Why does sex hurt postpartum?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom linePostpartum pain during sex is common, usually from healing tissue, dryness due to lower estrogen (especially while breastfeeding), scar tenderness, or pelvic floor tension; lubricant, going slowly, and pelvic floor work help, and persistent pain is treatable.

Pain during sex after birth is common and usually caused by healing tissue, vaginal dryness from lower estrogen (especially while breastfeeding), scar tenderness, or pelvic floor tension. It often improves with time and a few simple steps, but persistent pain deserves attention.

Common causes

• Healing tears or stitches, or an episiotomy or C-section scar
• Vaginal dryness: Breastfeeding lowers estrogen, which can reduce natural lubrication
• Pelvic floor tension or weakness
• Tenderness at scar tissue
• Tiredness, stress, and feeling not quite ready, which affect arousal

What helps

• Wait until you feel ready, and go slowly with plenty of foreplay
• Use a good lubricant for dryness
• Try positions that let you control depth and pace
• Empty your bladder beforehand and relax
• Pelvic floor exercises can help with both weakness and tension

When to see your provider

Get checked if sex is consistently painful, the pain is severe, you have pain at a specific scar or spot, or it isn't improving. Treatments - from vaginal moisturisers or estrogen for dryness to pelvic floor physiotherapy - can make a real difference. Persistent pain is common and treatable, not something to just put up with.

Femora helps you track symptoms so you can discuss them clearly with your provider.