What causes a stabbing pain during intercourse after cesarean section?

Experiencing a sharp pain during intercourse after cesarean section may be caused by inadequate physical recovery, insufficient lubrication, vaginitis, cervicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. This can be improved by extending the recovery period, using lubricants, or medical treatment. If the pain persists or is accompanied by abnormal discharge or bleeding, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Poor Physical Recovery: If the cesarean incision has not fully healed or the pelvic floor muscles have not recovered, intercourse may cause pulling and irritation leading to sharp pain. It is recommended to extend the recovery time, avoid resuming intercourse too early, and only gradually resume sexual activity after postoperative checkups confirm adequate recovery.

2. Insufficient Lubrication: Hormonal changes after childbirth can reduce vaginal secretions, resulting in inadequate lubrication and friction-related pain during intercourse. Using water-based lubricants can help reduce friction. Increasing foreplay before intercourse may also promote natural lubrication.

3. Vaginitis: Poor hygiene after childbirth may lead to bacterial or fungal infections of the vagina, causing inflammation with mucosal congestion and swelling. This results in pain during intercourse, often accompanied by increased discharge and odor. Symptoms can be treated under a doctor’s guidance with medications such as metronidazole vaginal suppositories, clotrimazole suppositories, or sophora flavescens gel.

4. Cervicitis: The cervical mucosa may remain unhealed after childbirth and become infected by pathogens, causing inflammation. Contact during intercourse may irritate the cervix, causing pain along with abnormal vaginal discharge and a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen. Under medical supervision, treatments such as Baofukang suppositories, cefixime dispersible tablets, or azithromycin capsules may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacterial infection in the pelvic cavity after childbirth can lead to inflammation, with pelvic tissues becoming congested and swollen. Intercourse may stimulate affected areas, causing sharp pain along with dull lower abdominal pain and backache. Follow medical advice to use medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or Gynecological Qianjin tablets to improve symptoms.

After childbirth, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the external genitalia, change underwear frequently, engage in gentle sexual activity once resuming intercourse, avoid excessive stimulation, and undergo regular gynecological examinations to detect and address any abnormalities promptly.