C section and orgasm

[Anonymous]

I am over a year post c section (emergency, failed induction) and am worried that sex life will never be the same. Orgasms are totally different now- hard to reach and just feel totally different, like a shadow of how they used to be. Not even worth the work it takes to get them. First few months I was hoping I just needed more time to heal, but now I'm terrified my nerves were cut and the feeling will never return like it was. Imagining a life of blah sex is so depressing. Has anyone experienced this? From Internet searches it seems there are accounts of nerve damage from c sections but I'd never heard of this from anyone, and ifnthis were a common occurance youd thinknyoud hear more about it. My OB has since left the area and a resident did th surgery- seemed very competent at the time- tiny incision, barely visible, had a quick recovery. But did it cause lasting damage of the worst kind?? I haven't asked a doc yet but will...but hoping for some stories of similar but improved experience!

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm less than a year post-cesarean so perhaps not much help to you. But I know that between fatigue, breastfeeding, and the minipill, orgasms are not happening for me right now either. Is it possible that these types of factors -- tiredness, hormones, stress, feeling rushed because baby will wake up any minute, worrying you're going to pee during sex -- could be contributing? It seems unlikely to me (a non-doctor) that a c-section incision would come close to the relevant nerves, or that you could have cut nerves and yet still have sensation/orgasm.

I'm curious if pregnancy can change the way everything is aligned, and the type/location of pressure it takes to achieve orgasm. That seems likely to me, just given how my internal organs have shifted, but I don't have the medical background to really know.

[Anonymous]

Are you BFing? It doesn't come back until a while after you stop. I don't think the relevant nerves run through the areas cut during a c.

[Anonymous]

Are you in DC? I went to a moms meeting tonight and the guest speakers were physical therapists. They talked about the impact on your pelvic floor and all that business and how it can cause sexual disfunction, even years after a c/section. They recommended myofacial release for the scar. Check them out- or maybe find a physical therapist experienced with postpartum women/sexual issues wherever you are.

http://www.bodyconnecthw.com/#%21

[Anonymous]

I had a vaginal delivery and the same thing happened after my first. It was so frustrating. Almost 12 years later, I can't reach orgasm the same way I used to. I had to relearn it all. It happens, but takes considerably longer without added stimulation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you BFing? It doesn't come back until a while after you stop. I don't think the relevant nerves run through the areas cut during a c.

+1
I felt absolutely sexless and anorgasmic for a year or so. It came back better than before.

[Anonymous]

I had a CS also and within a year sex was better than before. I think it has more to do with pregnancy and changes in your body and hormones rather than CS. Are you on a different form of birth control now than you were before you were pregnant? That may be enough to influence your body's reactions. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I don't think it has anything to do with the mode of birth. Why do you assume that? It is well-known that the hormonal changes of pregnancy and the postpartum period, and especially breastfeeding can negatively impact sex. The c section has nothing to do with it.

[Anonymous]

Hormones. My ability to orgasm was annihilated by the pill. Finally returned as a shadow of its former self after pregnancy (but post BFing). I plan on seeing a sexual wellness doctor after I BF my last kid.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like more research is needed. I'm looking up why it feels a tickling sensation so start to orgasm then tickles and lose all desire. it's aweful. I had a c-section and the numbness and the healing does have a negative impact. do your research ladies....for those that dnt think there is a diff. my first was vaginal. my twins were c-section. going on 9 months and sleep well...eat well..excersize...not overweight....physically almost in better shape than before I became pregnant and..... the c-section causes mad sexual problems....

[Anonymous]

and..just fyi...same I'm the same chick who jist posted and ...my vaginal... zero loss of any sexual desire and everything back to normal for organism after first 3 months....

[Anonymous]

I had the same thing after my c-section. It took two years to recover, sexually. After my VBAC, it was a world of difference. I cannot of course attribute that solely to mode of delivery and not just the transition to parenthood with all its attendant stresses, hormones and changes, but the difference was noticeable.

This is to say: you aren't crazy. There may be a difference that isn't attributable to nursing (aka the sex killer), but do think about seeing a physical therapist specializing in uro-genital disorders.

[Anonymous]

2 c-sections here and things are good as ever. I would see a doctor to rule everything out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a vaginal delivery and the same thing happened after my first. It was so frustrating. Almost 12 years later, I can't reach orgasm the same way I used to. I had to relearn it all. It happens, but takes considerably longer without added stimulation.

Same here. 11 years later my uterus and cervix are still positioned differently than after Baby #2. I had no weight gain due to hyperemesis and an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, but everything "sits" differently in my pelvis. Some positions I loved are now either painful or just not pleasurable. My Os take less time as my anterior fornix is now more accessible/sensitive, but are not as intense even with holding off (edging) or using toys. As a result, I climax but within 30 minutes, I'm back where I started.

Kegels haven't helped. My gyne proclaimed my pelvic tone normal. Two things help me: full bladder and a pillow under the hips in missionary. Pressing the heel of my or his hand just above the pubic bone also helps. Otherwise, we just aim for me to climax at least twice before I feel finished. Saturday took four Os over the course of the day.

[Anonymous]

I've also had 2 c sections with no impact on sexual function/sensation. I think your problems are just normal hormonal changes after pregnancy, but see your doctor.

Also, the most important sexual organ is the one between your ears, not your legs. Are you feeling tired, overwhelmed, mad at your partner? All can result in crummy sex.