Question

A client who has given birth is being discharged from the health care facility. She wants to know how safe it would be for her to have intercourse. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the client regarding intercourse after birth?

A. Avoid performing pelvic floor exercises.
B. Resume intercourse if bright red bleeding stops.
C. Avoid use of water-based gel lubricants.
D. Use oral contraceptives for contraception.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to resume intercourse after the bright red bleeding stops, avoid using water-based gel lubricants, and use oral contraceptives for contraception.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should provide the client with the following instructions regarding intercourse after birth:

1. Resume intercourse only after the bright red bleeding stops, which typically occurs within a few weeks after delivery. It is important to wait until the cervix is closed and healed to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Avoid using water-based gel lubricants as they can interfere with the natural pH balance of the vagina and increase the risk of infection. Instead, it is recommended to use a water-based lubricant that is specifically designed for use during sexual activity after childbirth.
3. Use alternative methods of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, to prevent unintended pregnancy. It is important to wait for at least three weeks before starting any birth control method that contains both estrogen and progestin to reduce the risk of blood clots.