Pain Relief
|
After your laser surgery you may feel burning or aching in your vulva which can be quite uncomfortable. This may last for two to three weeks but will usually start feeling better after the first week. You can help this by:
|
- taking paracetamol – one or two every 4 hours (until pain eases)
- apply 2% Xylocaine jelly to your vulva (available from your local pharmacy)
- use an ice pack on the vulva continuously for the first 24 hours (a pack of frozen peas can be used).
|
|
Keeping the area clean and dry
|
We advise the following:
|
- Put two full dessert spoons of salt in a bath (it doesn’t have to be full; a few inches is enough) or use a plastic basin and bathe the area two to three times per day in the first week.
|
|
- After bathing, dry your vulva with a hair dryer (medium to low setting). If you don’t have a dryer pat dry with a clean towel.
|
|
- Betadine solution (available from your local pharmacy) can help prevent secondary infection, is soothing and can be dabbed on the area with cotton wool two to three times a day.
|
|
- To prevent the burning sensation when you urinate, you can pour water over the vulval area while passing urine. Alternatively you can use Ural (which you can get from your local pharmacy).
|
|
- You may have constipation and pain when using your bowels. This may be a problem for up to two weeks and may be accompanied by a small to moderate amount of bleeding from your anus. You could try using a stool softener such as Agarol or Coloxyl which can prevent constipation.
|
|
For more information
|
If you have any concerns or need advice please contact:
|
Emergency Care Department
|
Royal Women's Hospital
Flemington Road entrance
Parkville
Tel: (03) 8345 3636
|
Disclaimer
|
The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
|
Published Nov 2008
|
