Sex After a Miscarriage: What You Need To Know

Physical intimacy after a pregnancy loss cannot be easy while coming to terms your loss.

For some, the idea of sex might be something they’re just not ready to think about yet.

And that is totally okay. 🤍

Everyone processes in their own time, and whatever timeframe you choose to have sex again after a miscarriage is completely valid.

But, maybe you are ready, or you want to get educated on what to know before having sex after a pregnancy loss.

That’s why we’re here.

Let’s talk through it all together. 👇

In this article: 📝

How long after a miscarriage can you have sex?

After a miscarriage, it’s advised to prevent penetration of any kind for at least 1 week. [1]

That includes tampons, menstrual cups, or sex toys — as well as any vaginal sex.

This is to keep the infection risk as low as possible.

But, choosing when to have sex will also depend on your physical and emotional symptoms, too.

It’s best to avoid having sex if you’re still experiencing any miscarriage symptoms (bleeding, in particular). [2]

So, in most cases, by around 2 weeks after pregnancy loss, it's generally considered safe medically to have sex again. [3]

🔍 Read More: First Period After a Miscarriage 🩸

When can you have protected sex after miscarriage?

Whether you’re having protected or non-protected sex, the advice from experts remains the same…

It’s best to wait a couple of weeks.

That way, your body will have had the chance to heal after the miscarriage.

Is it normal to feel pain when having sex after a miscarriage?

Feeling pains while having sex after a pregnancy loss can feel concerning, and also triggering, too.

Sometimes, during the healing process, scar tissue or adhesions can form in the pelvic region. [4]

And these can cause pain or discomfort while having sex.

That’s why it’s advised to wait a couple of weeks before having sex again, as it gives your body the best chance to recover.

If you’ve waited for two weeks and are still feeling pain after sex, get in touch with your doctor as soon as you can so they can help diagnose the cause. 👩‍⚕️

Can you have sex 3 days after a miscarriage?

Sorry — but, it’s best to avoid that one.

Having sex only 3 days after a pregnancy loss could increase your risk for infection, as the cervix will still be more open.

It’s best to wait until around 2 weeks after a miscarriage before having sex again.

When can you get pregnant again after a miscarriage?

Well, it’s actually possible to get pregnant right away after a miscarriage. 🤯

You could ovulate as soon as a couple of weeks after the pregnancy loss. [5]

So, if you’ve been having sex during that ovulation window, your egg may become fertilized during this first cycle, and you may become pregnant again. 🥚

Historically, doctors recommended waiting around 3 - 6 months before trying to conceive again. [6]

But, these days, there’s not as much evidence to suggest you’d need to wait… 👇

Is it safe to get pregnant right after a miscarriage?

One studie actually supports the idea of getting pregnant within the first 1 - 3 months after a miscarriage. [6]

But, the WHO (World Health Organization) suggests waiting at least 6 months to reduce the risk of premature birth, maternal anemia, and low birth weight. [7]

So, ultimately, it’s your call — with the advice of your doctor.

If you feel physically, and mentally, ready to try for a baby again fairly soon after your miscarriage, talk through this decision with your doctor who’ll be able to advise you, as they know your specific medical history. 🩺

🔍 Get Clued Up: Pregnancy After Miscarriage 🤰

Can you have a high sex drive after a miscarriage?

It’s possible to have increased libido after a pregnancy loss — yes.

Although, it’s generally more common to have a lower libido after a miscarriage, as the emotional connections of the pregnancy loss can be associated with sex itself.

But, after a miscarriage, your hormones are all out of whack. 😵‍💫 [8]

And it might take a while for them to regulate again.

So, sometimes, these hormone fluctuations can cause an increase in your libido. 📈

You may also have an increased sex drive after a miscarriage because of the desire to have another baby.

It may be that you don’t want to wait, and you’d prefer to start trying again right away for another baby.

And that’s okay, too — and completely your choice. ❤️

Sex may also be a way to emotionally support and connect to your partner to grieve your loss which, again, is a completely normal reaction.

Can I get fingered after a miscarriage?

Not right away, but yep — you can.

As long as you make sure all miscarriage symptoms have stopped, and you’ve waited at least a week or two, you should be able to continue your normal sexual activities as usual.

During this time after miscarriage, there is a higher risk of developing an infection.

But, if you feel any pain or experience any bleeding, stop immediately and get in touch with your doctor to check that the miscarriage has been completed (e.g., there’s no remaining tissue from the miscarriage).

When can you have orgasms after a miscarriage?

Although vaginal sex is out of the question for the first couple of weeks, does that rule out other ways to get pleasure?

Orgasms are powerful things — they can release a bunch of endorphins and hormones, generally making us feel good and relaxed. 😌

After going through a stressful and traumatic experience like a pregnancy loss, you might find that orgasms might help you — as long as you’re feeling up to it.

It can feel like a positive coping mechanism for some, but others may not feel ready to explore their body sexually — and that’s okay, too. 🤍

My husband wants sex after miscarriage, but I’m not ready — what should I do?

You should never have sex if you’re not ready to, in any circumstance.

Especially after having gone through something incredibly personal and traumatic like a miscarriage.

Bottom line: you’re not ready.

It doesn’t matter if he is.

If you’re not mentally ready, then your body isn’t ready, either.

Explain to him calmly that you’re going to need more time to process what’s happened to you, and that he will need to be patient with you while your body, and mind, completely processes the loss of your baby.

How long does it take for your body to go back to normal after a miscarriage?

It’s natural for nothing to feel normal after experiencing a miscarriage.

And that’s okay.

But, when should your body start to feel back to normal?

• 🚶‍♀️ Physically

Generally, women can resume their regular activities after a day or two following a miscarriage. [1]

But, as mentioned, it’s up to you, and how your body feels.

Physical intimacy may be the last thing you want to think about, or it might be a comfort blanket for you and your partner.

And both of these reactions are completely valid.

Don’t let anyone else rush you or pressure you — this happened inside your body, no one else’s, and it’s to your timeline what happens next.

• 🩸 Menstrual cycle

Your first period after a miscarriage is a good indication of what stage your body is in during the miscarriage recovery process.

Your period following the miscarriage (often referred to as your ‘first’ period after a pregnancy loss) is a true indicator of things returning to normal.

It may take around 4 - 6 weeks after a miscarriage for your first period to arrive. [2]

But, for some people, it may take longer while for others, it might be shorter.

🔍 Read More: What is the First Period After a Miscarriage Like? 🩸

• 🧠 Emotional state

This completely depends on you.

A miscarriage can have a profound effect on you emotionally, and also on your partner and family, too.

It’s normal to take time to process this loss.

Some women feel they need counseling to cope with the aftermath of a miscarriage, so if you do need help and support, Postpartum Support International is a great place to start.

It has a bunch of helplines, support groups, and discussion tools available, meaning you can feel heard and supported during your pregnancy loss.

And, in the meantime, we’re always here you, too. 🥜

🔍 Feel Supported: Miscarriage Quotes So You Know You’re Not Alone 🤍

And remember, it’s your body — so, it’s your choice when to have sex again.

If you have any concerns or worries about sex after a miscarriage, it’s best to chat with your doctor about these to find the best course of action for you.

Want support from women who’ve been through it all before?

That’s what we’re here for. 🥜