Vaginal Pain After Giving Birth

“Researchers have said that most pregnancy-related pain relief efforts have been focused on labour & delivery or post-cesarean (C-section) pain, but pain in the genital area after a vaginal delivery has not received the same attention. One study found that on the day after their vaginal delivery, 92% of women complained of significant pain in the area between their vulva & anus (an area known as the perineum)” [1]

After the wondrous joy of giving birth, the last thing a woman needs is seriously uncomfortable vaginal pain. – Indeed, prior to giving birth, the thought of this alone, can cause extreme anxiety. However, going back to the research, the results indicated that the timespan and frequency of a woman’s pain were linked to the level of tearing or trauma that: 1. took place during childbirth; 2. was a result of a surgical procedure to broaden the birth canal; or 3. due to having an episiotomy [1].

The Insufferable Pain That Can Linger On

The study showed that the proportion of subjects who stated that they were suffering from perineal pain up to 7 days after giving birth, varied according to the level of perineal trauma [1]. For instance:

• 75% who had an intact perineum stated that they felt pain one day after giving birth, while 38% reported the same pain 7 days later
• 95% of new mothers with 1st or 2nd degree perineum tears to their vagina’s muscle and skin, noted their pain one day post-delivery, while 60% noted the same 7 days later
• 97% of new mothers who were given an episiotomy, stated that they felt perineal pain 1 day post-childbirth, while 71% noted the same 7 days later
• 100% of the new mothers who 1: experienced an episiotomy extension through, or to, the rectum; or 2: 3rd or 4th degree tears, reported pain 1 day post-vaginal delivery, while 91% reported the same 7 days later [1].

Booking an Appointment With a Pain Specialist

Fortunately, Pain Specialists, including those who focus on women’s complaints, and are sensitive to those suffering from intimate and sensitive to-talk-about conditions such as Vulvodynia, can be of great help to distressed new mothers who are experiencing unbearable vaginal pain. The Pain Specialist will review your medical notes, ask you various questions about your pain, and if necessary, give you a brief examination, and in a small percentage of cases, conduct one or more tests. He/she will then prescribe some suitable medication, give you the latest care advice, and if warranted, arrange for you to have some remedial treatment.

Reference

[1]. Grow by WEBMD (2004). “Pain After Childbirth Common, Often Untreated.”
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20041103/pain-after-childbirth-common-often-untreated#1