Recovery Time After Episiotomy

Updated on September 15, 2008
S.B. asks from Los Angeles, CA
16 answers

I had an episiotomy while delivering my little boy 15 days ago. I still have some pain, itching, and ALOT of burning while urinating. Is this normal after 2 weeks?

I know it takes several weeks to heal completely, but I expected to feel much better after 2 weeks. I like to know how long it took others to heal.

Thanks,

S.

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A.B.

answers from Las Vegas on

I does take about a month for that to stop. The birth center where I delivered my daughter gave me tucks pads to stick right on the stitches and it worked wonderfully!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Congrats on new little one. I remember it taking at least 2 months before I felt 100%. Those little tucks pads and aloe vera gel were the best.

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C.W.

answers from Reno on

With my first one I was feeling pretty good after the first two weeks but it still took me 6 months to completely heal and feel 100%. I did have a lot of damage and over 50 stitches. With my second one I had less damage but it took me 4 to 5 weeks before there was no pain and about a total of 3 months to completely heal and feel 100%. Each person is different and I know that with my second one it was similiar to an episiotomy and that was the spot that took closer to 5 weeks in order for there to be no pain, itching, or burning. Hang in there and it will get better soon.

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J.S.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

I didn't have an episiotomy, but I tore with the birth of both of my sons, so I feel your pain! It took over 2 months for my stitches to heal completely. The other moms have given some great advise, but I did want to add that even though it is uncomfortable to urinate, be sure you drink lots of water...especially if you're nursing. The fact that it burns a lot could mean that your urine is pretty concentrated, which means your not getting enough fluids.
It will get better, though - hang in there. Welcome to the Mommy Club. S.!! ;)

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D.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I didn't have an episiotomy, but I did tear from front to back during delivery and had to be stitched up. The Tucks pads helped - I used them after going to the bathroom and I put some on top of the pads for a few days. They are just cotton pads with witch hazel, so you can always buy some witch hazel at the drug store and add it to the Tucks if they start to dry out or you want more solution.

I felt a lot better after one week. But be careful, maybe the burning is a UTI? I had one from the catheter I had while in the hospital. I had a low-grade fever, which I thought was caused by my milk coming in. Maybe you could call your doctor and ask? They might ask you if you have any other symptoms to see if it's something else.

My OB was a big believer in Dermoplast, a post-surgery spray that you spray on your stitches to relive pain and itching. You can buy it at Rite Aid. I swear, it took me 15 minutes every time I went to the bathroom that first week between using the warm water, the Tucks pads and the spray. I usually forgot to do one of the things I was supposed to do!

I hope you find some relief.

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear S.,

My epesiotimy took 3 months too completely heal and for me to return to normal. I folowed all doctors orders and the itching is most likely the healing of the wound. I think what you are feeling is normal... I've had 2 epsis, and healed fine from both.. It just took a little time longer..

Best of luck !

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D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Did they give you the spray to use? Also the rinse after you go to the bathroom, the warm water that you squirt before you pat dry. You could also sit in a warm bath. It took longer to recover after my third because it was deeper but it did heal. Ask your OB-GYN for some of that healing spray (it's like a first aid spray) and advice on how to help it heal. Good luck!

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K.K.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi,

After my first child 4 years ago I had a 4th degree cut and had to of course have an Episiotomy. It took at least 3 to 4 weeks to really heal whereas I wasn't feeling any pain. Tucks were my friend. Also sitting in warm water. Every time you go to the bathroom squirt with the bottle they should have given you and just pat to dry. It is a very sensitive area...give it time...it will heal. Congrats on having your little one.

K.

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P.K.

answers from Las Vegas on

It took me a month but mine was really bad. I would have your doc just take a look to ease your mind. I dont' think it is abnormal but if you are getting an infection you may as well catch it early. Good luck.

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L.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello again :) I didn't have a planned episiotomy but when chubby Milan enterned the world she managed to tear up mommy. I had pain for the first few days for which I took Motrin then I had burning and discomfort for a couple of weeks or so then it gradually went away. Everything should completely heal by your 6 week check up appt. If your pain is pretty bad give your dr a call, he might want to see you sooner just in case :)

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D.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

I had one after my second baby and it took about 2 weeks to heal. I used the peri bottle to rinse with warm water after using the bathroom, Tucks pads and the topical first aid spray (I think it was called Dermaplast). It also helps to try not to sit directly on it for too long during the day. Shift your positions to keep the pressure off of the area.

Good luck and congrats!

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N.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

My doctor told me to put the tucks in the freezer. I really helped. Also, I had burning and went to the doctor and it was because I wasn't drinking enough water.

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

i didnt have an episiotomy because i tore pretty bad before one could get done. but i was feeling pretty good to go in 2 weeks then i made the mistake of trying to be intemate with my hubby (big mistake) so that added a few more days to my healing. i didnt have any pain at all after the swelling went down in like 2 days. good things that helped me were not wipeing when i used the restroom but patting instead and using those lil suirt bottles they give you and a lot of my friends used tucks pads because they cool and calm the itch... just give your body time to recoupe its self.

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R.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would say that it I felt a little better after two full weeks. The pads, the spray, and using the peri bottle with warm water really helped. It was about a month before I was pretty comfortable. By my six week checkup, I was fine.

Congrats on your new baby boy!

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi S., It usually takes 6 weeks, if it's itching it could be because it is healing. The amonia in the urine is causing the burning, you should be fine, if you don't sem to be getting better down there, just call your doctor for peace of mind, I only had one out of 3 kids, and it took 6 weks for mine to completely heal. J. L.

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F.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

The itching and "pain" are both normal, according to my Dr., I also had to be sewn up. I also had a burning sensation and found that I'd become infected. You may want to call your Dr. to be sure. They can give you a topical solution for the itching. I am also a new Mom, as of 8/22!! Congraduations and good luck.

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