How long after a vaginal delivery can sexual intercourse resume?

Vaginal delivery refers to the natural birth of a fetus through the vagina. Generally, sexual intercourse may resume 42 days after vaginal delivery. However, this timing also depends on the mother’s individual physical condition.

If the mother is physically weak or experiences poor postpartum recovery, sexual intercourse should be postponed for her health and well-being.

Conversely, mothers with good postpartum recovery and robust physical health may resume sexual activity slightly earlier—but not before six weeks postpartum. This is because the endometrium, cervix, vagina, and vulva require time to heal after vaginal delivery: the vagina typically requires approximately six weeks to recover, while the endometrium generally needs about eight weeks. Full recovery—including restoration of ovarian function—is considered complete only after the return of menstruation.

Therefore, even if no discomfort is experienced during the recovery period, early resumption of sexual activity is not recommended. Postpartum women are generally physically weakened, and intercourse too soon may interfere with healing of the endometrium, cervix, and vagina—potentially leading to endometrial bleeding or gynecological infections.