In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

Donate
Donate

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Pain with relations postpartum
June 25, 2013

Question

I'm 5 months postpartum and still have not healed from labor and delivery. My OB says I have scar tissue that is still not healed. She prescribed estrogen cream for me to use. In the meantime, sex is painful, mostly due to sperm, which causes burning. Is there any heter to use a condom or use the withdrawal/pull out method so I can avoid the stinging/burning? Otherwise my only options are to put up with the burning or abstain from sex, until I stop nursing and hopefully my body heals (no idea when this will actually be.) As you can imagine, this is very frustrating and painful.

Thank you very much for your help.

Answer

Mazal tov on the birth of your baby!

We are sorry to hear of your pain with relations. We suggest using a lubricant, which might help reduce the burning sensation from the semen. Another possibility to explore is seeing a urogynecological physiotherapist to see if that helps.

If those measures do not suffice, it would be possible to use a condom with a hole in it at the tip. That would enable sperm to get through, but reduce your exposure to semen.

Please write back with any further questions.

Related Q&A

» Intimacy while family sits shivah

» Lubricant on Pesach

» Contemporary relevance of meineket

» Bleeding after relations postpartum

» Is leaking urine a possible hargashah?

» Holiness and marital relations

» Male genital bleeding

» Postpartum: waiting until after mikveh to start minipill

» Presence of male assistant MD

» Easing into intimacy postpartum

View All Q&A

Facebook
WhatsApp
Email

Related Content

PODCAST: Navigating Postpartum Depression

In this episode Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus brings on guest Aviva Bennett Tribuch who shares her personal struggle with postpartum
Click Here

Mitzvat Onah

Mitzvat onah obligates a husband to be responsive to his wife’s sexual needs, generally with intercourse at a frequency that
Click Here

Jewish Sexual Ethics

Click Here

Marital Relations I: Context

Click Here

Navigating Intimacy After Sexual Abuse

Click Here

The Postpartum Period

A new mother needs support and rest, and is in niddah for the first weeks postpartum. Her recovery from childbirth,
Click Here

Postpartum Conception & Contraception

Contraception is medically recommended and halachically permitted postpartum to allow a woman to recover from childbirth and focus on caring
Click Here

Mikveh Postpartum

Postpartum bleeding typically continues for weeks, and can stop and start again. Gentle bedikot and halachic guidance can help a
Click Here

Vesatot Postpartum

Many women do not menstruate for a number of months postpartum, especially if they are breastfeeding. This has implications for
Click Here

PODCAST: Maintaining Intimacy while Juggling Life’s Responsibilities

In this episode Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus and Shoshannah Olshin discuss what we can do to keep the spark alive
Click Here

Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum anxiety and depression can be treated safely and effectively. As with any illness, there may be room for leniency
Click Here

VIDEO: Niddah in the Postpartum Period

Click Here

VIDEO: Postpartum

Click Here

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

Call the Golda Koschitzky Hotline

Ask a Yoetzet Through the Website

Consult with a Fertility Counselor

Locate a Yoetzet Halacha Near You

Appreciate Yoatzot Halacha?

Donate

Support our work & allow your donation to make a difference.