Healing from an episiotomy

Any stitches used to repair the episiotomy are usually absorbed on their own. You might take prescription medications or use an over-the-counter pain reliever or stool softener. However, pain-relieving creams or ointments haven't been found to be effective for episiotomy wounds.

While you're healing, expect the discomfort to progressively improve. Contact your health care provider if the pain intensifies, you develop a fever or the wound produces a pus-like discharge. These could be signs and symptoms of an infection.