Navigating return to sex: A qualitative Reddit analysis of parents’ perceptions about the timing of resuming sex after a birth

OBJECTIVE: Given the many transitions that occur in the postpartum period as men and women navigate the return to sex after a birth, this study aimed to explore parents' experiences of resuming sexual activity. METHODS: This was a qualitative study that used posts from both men and women from the online public forum Reddit. Data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory. RESULTS: This study found that the discourse surrounding sexual activity in the postpartum period was dominated by an understanding that medical guidelines prohibited sex prior to six weeks after giving birth. Although some parents disagreed, many Reddit users perceived a high degree of risk in resuming sex prior to six weeks and medical expertise was highly valued as parents negotiated the return to sex. While Reddit users were largely in agreement that penetrative vaginal sex prior to six weeks was a risky activity, there was less consensus as to the risk involved in other sexual activities. CONCLUSION: This study recommends that medical practitioners initiate conversations with men and women about returning to sexual activity after a birth, and that these conversations should consider parents' emotional well-being as they resume sex. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based and comprehensive guidelines to facilitate these conversations.