I had a cesarean six weeks and five days ago. husband and i tried sex for the first time since, but stopped because penetration was painful. why would this happen, and what can we do about it?

Dyspareunia: You are describing post-pregnancy dyspareunia. Estrogen and Progesterone levels take several months to return to pre-pregnancy levels after birth. This is important, as low estrogen causes thinning of the vaginal lining and decreased lubrication—which can make sex painful. Intravaginal estrogen creams rx by your doctor can help, but symptoms typically improve on their own within 6-12 months.