Dr Julius Parker: Episiotomy and migraines

Q During the birth of my third child I got a major episiotomy. It took me weeks to recover as the stitches became infected. Six months on I am still finding sex painful. Is this normal?

AI’m sorry to hear you needed an episiotomy and also, like any operation site, having had an infection will have delayed healing. Some degree of localised pain is very common after an episiotomy, and pain during sex is reported by about nine out of ten women, so what you’re describing is completely normal.

The good news is that this is usually an improving situation, even after six months. Some degree of stretching, and scarring, of the vaginal tissues is inevitable. Gently massaging this area can help, and pelvic floor exercises will improve muscle strength and tone.