INTIMINA Study Reveals Postpartum Intimacy Struggles and Surprising Pleasure Gains
A study by INTIMINA surveying 3,000 new mothers in France, the UK, and Spain reveals complex postpartum intimacy dynamics. 44.2% feel guilty about not wanting sex, 20.9% fake it to avoid disappointing partners, yet 31.3% report better orgasms since childbirth. Key obstacles include exhaustion (34.3%), physical discomfort (31.4%), and fear of painful intercourse (30.9%). 42.2% feel more respect for their bodies, while 49.2% find sex more clinical due to hormonal changes. 37.3% believe better access to pelvic floor therapy would help, and 42% of French women wished healthcare professionals addressed sexual health earlier. The research was conducted by Censuswide between March and April 2026.
Key facts
- 44.2% of new mothers feel guilty about not wanting sex after childbirth.
- 20.9% admit to faking sexual desire to avoid disappointing their partner.
- 31.3% report having better orgasms since giving birth.
- 34.3% cite exhaustion as the primary obstacle to intimacy.
- 42.2% feel increased respect and admiration for their bodies.
- 49.2% find sex more clinical due to physical changes.
- 37.3% believe better access to pelvic floor therapy would improve sexual health.
- 42% of French women wished healthcare professionals addressed sexual health earlier.
Entities
Artists
- Laure Senemaud Carriquiry
Institutions
- INTIMINA
- Censuswide
- Market Research Society
- British Polling Council
- ESOMAR
Locations
- France
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Paris