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Question:
I am a 30 year old female who had my first baby 16 months ago by C-section. Prior to the birth of my child, I was able to achieve orgasms with my husband during intercourse. Since the C-section, I am unable to achive orgasms during intercourse. Could the C-section have caused this, and if so, how long will this last? Additionally, in the last 3 months, sex has been very painful both during intercourse and then for about an hour afterwards. My vagina, especially the opening feels inflamed and burns. I have been diagnosed twice now with a nonspecific bacterial vaginal infection. The first time I took Cipro with a vaginal antibacterial insert cream and the second time, Augmentin in connection with the vaginal antibacterial insert cream. I am now having the same symptoms of an infection again and am getting really discouraged about enjoying sex like I used to before the baby. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
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Answer:
by Susan Kellogg-Spadt: (06/14/2004)
Having a new baby brings about lots of life changes, but painful intercourse, infections and lack of orgasm are usually not among them.
Lets take a look at each one of your concerns:
Bacterial infections (specifically, bacterial vaginosis, or BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. Its caused when the normally acidic vaginal environment becomes more alkaline (because of hormonal changes like: breastfeeding, pregnancy, taking the pill, menopause or douching, taking medications ) This alkaline change favors the growth of certain bacteria (Gardnerella)that lives in the vagina all the time, but normally not in high counts. The overgrowth of this bacteria causes a thin, grey or white discharge, irritation, itching or burning and sometimes a fish-like odor. Treatment is usually quite effective and consists of anitbacterial gels or oral meds prescribed by your doctor. If the infection keeps coming back, it may be because the vagina doesn't repopulate with acidic or "good" bacteria. Then a maintenance program of acidifying gel or capsules may be in order. Its also important to make sure that a yeast infection has not developed as a result of taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection.
A bacterial infection may be related to some sexual discomfort, but is not usually sufficient reason to cause long term and persistent painful sex.One condition where there is persistent burning, especially at the opening of the vagina,making sex almost impossible, is Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome also known as Vulvodynia.In brief, this is a condition of unknown cause, characterized by inflammation of the tiny glands at the opening of the vagina and sometimes an extreme tightness of the muscles which surround the vagina. You might want to explore vulvodynia.com or ask your doctor for more info. or a referral to someone who specializes in this and could rule it in or out in your case.
Lastly, lack of orgasm is not the natural result of a C-section. If you are having pain with sex, lack of orgasm may be due to not reaching sufficient arousal levels because of the pain and distraction involved in hurting while making love. Also, if your pelvic floor muscles (those muscles referred to above) are in spasm or overly tight, you might not be having the subtle contractions of these muscles which occur as a part of a female orgasm. This, too should be checked out be a healthcare professional.
Lastly, try to give yourself adequate time to return to a comfortable sex life after a new baby. Demands on your time and energy are a little different now, so try to set a side time to relax and enjoy your partner when you're reasonably sure that you'll have few interruptions.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your research and getting to the bottom of these mysteries Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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