Here’s How Childbirth Changes Vagina, Affects Sex Life According To A Medical Expert
The vagina is a muscular tube. It has many folds which allow it to expand during sex and childbirth.
According to medical practitioners, there are very few changes to the internal vaginal structure after birth, as it’s designed to stretch and return to its original state.
However, many women are worried about tightness and some new mothers have opened up with searing honesty about the effects of childbirth on their vaginas. Gynaecologist, Sally-Jane Cameron said:
“While the process of the baby coming down the birth canal should cause no lasting damage or structural changes to the internal vaginal structure, the way in which the baby is delivered can affect the vaginal opening. This has an impact on the appearance and sexual function after childbirth.”
The expert notes that tearing, stitches and episiotomies all leave scar tissue that can be painful during intercourse.
Indeed, experts say the biggest strain on the pelvic floor muscles comes from pregnancy and not from the birth process itself. Nine months of growth and pressure, regardless of delivery type, will affect how these muscles function, physicians insist; and everyone that has been pregnant has got some sort of change in the vagina ultimately.
The pelvic floor can suffer a prolapse, and you can pee into your panties when you laugh or sneeze hard. However, research shows that women who delivered by Caesarean section do not experience significant difference in symptoms of incontinence when rated against women who delivered vaginally.
According to the expert, incontinence is lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation.
The solution
Sally-Jane counsels that pelvic floor exercises do help a lot after delivery. “Kegel muscle exercises are a must for every woman who is pregnant or has had children to tone the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles,” she suggests.
READ ALSO: How “My Baby Broke My Vagina.” Cardi B Gets Candid On Childbirth With Jimmy Kimmel’s Audience
A-B-C- of Kegel muscle exercises
1. Find the muscles you use to stop urinating.
2. Squeeze these muscles for three seconds. Then relax for three seconds. …
3. Add one second each week until you are able to squeeze for 10 seconds each time.
4. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times per session. …
5. Don’t do Kegels while you urinate.
Source: PUNCH