With my second child I had to have a C-section. I lost all feeling in my vaginal area, and after 13 months, I still haven't gained any feeling back. I have no sex drive at all because of this problem. What could be the problem, and what can I do to regain the feeling?

B.B.

Loss of sensation may be due to any of several factors. One is damage to nerves due to the pregnancy itself, or pressure from the baby's head if it was wedged into your pelvis before the C-section. The second is that nerves supplying your vaginal area may have been cut during the C-section. The third is that you had such a horrible, traumatic experience that you are fearful of getting pregnant again; such fear may make it difficult for you to enjoy sex. Sensations can also be changed if you are breastfeeding. Lower estrogen levels may make you less lubricated, and sex may be more uncomfortable.

If loss of sensation is due to nerve damage or breastfeeding, time may help improve the situation. If it is due to fear of getting pregnant, you will need to address those fears with a good therapist or counselor. If you are quite convinced that this is not a factor, you should see your gynecologist for an exam. Special testing may need to be done to determine if there has been any nerve damage, and if so, what the prognosis is for recovery.