A 22-yr. female
writes from Pakistan:
Hi. 2.5 months have passed since my
pregnancy. Here are my questions: (i) Should there be penis
insertion into vagina during pregnancy at all? (ii) Nowadays, since
sometime, whenever insertion is there, I feel burning in my vagina
upon penis entrance and it spreads as it goes further inside. (iii)
I also feel that vagina has limited, or sometimes even no space for
holding the penis. (iv) Abdominal pain also starts upon penis
entrance. Local gynacologist says that its because of lack of proper
water intake during pregnancy but her answer does not satisfy me.
(v) Since pregnancy, I also have not felt discharge during
intercourse, and satisfaction level has also reduced considerably.
Does sexual desire reduce in pregnancy? (vi) We both think that
psycologically we are quite depressed over not being able to insert.
Does that happen to all? (vii) Since pregnancy, there is stress in
buttocks which continues in backbone and legs.
....
Thank you for your mail. It's my
pleasure to clarify your questions.
i) It is alright to have intercourse
(insertion of penis into vagina and thrusting) during pregnancy.
HOWEVER the thrusting should not be fast / deep. The thumb rule is
there should not be any pain, inconvenience, weight etc. on you.
Positions in which deep penetration is not possible are better
during pregnancy, especially as the tummy gets bigger and bigger.
Side to side position of intercourse in
which husband lies behind the woman (woman has to fold her legs
slightly to permit penetration) is a frequently recommended position
for pregnant women, as this is both safe and satisfying.
ii) Burning in vagina during penetration is common during pregnancy
because during pregnancy, the vagina harbors and fosters growth of
the yeast called CANDIDA. As a result of this there is increased
white discharge, some vaginal redness, itching, and burning
sensation during insertion. Nothing to worry, since this is common
during pregnancy. Your gynecologist will be able to prescribe a
suitable safe medication / topical application to clear this.
Another reason for the burning sensation is decreased lubrication
during pregnancy. You may use lubricants such as KY Jelly. If the
problem persists, in spite of using KY jelly and in the absence of
vaginal candida infection, you need to get examined for other
vaginal conditions. However the first 2 conditions are most common.
iii) As the baby inside you grows, the moth of the uterus pushes
itself more into the vagina and therefore you will feel that the
vaginal space is decreasing ("limited" as you called it). In the
coming months you may feel that the penis is touching/hitting it.
(That is why we suggested the above coital positions).
iv) Abdominal pain on insertion of penis is different from the pain
you get on his thrusting. If you experience abdominal pain during
intercourse, I strongly suggest that you change the coital position
immediately and try the method I suggested above. Try it for a few
times. If the pain does not disappear, I think it is wiser to avoid
sex for a few days/weeks.
v) Yes. Sexual desire, & lubrication (what you called 'discharge')
diminish during pregnancy, because of hormone changes during
pregnancy. The same may be the case too when you breast-feed your
baby.
vi) Please do not be upset by not being able to enjoy sex during
pregnancy. It happens to millions of couples. But at a time when you
are experiencing another wonderful phenomenon of childbearing, is
sex not worth waiting for a while? Show your love and affection to
your husband in many other ways. Hugging, kissing, caressing,
helping him reach orgasm in other ways acceptable to you both.
vii) Yes, during pregnancy there will be stress on the back, legs
and the buttocks. Talk with your family physician about how to
minimize this.
|
|