How Long Until You Healed from Episiotomy...

Updated on September 27, 2011
R.S. asks from Chicago, IL
6 answers

Hi Moms,

I got to the hospital 9 cm dilated ( had no clue I'd be that far along)...and in short, the baby was face up, I had difficulty pushing him out and he was in significant distress. So, they used the vacuum...a lot...I had no anesthetic and the pain was traumatic for me...then an episiotomy and he finally came out. I'm now 7 weeks post-partum and things are really tight, sorre and tender there...from all the stitches and tears. How long until you felt healed? I had a pap yesterday which was a mistake I think...it irritated the skin even more and I started bleeding...

Thanks.

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So What Happened?

I had a pap smear simply because she was checking that area anyway and it had been 2 years since I had one...so she just went ahead and did it. I just assumed it was a normal part of a 6 week check-up.

More Answers

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J.L.

answers from Pittsburgh on

WHY did you have a pap smear at 7 weeks post-partum?!!!!! Anyway, I had an episiotomy with my 1st and it was terrible. It took me about 6-8 months to feel somewhat normal again and my vagina was never the same (sorry if that is TMI). I too was so tight and sore and it just hurt to sit. With my 2nd, I had a small episiotomy and I never would have known. I felt so great that I left the hospital the next day instead of staying the 2 days. I really think that it had a lot to do with the doctor. Give it time, it's only been 7 weeks. It will get better.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.W.

answers from San Diego on

I had an episiotomy and third degree tears with DD #1. They also had to use the vacuum on her. For me, I had trouble sitting for about a good 3 months and felt tightness in that area up to six months. After 3 months, I could always feel something in that area when I was walking, exercising and especially having sex. It didn't hurt, just always there, like something rubbing/tugging against you. I didn't notice anything at all after 1 year, and have since had DD #2. One nurse told me damage to that area is just as traumatic or severe (if not more) as major surgery (e.g. c-section). It does get better, it just takes time. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Kansas City on

I had my baby 8 weeks ago. Was totally healed by 6 weeks. Had sex last week for first time and it was fine. My Dr. Did pap at 6 week check bc I was due. No big deal. Didn't even hurt. Wondering if vit e oil might help heal it up?

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S.Q.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had three major episiotomies and it took about six weeks to heal properly. I had sitz (sp?) baths every day, and each time I went to the toilet I would use a shower extension in the bath to clean the site, then a hairdryer on cool to dry off. I think you should have it checked by your doctor, and I too am very surprised you had a pap so soon after birth, particularly with an episiotomy.

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K.L.

answers from Savannah on

I was pretty much healed in about 2 weeks, but I used the water squirter for 4 weeks. My husband and I started having sex again at 5 weeks ( we couldn't wait any longer as we had been apart for the entire 2nd/3rd trimester). I would have discomfort during sex for maybe 3 months, but it was not anything that I couldn't handle. I did not have any tears though (just a few abrasions that were more like scratches). I have heard both that tears heals easier and that episiotomies heal faster, so I am not quite sure. I would be gentle and take it easy.

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A.F.

answers from Fargo on

Oh wow, I can relate. I am sorry to say that mine didn't heal for 3 months and I got a staph infection in my episiotomy site. Did you ask your doctor if things looked okay? Did he or she look for signs of infection? If you are very uncomfortable you NEED to get it checked out.

I am so sorry you are having pain! I hope you heal quickly!

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