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Does Breastfeeding Affect Sexual Drive?

November 7, 2023April 3, 2024 Reviewed by Dr Hameed Ibrahim Khokar

Does Breastfeeding Affect Sexual Drive? : After having a baby, maintaining a healthy and satisfying relationship can pose significant challenges. The limited sexual closeness and interaction during this period can exert both mental and physical effects, potentially leading to various issues, including stress, jealousy, anxiety, unhappiness, and emotional distance.

Prioritizing the baby’s health, breastfeeding emerges as a critical aspect. Breastfeeding offers numerous advantages, such as reducing the risk of asthma and cancer while promoting the overall well-being of the baby. Women opt for breastfeeding for various compelling reasons. However, a common concern that arises during nursing is a decline in sexual desire.

It is essential for women to allow their bodies ample time to recover after childbirth. The recommended timeframe for resuming sexual relations varies, but most experts suggest waiting for 4 to 6 weeks to facilitate the healing process.

Even after physical recovery, many women continue to grapple with sexual intimacy issues or experience a decrease in their sexual drive. Given the demands of caring for a newborn, coupled with sleepless nights and busy schedules, prioritizing sexual activity may often be the last thing on their minds. This can become a significant challenge for those desiring an active sexual life, especially when they are also breastfeeding their baby.

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Changes in Hormone Levels

After giving birth, there’s a notable shift in a woman’s hormonal balance. Specifically, estrogen levels decrease, while prolactin levels increase. During breastfeeding, prolactin levels remain elevated, while estrogen and progesterone levels remain low. This drop in estrogen can lead to reduced genital lubrication and a diminished desire for sexual activity. Vaginal dryness, in turn, can result in painful intercourse, medically known as dyspareunia.

Conversely, oxytocin levels surge during nursing. Oxytocin, a hormone known for inducing feelings of calm and happiness, plays a crucial role in tightening the uterus during both orgasm and labor. Elevated oxytocin levels are beneficial for a woman’s sexual well-being. The question arises as to whether these hormonal changes ultimately enhance or hinder a woman’s sexual life.

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Changes in Body and Self Image

When a woman breastfeeds, her body undergoes additional changes. Notably, the breasts become larger and more sensitive, potentially leading to more frequent milk leakage.

For nursing mothers engaging in sexual activity, it’s important to anticipate milk leakage. The production of breast milk typically begins a few days after childbirth, and contact with the nipples during sexual activities can trigger the release of breast milk. In some cases, even during orgasm, there may be instances of milk leakage or spraying.

You can handle this with these tips:

You can nurse or pump before you have sex. If you have time, try to get less milk in your breasts before you have sex. This will cut down on the chance of a leak.
Wear a bra with nursing pads. If you and your partner don’t mind having your breasts covered during intimacy, nursing pads tucked into a bra can soak up any leaks.
Talk about it ahead of time. Ask your partner how likely it is that this will happen during intercourse. Don’t think about it if it doesn’t bother you. It’s natural.

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Summary

Breastfeeding is closely linked to a woman’s desire for sex and her ability to have a good time with it. It can hurt them physically and make them feel bad. Nursing is a great and very important job, but these problems are very common. If you are having trouble with intimacy and nursing after having a baby, talk to a doctor. There are many herbal products that can help that are safe and work well.

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