Episiotomy Aftermath
Understanding Complications and Reclaiming Your Intimate Health
Episiotomy is dreaded by almost every woman who dreams of a “normal vaginal delivery”. Normal Vaginal delivery, as the name suggests, referes to the process of naturally delivering a child through the vaginal canal. There are multiple advantages to delivering the baby naturally, as compared to surgical interventions ( C – Section ), the most important being the recovery time for the mother. The mother is able to walk around and go back to a normal life almost the same day as the normal delivery, while women who opt for C-Section delivery often are bed ridden for a few days and must be cautious of the stiches post surgery.
There are far less complications to the mother like post-partum infections, thorough surgical invasion of the pelvic region exposing the other fragile organs to injury and trauma. Moreover, there is absolutely no downtime for a normal vaginal delivery as there is no surgical site that needs to recover. The hospital stay of patients is minimal and the patient actually starts walking almost right after the delivery. Normal Vaginal Delivery also has its benefits to the baby, who is exposed to the birthing canal and its rich microflora.
However, Normal Vaginal Delivery brings with it a smaller yet critical complication, of which many women are almost scared – Episiotomy .
What is Episiotomy?
Episiotomy is a technical name given to the surgical incision/ cut that are made around the vaginal opening to make allow minimal damage to the mother’s vagina while pushing a baby out in normal delivery. The incision(s) are made by an experienced gynaecologist keeping in mind multiple factors, at various angles to open up the vagina and make it slightly easy for the baby to slide out when the mother exerts pressure during contractions.
The doctor understands the orientation of the birthing child and takes an informed decision to make the incisions enough to allow the child to be delivered safely. The incisions may be made around the vagina or on the perinium (the area between the vagina and anus). These incisions minimize the vaginal tear that the mother may face during childbirth.
Episiotomy is a normal part of vaginal childbirth and improves the chances of a safe delivery minimizing trauma to the mother.
When is Episiotomy performed?
Episiotomy is usually performed on the discretion of the doctor. They are the best judge of the situation and the need for the incision. The reasons for episiotomy may include ( but not limited to) prolonged labour, fetal distress, assisted deliveries or large babies.
The patient should not interfere in the judgement call of the treating doctor on the size and type of episiotomies to be made. However, the patient should ideally chose a skilled doctor who is experienced in the process of normal vaginal deliveries.
What are Episiotomy Stitches and their complications ?
As the name suggests, a normal vaginal delivery where episiotomy has been performed, will need closure with surgical stitches. These stitches are usually dissolvable. This again is a routine procedure for any well-trained doctor. Recovery from episiotomy complications requires a multifaceted approach:
- Proper wound care and hygiene
- Follow-up with healthcare providers
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Regular Self Evaluation
While being a routine aspect of childbirth for many women, Episiotomy stitches can sometimes lead to unexpected complications.
- Infection: Bacterial infections can occur if the stitches are not kept clean and dry. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth around the stitches, and a foul-smelling discharge.
- Pain during intercourse: Persistent pain beyond the typical healing period can be a sign of complications. This may include sharp pain, itching, or a burning sensation.
- Scar tissue formation: Excessive scarring can cause discomfort or pain during sexual activity. Scar tissue can also lead to a feeling of tightness in the perineal area.
- Wound Breakdown: The stitches may come apart, causing the wound to reopen. This can be a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
Who should I consult for Episiotomy Stitches Complications ?
In order to alleviate the symptoms of Episiotomy stitches complications, it is almost imperative to understand your body, do self evaluation and try to understand the cause of such complications.
Complications like infections, pus, delayed healing of the Episiotomy stitches can cause additional symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, sourness, fever & chills, foul smelling discharge from stitches etc. You should use a mirror to thoroughly check your stitches regularly at home. You should seek medical attention for infections immediately and follow strict instructions on personal hyenine.
You should seek a super specialized Reconstructive and Cosmetic Gynaecologist if you experience the following issues :
- Prolonged pain and discomfort in and around the stitched area even after healing
- Painful intercourse after enough episiotomy stitches healing period
- Repeated infections (urinary tract infections or infections in vaginal region)
- Visible scarring in the vaginal region owing to the episiotomy
- Visible tearing of stitches
- Visibly ugly stiches that are not aesthetically appropriate
In these situations, it is of utmost importance to chose your reconstructive and cosmetic gynaecologist after a thorough research.
