Postpartum: 5 Intimate Problems Every Mom Should Know About!

The baby has arrived, but your body is sending you warning signals? You're not alone! While 90% of new mothers experience intimate changes postpartum¹, less than one in three women talk about it openly²Tears, incontinence, vaginal dryness... these discomforts are neither inevitable nor permanent. Discover concrete solutions to regain your comfort and confidence, without taboo or fatalism.

These Intimate Upheavals That No One Dares to Mention

Motherhood is glorified, but its physical impacts remain taboo. Yet, most women experience these silent ordeals, which can persist well beyond the famous "40 days" of rest. Here are the most common problems that deserve your full attention.

1. Urinary Leakage: When Laughter Becomes a Source of Anxiety

“A simple sneeze and it’s a disaster!”

Incontinence affects up to 50% of women after childbirth³, but only 1 in 10 dares to talk about it to their doctor.

Main causes:

• Pelvic floor muscles stretched too much during childbirth (like an elastic band that won't spring back)
• Stitches that have healed poorly (episiotomy or tear)
• Large baby that put a lot of pressure on the bladder
• Long delivery or delivery with forceps/vacuum that traumatized the tissues

Signs that should alert you:

• Leaks when laughing, coughing, running, or lifting
• Urgent urge to go to the toilet every hour
• Inability to hold your urine until you reach the toilet (racing against time)
• Night waking up to pee more than twice a night
• Wearing panty liners "just in case" has become a daily habit

Effective solutions:

• Perineal rehabilitation with a specialized physiotherapist (10-20 sessions reimbursed)⁴
• Kegel exercises every day (3 x 10 contractions - squeeze as if to hold in a pee)
• Smartphone exercise reminder apps (Kegel Trainer, Perifit)
• Avoid coffee, tea, sodas and alcohol which irritate the bladder
• Special incontinence Period Panties for sports activities

Good to know: Leaks that persist beyond 3 months postpartum are not normal! The sooner you act, the greater your chances of a complete recovery.

2. Painful Scars: When Sitting Becomes Torture

"I couldn't sit normally for weeks."

70% of first births involve a tear or episiotomy⁵, with healing that can take up to 6 months.

Main causes:

• The baby passes too quickly without giving the tissues time to stretch
• Stitches too tight or poorly positioned
• Use of forceps or suction cups that tear tissue
• Infection of the points following contact with stools/urine

Signs that should alert you:

• Stabbing pain that persists more than 3 weeks after delivery
• Burning or pulling sensation when sitting
• Bright red scar, swollen or hard to the touch
• Bad odor or yellowish discharge coming from the scar
• Pain that gets worse instead of better over time

Effective solutions:

• Warm sitz baths twice a day with sea salt or calendula infusion
• Topical application of pure aloe vera gel or hypericum oil after washing⁶
• Special "buoy" cushions for sitting without pressing on the scar
• Gently dry with a hairdryer (cold air) rather than rubbing with a towel
• Loose cotton panties to prevent chafing

Good to know: A scar massage as early as 6 weeks postpartum can reduce persistent pain by 90%! Ask your midwife or physiotherapist to show you the technique.

3. Prolapse: When Your Organs Play "Descent Into Hell"

"I constantly feel like something is going to fall."

Prolapse affects 35-50% of women after childbirth⁷, and 1 in 10 women will need surgery for this problem during their lifetime.

Main causes:

• Weakened pelvic floor muscles that no longer support the organs
• Babies over 4kg who have exerted excessive pressure
• Very long pushing phase during labor
• Multiple pregnancies in close succession without complete recovery
• Chronic constipation that increases downward pressure

Signs that should alert you:

• Sensation of a "lump" or "something going down" in the vagina
• Heaviness that worsens at the end of the day or after standing
• Feeling like you never completely empty your bladder or bowels
• Unexplained lower back pain that does not go away with rest
• Need to push on the perineum to urinate or have a bowel movement

Effective solutions:

• URGENT and intensive perineal rehabilitation with a specialized physiotherapist⁸
• Vaginal pessary (removable support ring prescribed by your gynecologist)
• Absolutely avoid carrying heavy loads (including the car seat with baby!)
• Adapt your physical exercises (yes to yoga and swimming, no to running and abs)
• Treat constipation with a diet rich in fiber and plenty of water

Good to know: When standing, remember to gently contract your pelvic floor muscles to support your organs. This habit can reduce symptoms by 40% in just a few weeks!

4. Pain During Love: When Intimacy Becomes an Ordeal

“The first time after the baby, I cried because it hurt so much.”

85% of women resume sexual intercourse within 3 months after giving birth, but 60% of them suffer from pain⁹.

Main causes:

• Scars that are still sensitive or pull during penetration
• Severe vaginal dryness due to the drop in hormones (worse if you are breastfeeding)
• Involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles due to fear of pain (vaginismus)
• Extreme fatigue and lack of time for foreplay
• Childbirth trauma that creates a psychological blockage

Signs that should alert you:

• Sharp pain at the entrance to the vagina or deep within during intercourse
• Burning sensation that persists for several hours after making love
• Anxiety or avoidance of intimate moments for fear of being hurt
• Pain that persists beyond 6 months after childbirth
• Tensions in your relationship related to this situation

Effective solutions:

• Water-based lubricants IN QUANTITY (don't hesitate to refill during)
• Longer foreplay to promote arousal and natural lubrication
• Positions controlled by you (woman on top or spoon) to manage depth
• Specialized perineal rehabilitation focused on relaxation and not contraction
• Consultation with a sexologist or couples therapist if the problem persists

Good to know: Take it easy, don't rush. Postpartum sex can be different but just as fulfilling once the pain is addressed!

