How long does it take for an episiotomy wound to fully heal before resuming sexual intercourse?
Under normal circumstances, an episiotomy wound can fully heal within 4 to 6 weeks, at which point sexual intercourse may resume. Here is a detailed explanation:
An episiotomy is a surgical incision made by a doctor in the perineum of a woman during childbirth, when necessary, to facilitate the baby's passage through the birth canal. After surgery, the wound requires time to heal. Typically, healing takes about 4 to 6 weeks, although the exact recovery time varies from person to person. In the first few days after surgery, it is normal to experience pain, swelling, and some bleeding at the incision site.
Individuals with better healing capacity and proper postoperative care may fully recover within 4 weeks and thus be able to resume sexual activity at that time. However, for those with average healing ability or inadequate post-surgical care, recovery may take up to 6 weeks, meaning they should wait until this time before resuming intercourse.
It is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene during recovery—wash the genital area daily with warm water and keep it dry. Avoid using hygiene products containing chemicals, as they may irritate the wound.