Can Obstetricians Induce Labor with Sexual Stimulation?

QUESTION: I've been told that obstetricians can induce labor with sexual
stimulation. Is this really done?
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ANSWER: While it is true that sexual stimulation can cause the uterus to
contract, which in turn helps induce labor, it is not something done in normal
obstetric practice. A woman who is in a delivery room waiting for her labor
to progress is not likely to be in the mood for sexual stimulation, in any
case. Further, stimulation of the genitals after the membranes have broken is
not a good idea since there is the chance of causing an infection.
It has been known for some years that stimulating the nipples can induce
uterine contractions. The trouble is that the effect is unpredictable. There
is no way to gauge how much stimulation will induce how much contraction. The
contractions can be excessive and excessive contractions are more bad than
good. If labor is not progressing, it is better to either wait it out or use
medications to bring it on, since the effect of these drugs can be closely
controlled.