Will it hurt?

Hormone changes in your body might make your vagina feel dry and sore. That can be especially true if you're breastfeeding. Those changes might make sex uncomfortable.

You may have some pain during sex if you've had scar tissue develop after childbirth. It may be painful if you're still healing from a tear in your vagina or in the area between your vagina and anus. Sex also might be painful if you had an episiotomy. That's a cut made in the tissue between the vagina and the anus during childbirth.

To make sex more comfortable:

• Ease pain. Take steps to lessen pain before you have sex. For example, take a warm bath, take pain-relieving medicine and be sure your bladder is empty. If you notice a burning feeling after sex, put ice wrapped in a towel on the area that's uncomfortable.
• Use lubricant. This can be helpful if you have vaginal dryness. It's common for people who haven't needed lubricant before to need it for a while after a baby is born.
• Experiment. Talk with your partner about doing something other than vaginal intercourse, such as massage, oral sex or mutual masturbation. Tell your partner what feels good and what doesn't.
• Take your time. Try not to rush it. Give yourself plenty of time for sex. And find a time when you're feeling rested and relaxed.

If sex continues to be painful, make an appointment with your healthcare professional to talk about treatment that can help.