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Hi Alice,
This might be a strange question, but I've heard that after delivering a child, if an episiotomy (sp?) is done, the doctor can "cinch" the vagina up a little (so the opening is tighter during sex). Am I up in the night, or is this an option? I would be really interested to know. Thanks so much!
bj
Dear bj,
If you have an episiotomy (a surgical procedure that enlarges the vaginal opening to aid in the delivery of a baby), or if you tear during your baby's birth (not all women do), you'll be cinched or sewn up as a matter of course -- and yes, perhaps an additional stitch or two can be added for vaginal tightening. Often, an extra stitch is not needed, especially if you have done Kegel exercises (see below). However, you can talk with your obstetrician or midwife about your concern. Their medical judgment, along with your best interests, deserve to be considered before your birthing experience.
Doing Kegel exercises regularly during your pregnancy and after childbirth can strengthen your vaginal muscles, better prepare you for childbearing, and improve bladder control. Intensified orgasms, and getting your muscles back into shape more quickly after delivery of your baby, can also come from Kegels (read Kegel technique in Alice's Sexuality archive for more details and instructions).
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