The Effectiveness of Topical Lactic Acid Gel in Episiotomy Wound Healing and Its Impact on Sexual Quality of Life After Childbirth: A Prospective Study.

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period is essential for maternal recovery, significantly impacting both physical wound healing and the restoration of sexual function. Optimal episiotomy healing is directly correlated with improved postpartum sexual health, and lactic acid is being explored as a therapeutic agent in wound care due to its antimicrobial and regenerative properties. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical lactic acid (Canesbalance®, Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany) in promoting episiotomy healing and its subsequent influence on postpartum sexual quality. Additionally, it explores how demographic factors, such as educational level, maternal age, and parity, affect postpartum sexual function.

Methods: We conducted a prospective comparative study involving 100 postpartum women divided into two groups: an experimental group treated with topical lactic acid gel applied to the episiotomy site seven days postpartum and a control group undergoing spontaneous wound healing without intervention. Episiotomy healing quality and sexual function were assessed once at 40 days postpartum using a 12-item sexual quality of life questionnaire. This was the only follow-up point in the study, and no additional clinical visits or evaluations were conducted beyond the 40-day postpartum assessment. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests to compare healing scores, ANOVA for evaluating demographic influences on sexual function, and correlation analyses between healing quality and postpartum sexual function scores.

Results: The lactic acid-treated group demonstrated significantly improved episiotomy healing scores compared to the control group. Educational level significantly influenced postpartum sexual quality, with higher education correlating with improved sexual function. Maternal age and parity did not demonstrate statistically significant effects on postpartum sexual function.

Conclusion: Topical lactic acid application significantly improves episiotomy wound healing and positively impacts postpartum sexual function. Educational attainment emerged as an important determinant of sexual quality postpartum. These findings advocate for further studies to confirm the long-term benefits and wider clinical applicability of lactic acid in postpartum care.