When can I have sex after my operation?

 When can I have sex after my procedure?

Following most surgical procedures there are physical activity restrictions for a minimum of 6-8 weeks post-op, this includes exercising, heavy lifting and sex. It is important that you check with your MYA Nurse at your post-operative appointment before returning to any sexual activity.

Similarly to exercise, cosmetic surgery patients are advised to ease themselves back in, this means no rigorous movement or strain to the affected area. If you feel pain or discomfort at any point during sexual activity, you are advised to stop and allow your surgical wounds more time to heal and listen to your body. Don't rush yourself and listen to your body, your partner will understand!

We understand that sometimes you might get 'lost in the moment', but we urge all our patients to be careful and remember. Please remember that pain relief medication numbs the pain and you can sometimes forget that your body is still healing from surgery. All patients heal at different rates, so if you think you are healed enough to start having sex, we advise speaking to your MYA Nurse first. 

When can I have sex after labiaplasty surgery?

Following labiaplasty surgery (the surgical procedure to reduce the excess tissue of the labia minora, the inner skin which protrudes outside of the vagina) it is advised that you must abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks; until the wounds are fully healed (it usually takes 6 weeks for the wounds to heal completely internally and externally). It is extremely important that your wounds are kept clean and dry during your recovery. Having sex while you are still healing could lead to wound complications such as bleeding and infection and may affect your end result. You will be reviewed by a MYA Nurse at your 6-week post-operative appointment, they will advise you when it is safe to return to normal sexual activity. Please ensure you adhere to the specific advice provided by the surgeon as it is individual to you. 

Contraception and cosmetic surgery

Based on several factors, surgeons may recommend patients stop taking their oral contraceptive pill prior to and following their surgery to reduce the risk of developing a DVT or PE (Deep Vein thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism). During this time, it is advised to abstain from sex or use another form of contraception, such as a condom, to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Be aware that some antibiotics may affect the effectiveness of birth control pills, or other hormone-based birth control, increasing the risk of pregnancy, therefore additional contraception may be needed. For specific advice about your contraception, please speak to a member of your healthcare team in conjunction with the prescriber of your medication/treatment.

We encourage all patients to practice safe sex and be extremely cautious during this period of time, as they are at a high risk of falling pregnant. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has advised that the possibility of pregnancy should be considered in all relevant patients before surgery which could pose risks to mother or foetus. MYA routinely ask menstruating patients to take a pregnancy test at the hospital on the day of their procedure. If a test confirms pregnancy, the operation will be cancelled at the patient's own cost.