LOL I thought it'd healed ok, but I think you're right... will get it checked out Thanks x

Yeah mine is very similar (and a similar delivery). Thick, painful scar tissue from literally vagina to bum. Know how you feel babe!

[SareBear]

You're not alone. I had my little boy 20 months ago, and I have just had surgery to correct it. I did try creams etc first but nothing worked. It would tear every time.

One of the doctors told me to have another baby and let it tear again! I asked him if he knew how babies are made, don't know what he was thinking. Anyway, I asked to see someone else and she said this was really my only option. From what I understand the scar tissue is usually what is causing the problem.

I hope you can get it sorted out soon, I know exactly what you're going through!