It is imperative to identify the exact nature of medical condition before planning a treatment of Episiotomy Stitches.
If you feel discomfort or soreness around the areas of your episiotomy stiches even after a prolonged healing time, or you face recurrent symptoms like recurring infections, it may be a good idea to get your episiotomy stitches examined by a skilled reconstructive and cosmetic gynaecologist.
A surgeon specializing in reconstructive and cosmetic gynaecology will be able to do a thorough physical examination of the area and assess multiple conditions like condition of scar, healing of the stiches, age of stitches to create a treatment plan.
This treatment may include a surgical correction of the site. You may be advised a vaginal surgery, which means the area around the vaginal canal will require proper reconstruction. Alternatively, the surgery may be specific to the Perinium , or the area between the anus and the vagina. Many a times, episiotomy stiches may be placed by inexperienced doctors or in haste, and a skilled reconstructive and cosmetic gynaecologist will be able to assess the extent of damage and provide appropriate personlized treatment of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for episiotomy stitches to heal?
Typically, episiotomy stitches heal within 7-10 days, but complete healing may take up to 6 weeks.
Is pain during intercourse after an episiotomy normal?
Some discomfort is normal initially, but persistent pain should be evaluated by a reconstructive and cosmetic gynaecologist who usually specializes in deeply understanding the multiple treatment procedures to alleviate the episiotomy stitches complications like pain even after healing period.
How can I tell if my episiotomy stitches are infected?
Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, and unusual discharge.
Can I use tampons after an episiotomy?
It's generally recommended to wait 4-6 weeks or until your healthcare provider gives you clearance.
Are there exercises to help with episiotomy recovery?
Gentle Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles once your healthcare provider approves. You should complement this with proper rest, hydration, nutritious diet for timely recovery.
Gentle Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles once your healthcare provider approves. You should complement this with proper rest, hydration, nutritious diet for timely recovery.
Most healthcare providers recommend waiting 4-6 weeks or until you feel comfortable and have been cleared medically.
Can episiotomy complications affect future pregnancies?
While most women heal well, some complications may influence decisions about future deliveries.
Is it normal to feel emotional about episiotomy complications?
Yes, it's common to experience a range of emotions. While episiotomy itself is an intimidating procedure, the feeling of possible complications can lead to emotional stress. You should seek support for counselling, along with discussing your complications at length with a skilled reconstructive and cosmetic gynaecologist.
In conclusion, while episiotomy stitches complications can be challenging, understanding these conditions and seeking appropriate care can lead to improved outcomes. By staying informed, advocating for your health, and working closely with healthcare providers, you can navigate these difficulties and reclaim your intimate health and well-being.
It is imperative that you do not feel confused or overwhelmed for any complications in your episiotomy stitches. Find the globally renowned reconstructive & cosmetic gynaecology surgeon, Dr Navneet Magon at Elle Sante Clinic near you, to help with a thorough diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for alleviating your symptoms. With over 30 years of expertise, Dr Navneet Magon is one of the most well read and citated doctor internationally. He had the honour of learning from the best doctors across the globe, and the passion to bring the most contemporary technology to India.
Discuss your queries on Episiotomy Stitches & their Complications
-
8826 111 460, 8811 009 9008826 111 460, 8811 009 900
Mon-Sat 10:30am to 7:30pm
Sunday Closed
-
info@ellesante.ininfo@ellesante.in
We respond within 24 hours
Contact Us
Elle Sante Range of Treatments
Elle Sante Clinics
Elle Sante Gurgaon
NR – 38, Main, Nathupur Rd, DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Elle Sante Mumbai
6th floor, S.M House, 11, Sahakar Rd, Vishnu Prasad Society, Navpada, Vile Parle East, Vile Parle, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400057
Elle Sante Hyderabad
C/o FMS Sculpt & Dental Hospital Door No. 8-2-293/82/A/725, Road No. 37, Hitech City Rd, nr Daspalla Hyderabad, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033
