Is it safe to have sex after a cervical cerclage?

Whenever a couple comes to have a cervical cerclage, one common question is, ” is it okay to have sex after a cervical cerclage?”.

I would say, Cervical cerclage is one of the best interventions to avoid second-trimester miscarriages. But some people are avoiding cervical cerclage due to some societal myths.

Why do you undergo cervical cerclage?

If you have already undergone the cervical cerclage procedure, you already know its importance. It is to avoid any 2nd-trimester miscarriages due to cervical incompetence. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), it is successful 85 – 90% of the time.

Also there are few other indications for cervical cerclage during pregnancy. These include history of premature deliveries, past history of con biopsies and etc.

As mentioned it is associated with many benefits to a couple with fertility issues.

However, it has its own pros and cons. Your Gynecologist will surely avoid any bad experiences during and after the procedure.

Safety after the cervical cerclage

Cervical cerclage is a procedure of tightening the cervix to avoid premature delivery due to cervical incompetence. Your surgeon will use a nylon tread for this procedure. This may involve a few complications like bleeding, infection, miscarriages etc.

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So whenever we meet a couple before the cervical cerclage procedure, they ask about all these complications. Also, one common question is, “what are the things not to do after a cervical cerclage?“.
So it is very important to have a better understanding on all of these issues. Specially you may need to discuss about the progression of sex after a cervical cerclage. Because you have to maintain your sex life even during the pregnancy.

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Can you have sex after a cervical cerclage?

As a doctor or other medical professional, you should not miss discussing about having sex after a cervical cerclage. Because different people have different levels of risk for continuing sexual activity after cervical cerclage.

You must avoid any sexual activity during 1st 2weeks after surgery. Then your Gynecologist will review you and give further advice.

Usually, some doctors advise avoiding any sexual contact, including any orgasm after a cervical cerclage. But it is not always correct. Because some couples can continue to have sex without disturbing the cerclage or increasing the risk of side effects like infections, bleeding, etc.

Therefore you need to contact your doctor before attempting sex after a cervical cerclage.

How to continue sexual intercourse after a cervical cerclage

1. Avoid any sexual activity in 1st 2weeks after a cervical cerclage.
2. Meet your doctor and ensure there is no complication after 2weeks of the procedure.
3. Start the sexual activity with only shallow penetration.
4. Do not use positions that increase intra-abdominal pressure while you practice sex after a cervical cerclage. 
5. In features of bleeding or other complication, consult your doctor soon. 
6. Avoid sexual activities closer to your due date.
   
   

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