When you are a bride-to-be or newlywed, your mind wonders about various things - relationships, finances, responsibilities, and health. While you can discuss many things with your friends and family, sexual wellness is one subject that people, especially women, feel shy about. The last resort is to ask questions to a doctor.
We spoke to Dr Manju Gupta, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida. She shared 10 questions that brides-to-be and newlyweds often ask her.
What Is The Best Way To Postpone/ Delay Periods?
How to postpone periods? What tablet is used to delay periods? These are some of the common questions brides-to-be ask if their dates seem to be coinciding with wedding festivities and honeymoon.
The doctor advised to consult a healthcare expert at least 1-2 months before the wedding. Only an expert can prescribe the right dosage of the medicine so that you do not face any side effects later. They will also tell you what to expect if you go ahead with the medication.
Why Are UTIs Common Post-Marriage?
Many newlyweds complain to the doctor about experiencing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) post getting married. The expert said, “Engaging in sexual intercourse increases the risk of UTIs as it can introduce bacteria into the bladder and up the urethra. Women are more susceptible to UTIs during sex due to their shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.”
She added that UTIs can be caused by both penetrative as well as oral sex. Bacteria can enter the body and cause infection.
What Are The Different Birth Control Options Available?
Most couples want to enjoy intimacy post-wedding without worrying about unwanted pregnancies. The doctor recommended birth control options, including condoms, cervical caps, sponges, and diaphragms. One can also opt for intrauterine devices (IUDs), which only a doctor can insert.
Women can also try oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), which alter the hormones and prevent the fertilisation of eggs. However, they come with a few side effects and potential risk factors.
We Are Experiencing Difficulty In Consummating Marriage. What To Do?
Many couples experience difficulty in consummating their marriage, especially if it is the first time for both of them. “The reasons can vary and include insufficient sexual information, sexual performance anxiety, vaginismus, lack of privacy, erectile dysfunction, history of sexual abuse, irrational fears, cultural and social factors, religious rules, premature ejaculation, and specific expectations about the first sexual encounter,” the expert added. You should seek help from a gynaecologist.
What Is The Reason For Unusual Vaginal Discharge After Intercourse?
In many cases, unusual vaginal discharge could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Intercourse can disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria and microorganisms in the vagina, which can change the pH levels and lead to overgrowth of harmful germs and bacteria.
The symptoms of this include itching inside the vaginal canal, painful urge to urinate, burning sensation and itching around the vulva, and unusual vaginal discharge. You should consult a doctor in case you experience any such symptoms. They will assess the vagina, take a sample, conduct tests, and prescribe medicines accordingly.
Is It Normal To Experience Bleeding After Sex?
Why do women bleed after sex? It is one of the common questions brides-to-be and newlyweds ask a doctor. Our expert said that bleeding after sex can be normal for some women, especially if it hampers the structure of the hymen, which is a flexible piece of tissue that can stretch and become thinner over time due to intense physical activities and the use of tampons.
Other reasons for bleeding after sex include inadequate lubrication, vaginal infection, or injury during sex. If the bleeding persists, it might be a cause of concern for women.
How Long To Wait Before We Try To Start Planning A Baby?
The time to conceive can vary for couples. It depends on various factors, including age, health, weight, and quality of eggs and sperm. “It is recommended not to delay conception for too long due to the potential impact of age on fertility. There are tests available, such as FSH, Estradiol, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), and vaginal ultrasonography, which can provide information about ovarian reserve,” Dr Gupta said. A couple must consult a gynaecologist about their reproductive health and plan their family accordingly.
Is It Safe To Have Sex During Menstruation?
According to the expert, engaging in sexual activity during menstruation is usually safe from the perspective of conception, but it comes with potential risks for infection due to menstrual blood.
If a couple wishes to avoid pregnancy, they should use contraception in any case. However, if you are comfortable about getting intimate during periods, you should use a condom and maintain hygiene to reduce chances of infection.
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What Hygienic Products Women Should Use Once They Start Having Regular Intercourse?
Dr Gupta said that maintaining good hygiene is essential for both men and women, especially if they indulge in regular intercourse. Therefore, a couple must wash their genitals after intercourse.
You should urinate right after having sex as it can help to flush out bacteria that might have entered the urinary tract. Other ways to improve the hygiene of your private parts are trimming pubic hair, keeping the area dry and clean, following a hygiene routine, and visiting a doctor in case you experience any issues.
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Does The Body Change After Women Start Having Sex Regularly?
The expert said that it is normal for anyone to experience changes in their body once they start having sex regularly, especially if they have not been sexually active before marriage. This is because of hormonal secretion. However, most of these changes are temporary and stabilise over time.
If you have more concerns, the healthcare expert suggested seeking professional help. There are a lot of misconceptions about sex and intimacy, and people should not believe everything they read on the internet. You should get your queries answered by an expert who can help you navigate your sexual life better.