Mgive birth normally may cause some changes or complaints in the vagina. YUK, Check out the following tips for caring for the vagina after giving birth to overcome these complaints and discomfort.
Women who gave birth vaginally may complain of several conditions in the vagina, such as pain, numbness, swelling, dryness, or feeling looser. These changes and complaints are caused by pressure on the vaginal area as the baby passes through the birth canal.
Vaginal Changes and How to Overcome Them
Here are some changes and complaints in the vagina after giving birth and things you can do to overcome them:
1. Vaginal pain
Shortly after giving birth, your vagina may feel sore and swollen. To overcome this condition, you can apply cold compresses to the vaginal area. The trick, wrap ice cubes with a cloth, then stick it to the vaginal area for 10-20 minutes. These complaints will usually disappear about 1-3 months after delivery.
2. Dry vagina
Decreased levels of the hormone estrogen after childbirth can reduce the production of vaginal fluids and make the vagina feel dry. This condition may interfere with your sexual activity.
To overcome vaginal dryness, do the following:
- Drink water to keep the body steady.
- Extend time foreplay before sex.
- Using water-based vaginal lubricant products during sex.
- Applying moisturizer to the vagina.
3. Loose vaginal opening
Loose vaginal openings are usually caused by stretching of the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth. To help tighten the muscles in the pelvic floor, you can do Kegel exercises.
The way to do Kegel exercises is the same as when you are trying to hold back urination. At the beginning of the exercise, go slowly and avoid toning for more than 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times in each exercise set. Kegel exercises can be done as much as 4-6 sets every day.
4. Stitches in the vaginal area or episiotomy
If during delivery you received stitches in the vaginal area, keep the stitches clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection in the vaginal area. Ways that can be done are:
- Shower at least once a day to help keep the seams clean.
- Change pads regularly. Don't forget to wash your hands before and after changing them.
- Leaving the stitches exposed to air and not letting them dry To make the stitches dry faster and not be exposed to excessive friction or pressure, wear loose, cotton underwear.
5. Pain at the stitches
In addition to pain in the vagina, you can also feel pain in the stitches. To overcome this, do the following ways:
- Compress the suture area for 30 minutes with a cold compress. Repeat 1 hour later if still
- Always carry a bottle of warm water mixed with antiseptic with you. This liquid can be used for final rinsing after urinating or defecating.
- Mix the antiseptic liquid with warm water, and use it to soak the vaginal area. This method can reduce pain in the stitches and keep them clean.
- If the stitches hurt when you sit down, place a soft pillow under your buttocks.
- When defecating (BAB), do not push too hard. To avoid constipation or difficult bowel movements, multiply the consumption of fibrous foods and drink enough water.
- Do Kegel exercises regularly to increase blood flow to the suture area and speed up the healing process.
- If the pain gets worse, take anti-pain medication, such as: paracetamol. However, consult your doctor before consuming it.
You can do tips on caring for the vagina after giving birth as described above. However, if the changes in the vagina after giving birth are getting more and more disturbing, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause and proper treatment.
