How long after hemorrhoid surgery can I take a shower?
Jul 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
If the surgical wound is large, heals slowly, or complications such as infection or bleeding occur, the time before showering may need to be extended to 5 to 7 days. In such cases, the wound requires more time to recover, and exposure to water too early may allow bacterial entry, leading to infection, delaying healing, and potentially worsening bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to wait until the wound has初步 healed and been assessed by a doctor before showering.
Generally, the usual time frame for showering after hemorrhoid surgery is 3 to 7 days. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the surgical wound is large, heals slowly, or complications such as infection or bleeding occur, the showering period may be extended to 5 to 7 days. In such cases, the wound requires more time to recover, and early contact with water may lead to bacterial invasion, causing infection, delaying healing, and potentially worsening bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to wait until the wound has initially healed and has been assessed by a doctor before showering.
For patients whose surgical wounds are small, recovery is progressing smoothly, and there is no significant exudation or bleeding, showering may be done 3 to 5 days after surgery. At this stage, an initial protective barrier has formed on the surface of the wound, and appropriate showering will not significantly affect the wound. However, it is important to use a shower instead of soaking in a tub to avoid infection, and the water temperature should not be too hot to prevent irritation of the wound.
After hemorrhoid surgery, showering should be based on the wound's healing progress. Care should be taken to protect the wound during showering, avoiding vigorous rubbing. If pain intensifies or bleeding increases after showering, prompt medical attention is necessary.
