Postpartum Vaginal Dryness Makes Sex Painful for New Mother, Experts Advise Solutions

A mother of three described severe vaginal dryness and pain during sex six weeks after delivery, despite using lubricant and being sexually aroused. The columnists attribute this to reduced estrogen levels common in nursing mothers, which can cause postpartum dryness. They advise choosing water-based or silicone-based lubricants—avoiding scented or numbing varieties—and suggest starting with a finger or very slow penetration to gauge comfort.

For condom users, silicone lube such as Pjur’s Eros is recommended, while non-condom users may consider oil-based options like coconut oil. They encourage a visit to an OB/GYN to discuss possible estrogen cream treatment, noting that the issue typically resolves as hormonal levels normalize after breastfeeding.