How to Determine if Sexual Intercourse is Possible After a Vaginal Delivery

Generally, after a vaginal delivery, the main methods to determine whether it is safe to resume sexual intercourse include observing lochia discharge, examining wound healing, assessing physical fatigue, confirming urination and defecation, and monitoring body temperature. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Observing lochia discharge

Lochia is the postpartum uterine discharge used to assess uterine recovery. If the color of lochia gradually changes from bright red to light red, and finally to white or light yellow, with a significant decrease in volume until it disappears, and without any foul odor, this indicates that the uterine lining has largely healed and there is no risk of infection. This is an important indicator for determining readiness to resume sexual activity.

2. Examining wound healing

There may be perineal tearing or an episiotomy wound after vaginal delivery, and it is important to confirm complete wound healing. If there is no redness, swelling, discharge, or pain at the wound site, no tenderness upon palpation, and the skin surface is intact without any damage, it indicates good wound recovery. In such cases, sexual intercourse is unlikely to cause discomfort, pain, or infection due to pulling or friction. However, if the wound still shows redness, swelling, bleeding, or tenderness upon pressure, healing is incomplete, and sexual activity should be postponed.

3. Assessing physical fatigue

If there is no significant lower back pain, fatigue, or dizziness after daily activities, and regular sleep can be maintained with gradual recovery of energy levels, it may be appropriate to consider resuming sexual activity. However, if fatigue persists and physical exhaustion occurs easily even after minimal activity, this indicates that the body has not fully recovered, and further rest is needed. Sexual activity should be temporarily avoided in such cases.

4. Confirming urination and defecation

If there is normal spontaneous urination without symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, or painful urination, and bowel movements are smooth without constipation or abdominal pain, this indicates that the pelvic floor muscles and related organs have largely regained function, making it less likely to experience discomfort during sexual intercourse. If there are difficulties with urination, urinary incontinence, or severe constipation, this suggests incomplete recovery of pelvic floor function, and it is advisable to address these issues before considering resuming sexual activity.

5. Monitoring body temperature

Body temperature can reflect whether there is an infection. Measuring temperature at fixed times each day, if the temperature remains consistently between 36-37°C without fever or chills, indicates no signs of infection and suggests it may be safe to consider resuming sexual activity. However, if there is an elevated temperature accompanied by fatigue or abnormal lochia, a pelvic infection or other complications might be present, requiring prompt medical attention. Sexual activity should be avoided in such cases.

In addition, psychological readiness should also be considered after vaginal delivery. If feelings of anxiety or resistance are present, it is advisable to delay resuming sexual activity. It is recommended to return to the hospital for a postpartum checkup at 42 days post-delivery, where a doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation of physical recovery and help determine the appropriate timing for resuming sexual activity to ensure safety.