[suzy-c]

Hey folks. I know this is weird and most probably TMI, but since I delivered my DS 15wks ago, my clitoris has shrunk significantly.

DS has been exclusively breastfed and he feeds rather a lot, so it could be hormonal. All the other bits are slightly different in their own way, which is another story, but no birth trauma would make my clitoris disappear.

I have had no other symptoms, except that I'd never had difficulty with orgasm before this. I'd really like to know if anyone has had this and when or if it went back to normal! ??

[soontobegran]

Just a thought but is it possible that it has returned to normal size after being enlarged during your pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones do tend to make everything a bit more prominent due to increased blood supply and we tend to get used to seeing them in their pregnant form.

[libbylu]

i didn't notice this particular problem but I did notice I was extremely dry down there and had to buy and use lubricant for the first time ever in my life. This is due to breastfeeding hormones apparently. It continued to be an issue the whole time I was breastfeeding but went back to normal when I stopped.
I wouldn't worry too much - I'm sure things will return to normal eventually.

[Jenflea]

Breastfeeding can cause dryness and a lack of libido which no doubt is why you're finding it difficult to orgasm.
The BF hormones are designed for you to not get pregnant while still feeding a newborn so it kills your libido(or can, some women notice it more than others).
You can get estrogen cream if it's a continuing problem.

And hats off to you to be wanting sex, last thing I wanted for a very long time after I had my baby!

[renee1979]

I wouldn't be worrying too much yet, it's VERY early days in your recovery. I had trouble with climaxing until I had built my pelvic floor muscles up again. So I would suggest keeping up with the pelvic floor exercises, and be gentle with yourself, this whole "you'll be ready to have sex again at 6 weeks post birth" that all the pregnancy books seem to proclaim is not representative of many (if any) women's experiences, and only serves to put pressure on women and men alike. It takes time to fully recover from a vaginal birth and you and your partner need to come to make peace with, it will get better, good luck and congratulations on your bub.

[suzy-c]

Thanks for your replies!
I'm afraid it's smaller than it was before I was pregnant. It's like it's being denied hormones at all. I can barely feel it's there and can barely get a response out of it. Sigh... I'm sure a gyno will shed some light.

I just got scared because when I asked Dr Google about shrinking clitori, I got mostly menopausal type responses. I'm 38 and want another bub or two, so don't want to hear the word menopause!

[kwiggle]

One of my Gynae colleagues refers to postpartum being a "hormonal wasteland" - the suppression of your oestrogen and progesterone can make you feel "menopausal", even though your eggs are still good I even had hot flushes in the early days of breast feeding. Don't worry about it.

[suzy-c]

I'm really grateful that you took the time to give me detailed feedback, Ladies. I appreciate it. Whenever I ask EB something, I tell my other half "I consulted the Oracle."