Post-Surgery Care: When to Pause Masturbation and Seek Medical Help

Q: Post-Surgery Care: When to Pause Masturbation and Seek Medical Help

Hello： If there has been unsafe sexual behavior and genital wounds keep recurring, it is essential to seek medical attention. <br>If there has been no unsafe sexual behavior but there are wounds, you should first ensure cleanliness and dryness, and of course, wait for them to hea

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that?

I have a few additional questions to ask or confirm: should all masturbation activities be suspended until the wound has healed? Is it sufficient to disinfect the wound with Betadine only during daily showers? When using the restroom, should I just clean the wound area and then dry it? How long should I wait before it's necessary to see a doctor? Or is it better to see a doctor directly? I've been following these instructions for the past few days, but I've noticed that the wound hasn't improved.
Although there is no bleeding, the wound seems to have slightly enlarged, with one or two wounds measuring 1mm and one measuring 5mm.
Could this be due to the fact that I only feel pain when I touch the wound, which leads me to relax and masturbate, making it difficult for the wound to heal (I do this about every two days)? Or is it possible that my cleaning method is incorrect, or perhaps both? Or is it simply that I'm too impatient and my body's healing process isn't that fast? So I want to confirm if I'm doing something wrong.

Xiao Ke, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/06

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If there has been unsafe sexual behavior and genital wounds keep recurring, it is essential to seek medical attention.
If there has been no unsafe sexual behavior but there are wounds, you should first ensure cleanliness and dryness, and of course, wait for them to heal before engaging in masturbation.
Povidone-iodine is sufficient for minor abrasions, but for wounds with bleeding, medical attention and possibly an ointment may be necessary.
If the wounds have not healed within a week, it is better to see a doctor.
If you notice that the wounds are enlarging, you should seek medical care.
Additionally, if there has been unsafe sexual behavior, it is important to inform your physician and undergo testing.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/06/06

More Info

Post-surgery care is crucial for ensuring proper healing and minimizing complications. When it comes to activities such as masturbation, it is generally advisable to avoid any actions that could strain the surgical site until it has fully healed. This is particularly important if the surgery involved areas that are sensitive or require significant recovery time, such as abdominal or pelvic surgeries. Engaging in masturbation too soon could potentially disrupt the healing process, leading to increased pain or complications.

In terms of wound care, it is essential to follow your surgeon's specific instructions. Typically, cleaning the wound with a mild antiseptic solution, such as Betadine (povidone-iodine), is recommended. You should gently cleanse the area during your daily shower, ensuring that you do not scrub the wound too harshly. After washing, pat the area dry with a clean towel. If you need to use the restroom, it is advisable to clean the wound area gently and dry it afterward, as you mentioned.

As for when to seek medical help, you should monitor your wound closely. If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, or if the wound appears to be getting larger rather than healing, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you experience increased pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications, or if you have a fever, these could be signs that you need to be evaluated by a physician.

In your case, since you have observed that the wound has not improved and has even slightly enlarged, it would be prudent to consult your doctor sooner rather than later. They can assess the wound and determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as infection or improper healing. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to post-surgical care.

Regarding your concerns about whether your masturbation habits are affecting your healing, it is possible that any activity that puts strain on the surgical site could hinder recovery. If you are experiencing pain when touching the area, it is a sign that the wound may not be ready for such activities. It is essential to listen to your body and give yourself adequate time to heal. Recovery can take longer than expected, and patience is key.

In summary, it is advisable to pause any activities that could strain the surgical site, including masturbation, until your doctor gives you the green light. Maintain proper wound care by cleaning gently and monitoring for any signs of complications. If you have any concerns about the healing process or if the wound does not improve, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Your health and recovery should always be the top priority.

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