Post-Coital Cramping After C-Section: Causes & When to Worry

Question
I was just wondering if it is normal to have cramping severe right after sex.  I am married and have had the same partner my husband for five years.  This has never happened before.  The cramping was really low and a little in the middle like right below my c-section scar.  I had a c-section about four years ago so I am not sure it not that especilly since I have never had this before.  I have not been told I have a tilted uterus.  You would think after two prgnancies in the last seven years I would have been told.  What could this be? Is it bad?

Answer
Hi Jeni :)

I have heard of this many times, and its not uncommon, so you can breath a little easier now :)

Both men and women can get cramps of the muscles of the pelvic floor, particularly of the pubococcygeus muscle. This is a very uncomfortable feeling and could be the type of lower abdomen pain you are describing. This can be a normal phenomenon, or it can be associated with other things.

The first course of action is to have an appropriate physical examination. The doctor can check for cysts, infections, or scarring that could be contributing to your situation.

If the doctor doesn't find anything, you may want to focus on conditioning the muscles of the pelvic floor by means of Kegel exercises. By contracting the muscles you would use to interrupt the flow of urine or bowel movement, (10 quick flicks followed by 10 long contractions--do four sets, four times a day), you will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and this may diminish your cramping.

Also keep in mind, that the closer you are to ovulation, or shortly after ovulation,if your having sex, your uterus is much more inclined to contract and give you these horrible pains.

But I think from what you are telling me, this could more related to perhaps a cyst, possible scar tissue from the previous c-sections.

Its really a hard call, because even really intense orgasms, are capable of causing the uterus to clamp right up. This is caused by a sudden surge of hormones, that released during orgasm.

I am sure, that whatever the exact reason is, you are okay. All conditions in this case, are treatable ...

Hope this is of some help, and if you have any more questions, please dont hesitate to write back :)

-Kristy