You can usually have sex again after a miscarriage once the bleeding and pain have completely stopped and you feel ready, which for many people is around 1–2 weeks after the miscarriage, but sometimes up to about 2–3 weeks. The key medical reasons for waiting are to lower the risk of infection while the cervix is still slightly open and there is ongoing bleeding.
Typical medical guidance
- Many healthcare services advise avoiding vaginal sex until all miscarriage symptoms such as bleeding and cramping have resolved.
- Several experts and health organizations suggest waiting at least about 2 weeks before putting anything in the vagina (including tampons and penetrative sex) to reduce infection risk.
Emotional readiness and comfort
- Physical readiness does not always mean emotional readiness; it is normal for some people to need weeks or even months before feeling comfortable with sex again.
- Open communication with your partner and, if needed, support from a counselor or support group can help you decide when you feel emotionally ready.
Pregnancy and contraception
- Ovulation can happen as soon as about 2 weeks after a miscarriage, which means you can get pregnant again even before your first period.
- If you do not want to conceive right away, use contraception from the time you resume sex and discuss options with your doctor.
When to call a doctor
- Get medical advice urgently if you have heavy bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or increasing abdominal pain, as these can be signs of infection or retained tissue.
- If you had surgery such as a D&C, an ectopic pregnancy, or were further along in pregnancy, your doctor may recommend waiting longer (sometimes up to 4–6 weeks), so follow the specific instructions you were given.
If you share how far along the pregnancy was and whether you had any procedures, more tailored guidance on timing and what to watch for can be provided, but your own doctor’s advice should always take priority.
