S.K. asks from Castle Rock, CO on June 12, 2008
4Th Degree Episiotomy and Still Sore During "Relations"
This is one of those personal questions that I'm just going to go ahead and ask. When I had my first child I had a 4th degree episiotomy and when we were able to resume "relations" it was still a little tender. Then during my second the dr did a sideways cut because he didn't want to re-do the episiotomy in the same spot since it was so bad last time (my babies have large heads!!!) The tenderness has been even worst since we could resume "relations" and it has been 18 months since my last child was born. Have any of you had the same thing? I am tired of not enjoying "relations" with my husband and he is frustrated also. Is there something I can do or does it just take time for the scar tissue to soften?? I know there are oils and stuff that are supposed to reduce scar tissue I just didn't know if they are safe to use in certain areas.
More Answers
P.D. answers from Denver on June 12, 2008
I was VERY sore after having an episiotomy, and it does take some time. Since you had them in two places, you have had to heal in more than one place. My dr. gave me Premarin (pregesterone cream) to rub on, but it really didn't do much. I kept using plenty of personal lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly) for our time together to ease some of the discomfort, and eventually it got completely better. For me, it was advantageous to have future episiotomies in the same place because I did not experience that same discomfort again. You may want to seriously consider talking to your dr. about it, too. He may have some solutions.
S.M. answers from Fort Collins on June 12, 2008
Wow, thats rough after 18 months you hope to be back to "normal"! I had a hard time with my first one the way they sewed it up or tied it off didnt go so well and there was a sore spot that rubbed. It made everything uncomfortable! By time I got around to asking my midwife about it I was prego again and she had me wait and let it be done at the birth of my new baby ~ which worked. However I think if I hadnt been preo she would've done a corrective cut or something to it. Have you asked your Doctor? When they are healing still I recomend putting golden seal root power on it, helps the healing go faster and with less infection risk.
Im so sorry Best Wishes,
S.
T.A. answers from Pocatello on June 14, 2008
My doctor told me to massage my perinium like your supposed to before you have the baby. He actually did it to show me and he used a lot more pressure that I would have. He said that scar tissue has to be stretched back out.
C.M. answers from Colorado Springs on June 13, 2008
Vitamin E oil is safe to use in that area.
C. McCollett, CBE, CLD, MWA
The Westside Birth Connection
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www.westsidebirthconnection.com
Marketing Chair, Colorado Doulas Association
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J.L. answers from Denver on June 13, 2008
I have had 2 babies in the last 4 years and both times the dr. let me tear. Althought it was very little, she said that they don't do episiotomies anymore. I guess it depends on the Dr. but I didn't have any problems after the stitches came off and everything healed. I would definately check with your Dr. It sounds a bit long for something like that to heal completely.
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