Healing after an episiotomy

Stitches used to repair an episiotomy typically don't need to be removed. They are absorbed slowly by the body.

Pain after an episiotomy typically goes away over time. To help ease pain during healing, your healthcare professional may prescribe pain medicine. Or you might use a pain reliever that you can buy without a prescription.

Your healthcare professional may suggest you take a stool softener or a laxative to help prevent constipation. You also might need to take an antibiotic to help prevent infection.

Contact your healthcare professional if you develop any of the following symptoms after an episiotomy. They could mean you have an infection.

• Pain, tenderness or swelling that gets worse over time.
• Pain that isn't helped by pain medicines.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Pus coming out of the episiotomy site.
• A bad-smelling odor.