Sex on Call
This podcast is a space where we (Maddie and Larisa, who are both friends and nurse practitioners in women's health) unpack evidence-based research, talk to professionals, and share the occasional personal story as we seek to explore how women can improve their sex lives, better understand their bodies, and learn together. Welcome to Sex on Call!
Sex on Call
Painful Sex During Postpartum (Dyspareunia)
On this episode we’re focusing on dyspareunia in the postpartum period, which means pain with sex or penetration after birth. It’s important to remember that this condition can be really difficult given it is also associated with a life transition of welcoming home a newborn and navigating your relationship with your partner during this time.
We'll cover the difference between generalized pain in postpartum and pain with sex, risk factors of dyspareunia in postpartum, and treatment options. (A variety of treatment options are available including use of lubricants, estrogen cream to replenish lack of estrogen especially for breastfeeding patients, pelvic floor physical therapy, and even counseling may be beneficial if the women’s physical response is related to her emotional response or trauma from birth.)
Larisa also discusses things that she incorporates into her practice as a midwife to help decrease the amount of trauma to the pelvic floor, pelvic muscles, and vaginal tissue during birth.
We hope you find this episode helpful and share with any of your friends navigating postpartum!