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What Should I Do after an Episiotomy?

Amanda Barnhart
Amanda Barnhart

Many women have an episiotomy during childbirth to prevent injury to the soft tissues of the vagina and the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. The procedure involves a clean cut being made in the area that usually heals within four to six weeks after delivery. After an episiotomy, women must be gentle with the area and perform at-home care to ensure the wound heals properly and to minimize the risk of infection, tearing, and other complications. Typical at-home care instructions involve keeping the area clean and dry, preventing strenuous bowel movements, and avoiding sexual activity until the area is healed.

Moist wounds take longer to heal and are at a greater risk of infection, so it is important to keep the perineum dry after an episiotomy to facilitate quick healing. Wearing loose cotton undergarments and exposing the area to air as much as possible helps prevent sweating and excess moisture. The perineum should be washed carefully with a mild soap at least once or twice a day to keep the wound clean and minimize the risk of infection. Women who have had an episiotomy should also take care to dry the area thoroughly, but carefully, after showering.

In women, the perineum is located between the anus and vagina.
In women, the perineum is located between the anus and vagina.

Applying ice packs to the area helps minimize pain and swelling after an episiotomy. Warm sitz baths in a shallow basin that fits over the toilet help soothe the perineum, but they should be used for no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Some doctors provide women with a liquid numbing spray to help ease episiotomy pain.

Strenuous or difficult bowel movements strain the area between the vagina and the anus, which can result in tearing after an episiotomy. Women should drink several glasses of water each day and strive to consume a diet rich in fiber to help keep bowel movements regular and make it easier to pass stool. A fiber supplement may be needed if the woman's diet does not include enough fiber.

Performing gentle stretching and kegel exercises during pregnancy may help strengthen the perineum muscles prior to giving birth.
Performing gentle stretching and kegel exercises during pregnancy may help strengthen the perineum muscles prior to giving birth.

Having sexual intercourse in the first weeks of healing after an episiotomy is not recommended due to the risk of pain, tearing, and infection. The stitches used on an episiotomy usually dissolve within four to six weeks after the procedure. Sexual activity can be resumed at this time provided there are no other complications and intercourse does not cause pain. Using a water-based lubricant can help make intercourse easier after having an episiotomy.

Discussion Comments

ysmina
I have been having painful intercourse after episiotomy. It's been three months but there is still pain. Can anybody tell me why this is happening or when things might get better?
SarahGen

@burcinc-- No, I did not have my stitches burst. That sounds horrible and I think that's very rare. I have no idea why that would happen.

For the pain and irritation, I was taking anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications during recovery after my episiotomy. I took warm baths with a drop or two of tea tree oil or salt to prevent infection. And I did my best to keep my bowel movements as less strenuous as possible. This meant eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Despite this, I did experience pain the first couple of days during bowel movements. Cleaning the area properly after toilet use is also very important.

One last thing that comes to mind is that I kept my legs together while sitting and sleeping. I never crouched down on the floor with my legs open. These were directions given to me by my doctor.

burcinc

Has anyone had their stitches burst before it was time for them to dissolve?

My sister in law experienced this and she had to get re-stitched and was put on antibiotics to prevent infection. She told me that it was a very bad experience.

I'm pregnant with my first child and I'm most likely going to get an episiotomy. What do I need to watch out for to prevent the stitches from bursting and what's the best way to deal with the pain and irritation?

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    • In women, the perineum is located between the anus and vagina.
      By: isyste
      In women, the perineum is located between the anus and vagina.
    • Performing gentle stretching and kegel exercises during pregnancy may help strengthen the perineum muscles prior to giving birth.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Performing gentle stretching and kegel exercises during pregnancy may help strengthen the perineum muscles prior to giving birth.
    • You should wait four to six weeks after an episiotomy before engaging in sexual activity.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      You should wait four to six weeks after an episiotomy before engaging in sexual activity.
    • It's common for women to undergo an episiotomy during childbirth.
      By: olly
      It's common for women to undergo an episiotomy during childbirth.
    • Using a water-based lubricant should make intercourse easier following an episiotomy.
      By: godfer
      Using a water-based lubricant should make intercourse easier following an episiotomy.