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Resuming s£xual activity after surgery encourages blood flow to the vaginal tissues and prevents the vaginal canal from becoming too small. So, what general guidelines can be of help in this regard?
Vaginal surgery - Following vaginal fibroid surgery, it is often advised to wait 4-6 weeks before beginning s£xual activity again. This lowers the chance of infection or problems while giving the wounds time to heal. Depending on the extent of the surgery, some doctors may advise waiting longer—up to 8 weeks. According to research cited in an Obstetrics & Gynecology publication, vaginal s£x can be resumed as soon as two weeks after a laparoscopic myomectomy as long as there are no complications.
Laparoscopic surgery - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises delaying s£xual activity for 4-6 weeks following vaginal surgery, 2-4 weeks following laparoscopic surgery, and 6-8 weeks following open abdominal surgery. Many medical professionals advise waiting 2-4 weeks before engaging in s£xual activity after laparoscopic fibroid surgery. This type of surgery is less invasive so healing time is often shorter.
Open surgery - It is typically advised to avoid having s£x for 6 to 8 weeks following an open abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy. The abdominal incisions from open surgery take longer to heal.
No matter the sort of surgery, it's crucial to wait until your body feels ready to resume s£xual activity. If you are still in pain, bleeding, or discharge, don't rush into it. Allow enough time for your body to recuperate.
According to a review in Contemporary OB/GYN, intercourse can be had after 2 weeks for less invasive laparoscopic surgeries but may take 6–8 weeks for open myomectomies.
Based on the type and amount of fibroid surgery, patient education resources from UC San Diego Health, Penn Medicine, and Brigham and Women's Hospital offer comparable recommendations for resuming s£xual activity.
Use lubrication - To prevent painful friction, apply lubrication when you begin having s£x again.
- Water-based lubricants: The safest and most recommended solutions for vaginal dryness following surgery are typically water-based lubricants. Examples include the water-based lubricants YES, K-Y Jelly, and Astroglide.
- Mineral oils and other petroleum-based items should be avoided as they can increase the risk of infection following surgery. Vaseline can make intimate relations uncomfortable by thickening vaginal secretions.
- During the first healing phase, lubricants containing numbing drugs or scents should also be avoided as they may irritate the surgical site.
- Since glycerin can worsen yeast infections, glycerin-free lubricants might be suggested. Consider all-natural, glycerin-free alternatives.
- While coconut oil may be suitable for some female users, it can degrade condoms. So, if using condoms, avoid them.
Try different positions - Initially, stay in softer postures and stay away from deep thrusting actions.
Communicate with your partner - Talk about your restrictions with your spouse and move cautiously when you do.
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