5. Vaginal Dryness: When Intimacy Becomes Desert

"Like sandpaper, even without making love"

Vaginal dryness affects up to 43% of breastfeeding women and 30% of other new mothers¹¹, but remains one of the most persistent postpartum taboos.

Main causes:

• Sudden drop in estrogen after birth (worse if you are breastfeeding)
• Extreme fatigue and stress that disrupt hormones
• General dehydration (hard to remember to drink when baby is crying!)
• Medications and contraceptives compatible with breastfeeding

Signs that should alert you:

• Sensation of "rubbing" or discomfort even when wearing underwear
• Itching and irritation without infection
• Complete lack of natural lubrication (even during foreplay)
• Fragile mucous membranes that bleed easily
• Burning after showering or peeing

Effective solutions:

• Hormone-free vaginal moisturizers to be used 2-3 times a week (such as Replens® or Hyalofemme®)
• Water-based lubricants for intercourse (never petroleum jelly or oils)
• Drink at least 2L of water per day (always keep a bottle within reach)
• Diet rich in phytoestrogens (soy, flax seeds) and omega 3
• Avoid scented soaps, shower gels and wipes (even those "special for intimate use")
• Loose cotton underwear to allow breathing

Good to know: Contrary to popular belief, vaginal dryness can persist for up to 18 months after giving birth, even without breastfeeding! Don't wait to talk to your doctor, who can prescribe more targeted treatments if necessary.

Comparative Table of Postpartum Disorders

To help you navigate all these postpartum issues, here's a summary table of the most common problems. Consult it regularly to assess your situation.

Tips for Optimal Recovery

Prevention and responsiveness make all the difference. Here are the most effective strategies for taking care of your body after giving birth.

The First 10 Weeks: The Crucial Phase

1. Respect postpartum rest : Limit physical exertion for 4-6 weeks
2. Adopt appropriate intimate hygiene : Wash with superfatted or pH neutral soap, perfume-free
3. Soothe sensitive areas : Cold compresses for the first few days, then gentle heat
4. Start rehabilitation slowly : Abdominal breathing and light perineal contractions
5. Hydrate yourself abundantly : 2L of water per day minimum to promote healing

Perineal Rehabilitation: Essential

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is not an option, it's a necessity! Started between 6 and 8 weeks postpartum, it allows you to:

• Reduce the risk of persistent incontinence by 65%⁴
• Improve the quality of sexual intercourse in 73% of cases
• Reduce the risk of symptomatic prolapse by 50%
• Regain proper abdominal tone

How does a typical session take place?

• Initial assessment of perineal muscle strength
• Guided contraction/release exercises
• Proprioceptive work to reconnect with perineal sensations
• Possibly, electrostimulation to strengthen weakened muscles

Nutrition and Hydration: Unsuspected Allies

Your diet plays a crucial role in postpartum recovery:

• Proteins : Essential for tissue reconstruction (lean meats, fish, legumes)
• Omega-3 : Natural anti-inflammatories (oily fish, vegetable oils, nuts)
• Vitamin C : Boosts collagen production (citrus fruits, kiwi, peppers)
• probiotics : Strengthen the vaginal and intestinal flora (yogurts, kefir, fermented vegetables)
• Water : Essential for elimination and tissue hydration (2-3L/day)

When to Consult Without Delay?

Don't wait for symptoms to set in! Consult immediately in case of:

• Fever above 38°C
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Severe or worsening perineal pain
• Opening the episiotomy scar
• Inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder
• Heavy bleeding (more than one pad per hour)

Professionals to Consult

• Midwife : Postpartum monitoring, basic perineal rehabilitation, general advice
• Physiotherapist specializing in perineology : Advanced rehabilitation, scar treatment
• Gynecologist : Persistent disorders, complex cases, drug treatments
• Urologist : Severe or persistent urinary incontinence
• Sexologu to : Sexual disorders, dyspareunia, psychological blockages

Beyond Taboos: Rediscovering Your Body and Confidence

Postpartum intimate problems are neither inevitable nor a punishment. They are the normal consequence of an extraordinary physiological event and can be effectively treated. Don't resign yourself to living with symptoms that affect your quality of life., every woman deserves to regain comfort and confidence after motherhood.

Scientific References

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2. Buurman MB, Lagro-Janssen AL. "Women's perception of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and their help-seeking behavior." Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 2013;27(2):406-413. Link
3. Thom DH, Rortveit G. “Prevalence of postpartum urinary incontinence: a systematic review.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2010;89(12):1511-1522. Link
4. Mørkved S, Bø K. "Effect of pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy and after childbirth on prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence: a systematic review." British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014;48(4):299-310. Link
5. Smith LA, et al. “Incidence of and risk factors for perineal trauma: a prospective observational study.” BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2013;13:59. Link
6. Eghdampour F, et al. "The impact of Aloe vera and calendula on perineal healing after episiotomy in primiparous women: A randomized clinical trial." Journal of Caring Sciences, 2013;2(4):279-286. Link
7. Lowenstein E, et al. “Prevalence and impact of pelvic organ prolapse in women with pelvic floor symptoms.” International Urogynecology Journal, 2019;30(6):857-864. Link
8. Hagen S, et al. “Individualized pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POPPY).” The Lancet, 2014;383(9919):796-806. Link
9. Barrett G, et al. “Women’s sexual health after childbirth.” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2000;107(2):186-195. Link
10. Sperstad JB, et al. "Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth." British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2016;50(17):1092-1096. Link
11. Eglash A, Plane MB, Mundt M. "History, physical and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes of lactating women treated with antibiotics for chronic breast and/or nipple pain." Journal of Human Lactation, 2006;22(4):429-433. Link