Traditionally, six weeks is the benchmark docs suggest waiting postpartum before having sex. However, 26 percent of women are ready sooner and engage in sexual activity before being cleared by their docs, reports a
University of Michigan study. The researchers acknowledge that one reason may be to please their partner (since more than half gave their partner oral sex), but it's also because the desire is there. In fact, 40 percent said they masturbated. The researchers suggest that it's okay for a woman to rely on her own self-knowledge about her body and sexual needs. For that reason, Christine Curry, MD, PhD, ob-gyn at the University of Miami Health System, recommends having the conversation about contraception with your doc while you're still pregnant, to avoid any surprises.
