Painful perineum

Painful Perineum due to Delivery

The perineum is an area between the pubic symphisis and the tail bone. In women the perineum spreads from vagina backwards to the anus. The pain in this area can result from many conditions.

In women the most common cause of painful perineum is trauma during childbirth. This area is highly susceptible to the tear while the baby passes through the birth canal. This is why in majority of women a simple procedure called episiotomy is performed right before the delivery. The episiotomy is making of a small incision line on the peritoneum which eases the delivery and prevents from potential tear of peritoneum. After the delivery the incision is carefully checked for potential tear and sewed.

Painful perineum after the delivery can be connected to both, the tear of certain structures and the surgical cut during episiotomy.

The Process of Healing

The women should not worry about the pain as it will go away quickly. Only in cases of deep tear especially if it has not been recognized on time, and surgically treated a woman may complain about prolonged and severe pain. Superficial tears are surgically treated and they heal quickly. The wound after episiotomy heals completely within two or three weeks after the delivery. Some women may complain about the pain while others experience only mild discomfort. Apart from pain in perineal area patients can also complain about difficulties with urination and defecation.

The Activities which can Ease the Pain and Accelerate the Healing

The nurses will inform a patient about all the relevant information regarding proper hygiene of perineal area and will give the tips for faster healing.

The cold compresses can help with the swelling of perineum. In some cases the women are prescribed painkillers. Proper hygiene of the operated area has to be maintained. A woman needs to change sanitary pads every time she uses bathroom and also wash the area with mild soap and warm water. The woman should wash the sensitive area every time after the urination as the urine may irritate the incision. This will also prevent infections.

Women are also advised not to sit too long on perineum but to lie down. The acceleration of the healing can be achieved with exposure of the wound to the air. This way the wound will also stay dry. Women are also recommended to perform Kegel exercises in order to restore the tonicity of pelvic muscles. These exercises will additionally help with the healing of the wound.

Diet rich with fibers will prevent constipation which can additionally cause the pain in perineal area. And finally, if the pain persists the best way is to consult a doctor and to check the condition of the wound and the entire perineal area.