How long does it take for an episiotomy wound to stop hurting completely?
Nov 18, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Jiang
Introduction
If the episiotomy wound becomes completely painless, it typically takes about one month after the procedure. After approximately one month of recovery, the perineal body has generally healed back to its pre-pregnancy state: local nerves have re-established their distribution, and the muscles have re-approximated; thus, the episiotomy wound no longer causes noticeable pain. If pain persists one month after vaginal delivery, a hospital visit for evaluation is recommended.
An episiotomy is an obstetric procedure performed to assist delivery. When labor becomes difficult, a healthcare provider makes a diagonal incision on one side of the perineum to facilitate the baby’s safe and timely birth, reduce maternal discomfort, and shorten the second stage of labor. So, how long does it take for an episiotomy wound to become completely pain-free? Below is an overview.
How Long Until an Episiotomy Wound Becomes Completely Pain-Free?
Typically, sutures are removed approximately three days after the episiotomy. Some discomfort or pain may be felt during suture removal. Complete resolution of pain usually occurs around one month post-episiotomy. By this time, the perineal body has largely healed to its pre-pregnancy condition: local nerves have regenerated and re-distributed, and muscle tissues have fully re-approximated—resulting in no significant pain at the episiotomy site. However, if pronounced pain persists one month after vaginal delivery, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to identify potential underlying causes and assess the extent of wound healing.
Additional Information: Post-Episiotomy Care Guidelines
1. Maintain meticulous perineal hygiene to prevent infection. After urination or defecation, gently cleanse the external genitalia with plain water only—avoid adding cleansing agents or soaps. Always wash from front to back and from inside outward.
2. Abstain from sexual intercourse for six weeks. Although an episiotomy itself does not impair sexual function, refraining from intercourse for at least six weeks postpartum allows optimal wound healing. Additionally, early resumption of sexual activity increases infection risk due to ongoing lochia discharge.
3. Adopt a lateral recumbent position opposite the episiotomy site—for example, lie on the right side if the incision is on the left—to prevent lochia from contaminating the wound. Ensure regular, soft bowel movements to avoid wound dehiscence; when defecating, sitting on the toilet is preferable to straining.
That concludes our discussion on how long it takes for an episiotomy wound to become completely pain-free. We hope this information is helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!
