What To Know About Having Anal Sex 6 Weeks Postpartum

Many women are ready to get busy after having a baby. For some this might mean some gentle masturbation (with or without a partner), oral sex, or slow vaginal intercourse. Others may want to explore anal sex, either because they liked it pre-baby or they want to try something new that won't hurt a healing and sensitive vagina. So is it safe to have anal sex 6 weeks after giving birth? Turns out you have to consider certain things about your postpartum situation before giving it a whirl.

According to Web MD, the general consensus about postpartum sex is that you have to wait until the six week postpartum mark. Your body is slowly getting back to pre-pregnancy mode, so you have to be gentle and kind with yourself. Your healthcare provider will assess your healing and readiness for intercourse at your six week doctor's appointment. It's important to note, however, that the healing process may take longer if you had a traumatic birth experience or episiotomy, according to Baby Center. Additionally, depending on the type tear you have the healing process might make anal sex impossible for a period of time or forever. As a painful example, a fourth degree episiotomy tear is deep, severe, and can reach to the muscles of your anus. In this case, you should take extra time to heal and be honest with your doctor about any pain that you feel.

Another thing you may want to keep on your radar is the presence of hemorrhoids. Sure your vagina may be healed, but you may have postpartum hemorrhoids that make anal sex not only uncomfortable, but unsafe. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus, according to Web MD, and they can re-tear if aggravated through straining or anal sex.

If all things are a go for you, the best advice is the same as vaginal sex or any type of sex postpartum. Go slow, be gentle, communicate with your partner, and if needed, stock up on a lot of lubricant.