This is an embarrassing question to ask, but here it goes. I have a 14 month old son and when he was born I had an episiotomy. It seemed to take quite a while to heal. Then over the past few weeks it has suddenly started to hurt again. It will hurt during a bowel movement mostly, but also during intercourse sometimes. Any ideas?
I honestly don't know anything about it, but would ask the OB/GYN. Could it be that the nerve endings are still rejuvinating? Could it be internal hemmorhoids? I don't know, but I wouldn't hesitate to call and ask the OB/GYN.
With my first child I had a 4th degree episiotomy which later tore through forming a fistula that had to be repaired. Needless to say that was horrid, however that was an extreme repair, but this may relate.
After my surgury it took about two years before I stopped having problems. Sometimes I would be fine, other times I would be irritated. Especially if I had been standing for long periods of time. I often would take an anti-inflammatory like aleve or advil. If I was more sensitive because I was ovulating or close to my period I would just wait it out. I also tried to do more Keegals to strengthen the area. If things were bad ice or a hot bath helped. So did Tucks medicated pads to reduce any inflammation on really bad days.
Also they never said, but my husband and I found out really fast, that I had been given an extra stitch or two. That wasn't any fun either.
If you are still having problems on your next visit to your OB/Gyn have them check you out. If it gets worse make an appointment to get checked out. Also I had trans-lateral episiotomies with my other two boys. Those healed much better with no side effects.
I don't know at all if this could be something, but after my sister had her son she was having some of the same types of problems. She finally went to see what was going on and they found she had been stiched up too far, I know it sounds pretty unbelieveable, at least I thought so. Hopefully it's nothing like that, but was something I thought of. Good luck.
I didn't have the episiotomy like you but after the birth of my second (b/c she was a whopping 10.65 lbs) they gave me a can of Dermablast. It was a spray for the vaginal area that was both cooling and soothing to the irritation and had a bit of numbing agent in it. I HIGHLY recommend it. I left with a second can in my diaper bag. I think it can be bought over the counter but if not, just call your OB and have them call it in. Well worth it! L. B
