Postpartum Painful Intercourse: Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor

Question
Hey Doc,

My wife had our baby 7 weeks ago.  Last week her OB gave her the go ahead on being sexually active again.  He said that everything is healing just fine and just to use extra lubrication (due to breast feeding.)  

Well, after she got the OK we've made the attempts at intercourse but even with ample lubrication she still say it is painful.  She compares it to a losing virginity kind of pain.

What I would like to know, is this normal?  I mean, is this just one of those things that will hurt less as you go or does she need more time to heal?  Also, what could possibly be causing this pain?  She had a pelvic exam her last visit 2 weks ago and all was good.

Thanks

By the way, she is 25, 2nd child and last period was before she had the baby...10 mos. ago?

Answer
If your wife had an episiotomy repair or any tears of any kind in her vagina, it may be painful to have intercourse for awhile. This will improve over time. The extra lubrication is for the scarring in the vagina, not due to breast feeding. I often suggest intercourse with the female on top to minimize the discomfort. You lie on your back and your wife straddles your erect penis. She lowers herself down slowly, rocking herself until she finds a comfortable position. Then you both can proceed regularly. This changes the angle of the penis in the vagina and takes it off the bladder and the scar of the tear or episiotomy. Try it.