The text is part of the series “Women’s Health with Prof. Dr. Kostov”, which started on Puls.bg at the beginning of March. In it, Prof. Dr. Ivan Kostov answers the most frequently asked questions by women in the obstetrics and gynecology office. You can find his recommendations for good women’s health on Wednesdays on our site. Prof. Dr. Ivan Kostov is an obstetrician-gynecologist with enviable qualifications and experience. Currently, he is the executive director of the I AG Hospital in the capital, St. Sofia. More about him can be found in the attached biographical reference. It’s not often talked about, but it’s important to know what happens to the vagina after childbirth. You may feel wider, dry or uncomfortable for a while, or even have pain during sex. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. 1. What to expect and how to speed up your recovery? It is normal to have some changes after giving birth. So, right, the baby passes through the cervix and through the vagina. This is called the birth canal. Her entrance widens to allow the baby to exit. It happens during childbirth that the perineum – that is the skin between the vaginal opening and the anus – is torn or cut if the doctor decides to pass the baby. This procedure is called an episiotomy. 2. Dilated vagina After giving birth, you will most likely feel your vagina is wider, soft, loose, swollen and even bruised. Again, this is normal. But don’t worry, she will start to regain her previous state a few days after giving birth. However, this may not happen 100%. 3. How to help her recover It is recommended to do exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, known as Kegel exercises. This will tighten your pelvic and vaginal muscles. In addition, these exercises are very helpful in preventing leakage of urine (incontinence), a common problem for many women after childbirth. 4. Kegel exercises: You can do them anywhere and anytime, no matter if you are sitting, standing or lying down. They are performed as follows: Begin to quickly tighten and relax your anus and vagina at the same time, as if you are trying to pull them up. Do the contraction very quickly and relax your muscles immediately. For those who have practiced yoga, this movement will not be unfamiliar. Begin to make the contraction slower, keeping your muscles as tight as you can handle, but no longer than 10 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions of each exercise 4-6 times a day. You imagine that you are trying to stop urination. The good thing about these exercises is that they can be done almost any time – in front of the TV, while waiting in line… 5. Vaginal dryness It’s normal to feel your vagina drier after giving birth. This is due to the sharp decrease in the level of estrogen in the body compared to its level during pregnancy.Breastfeeding mothers have lower estrogen levels than non-breastfeeding mothers, so vaginal dryness may be even more pronounced in them. Once your period returns, estrogen levels will stabilize and vaginal dryness will likely disappear. If you have started having sex and feel discomfort, use a lubricant. If you use condoms, get a water-based lubricant. The oil-based one can cause condoms to break. If vaginal dryness does not go away with the return of your period, consult your doctor. 6. Perineum Pain and Stitches Immediately after giving birth, it is more than usual to feel pain in the vaginal area. It usually goes away within 6-12 weeks after birth. To speed up this period, do Kegel exercises. In case you have had a perineal tear or an episiotomy, you will feel some pain after delivery. Some pain relievers can ease the sensation, but check with your doctor as they need to be adjusted to the fact that you are breastfeeding. NEWS_MORE_BOX It is important to keep the perineal area clean, so always wash your hands before and after changing bandages and shower every day. If you’re worried about how your stitches are healing, talk to your doctor, especially if you experience pain or a nonspecific odor. 7. Pain during sex There is no exact time to return to your sex life. Take your time if you feel pain. If vaginal dryness is bothering you, try using a lubricant. In the event that you experience discomfort around the perineum, you will need to visit your doctor. 8. Have less desire for sex than before? You should not worry, the decreased libido is provoked by childbirth, pain, fatigue along with taking care of the baby, etc. It is very important to talk to your partner about this. So he will be aware that the problem is not his and you can deal with it together. Remember to take precautions during sex, because 3 weeks after giving birth, you can get pregnant again.but check with a doctor as they have to be tailored to you breastfeeding. NEWS_MORE_BOX It is important to keep the perineal area clean, so always wash your hands before and after changing bandages and shower every day. If you’re worried about how your stitches are healing, talk to your doctor, especially if you experience pain or a non-specific odor. 7. Pain during sex There is no exact time to return to your sex life. Take your time if you feel pain. If vaginal dryness is bothering you, try using a lubricant. In the event that you experience discomfort around the perineum, you will need to visit your doctor. 8. Have less desire for sex than before? You should not worry, the decreased libido is provoked by childbirth, pain, fatigue along with taking care of the baby, etc. It is very important to talk to your partner about this. So he will be aware that the problem is not his and you can deal with it together. Remember to take precautions during sex, because 3 weeks after giving birth, you can get pregnant again.but check with a doctor as they have to be tailored to you breastfeeding. NEWS_MORE_BOX It is important to keep the perineal area clean, so always wash your hands before and after changing bandages and shower every day. If you’re worried about how your stitches are healing, talk to your doctor, especially if you experience pain or a non-specific odor. 7. Pain during sex There is no exact time to return to your sex life. Take your time if you feel pain. If vaginal dryness is bothering you, try using a lubricant. In the event that you experience discomfort around the perineum, you will need to visit your doctor. 8. Have less desire for sex than before? You should not worry, the decreased libido is provoked by childbirth, pain, fatigue along with taking care of the baby, etc. It is very important to talk to your partner about this. So he will be aware that the problem is not his and you can deal with it together. Remember to take precautions during sex, because 3 weeks after giving birth, you can get pregnant again.