“I barely feel my husband” — Nigerian woman seeks advice over intimacy concerns

A Nigerian woman, identified as Promise Mgbeosoro, has taken to social media to share her experience following the birth of her first child, saying she has continued to feel unusually “open” in her private area and that the situation has affected intimacy with her husband.

In a lengthy post, Mgbeosoro said her first baby was unusually large and that she suffered a severe tear during delivery. She said she was stitched after the birth but suspects the repair was not properly carried out by the midwife who attended to her.

According to the mother, her child is now 11 months old, but she continues to experience what she described as a persistent feeling of looseness.

She said the condition has become particularly concerning during sexual intercourse, claiming that she barely feels her husband and sometimes has the sensation that “nothing entered there.”

The woman said the situation has caused her significant worry, especially because her husband has also expressed concerns about the experience whenever she asks him about it.

Seeking help from other mothers, Mgbeosoro asked social media users whether anyone had experienced a similar situation after childbirth and how they managed to address it.

Her post has since generated discussion online, with several mothers sharing their personal experiences and offering suggestions.

What experts say about postpartum vaginal changes

Vaginal childbirth, particularly the delivery of a large baby, can stretch or tear the perineal tissues and pelvic floor muscles.

Perineal tears can occur during childbirth and, where a tear requires repair, proper assessment and stitching are important for healing. Complications during healing, including infection or inadequate aftercare, may contribute to persistent symptoms.

Women who experience changes such as a persistent feeling of looseness, reduced sensation, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse may benefit from a medical assessment to determine the underlying cause.

Gynaecologists commonly recommend pelvic floor exercises, including Kegel exercises, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve muscle control over time.

In more severe cases, a doctor may conduct a follow-up examination to determine whether the original tear healed properly or whether there is residual tissue or pelvic-floor damage. Depending on the findings, further treatment, including surgical revision in selected cases, may be considered.

Health professionals generally advise women experiencing persistent postpartum symptoms to consult a gynaecologist or other qualified healthcare professional rather than relying solely on home remedies, as proper examination may be necessary to determine whether there is an underlying injury or other medical condition.