It’s normal to experience perineal pain and discomfort for two to three weeks following an episiotomy. Pain may be worse with walking, sitting, or urinating, but should improve over time.
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Apply a local anesthetic spray to your perineum to help relieve pain and itching.
- Soak in a warm sitz bath — either with a special tub that goes over the toilet or by sitting in a regular tub filled with little water.
- Apply an ice pack or perineal cold pad (a combination ice pack and absorbent pad).
- Sit on a donut pillow to take the pressure off your perineal area.
Over-the-counter stool softeners, drinking plenty of water, and eating a high fiber diet can also help prevent constipation and potentially painful bowel movements that can otherwise irritate the healing incision.
Keep your perineum clean and dry to promote wound healing and avoid an infection. Use a spray bottle (commonly called a “peri” bottle) of warm water on your perineal area when using the bathroom. This can help ease pain while you urinate and keep the incision site clean. Avoid using toilet paper, which can leave behind residue. Pat dry with clean gauze instead.
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