What Should Jezebels Really Expect After They're Expecting: Sex Edition

Jessica — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EDT

There's an article in Psychology Today about the after-effects of different kinds of birth on the ol' vagina. And guys, it is bleak. (Think the Psych Today editors were inspired by that Elle article last month on sex after giving birth?) Three months after a C-section, 55% of women reported sexual dissatisfaction. That's nothing compared to women who gave birth vaginally, 70% of whom reported sexual dissatisfaction! Episiotomies can cause painful intercourse even 12-18 months after a woman gives birth, and assisted delivery (use of forceps or a vacuum) can cause painful intercourse, perineal pain, and delays in the resumption of sex. And don't even get me started on the after effects of watching childbirth on the male sexual psyche. According to Psychology Today, "For some men, a very intimate body part can become completely desexualized. Or they see someone they cherish dramatically sliced open. In either case, they can then associate their partners with a disturbing and gruesome scene."

There was even an entire New York Times article from a few years back where dudes talked about how freaked out they were watching their wives give birth. And so I ask you, kind Jezemoms and Dads: what happens to your sex life after you pop out a wee one? Please don't spare any gruesome details. We're big girls, we can take it.

From the Delivery Room to the Bedroom [Psychology Today]

The Ring Of Fire [Elle]

Earlier: What Should Jezebels Really Expect When They're Expecting
So, About That Harrowing Ring Of Fire Story

Birthing Pains Aren't Just For Babes

Anna — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:35:16 EDT

Boys with breasts? Pshaw! That's so four hours ago. The latest news on men-who-look-like women involves guys who exhibit "sympathy" for their pregnant partners by developing "swollen stomachs that look like a 'baby bump'". For a study conducted by researchers at a hospital in south London, 282 expectant fathers were watched throughout their partners' pregnancies and guess what? In addition to getting fat — and suffering from mood swings, morning sickness fainting and toothache! — the guys got cramps!

One man told researchers: 'My stomach pains were very much like a build-up of a woman's contraction as she's giving birth. They started mild and then got stronger and stronger and stronger'. Another claimed: 'I think I was in more pain than she was. It seemed like my pain was worse."'

Emphasis on the "seemed", dude! Actually, how about this: When the day comes that the skin behind your balls rips all the way to your anus after your body expels a human rugby ball, you give us a call. We'll be more than happy to discuss!

Men 'Suffer Sympathy Pains During Pregnancy' [Telegraph]
Earlier: Cures For Men With Bosoms

Jezebel: episiotomies

What Should Jezebels Really Expect After They're Expecting: Sex Edition

Birthing Pains Aren't Just For Babes