MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
Health Information and Tools > Patient Care Handouts >  Injury to the Rectum and Vagina: Care Instructions
Facebook Tweet Share
Print the content on this page Decrease the font size of content Increase the font size of content

Main Content

Top of the page

Injury to the Rectum and Vagina: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Injury to the rectum and vagina can cause many problems. These problems may include rectal or vaginal bleeding, infection, constipation, pain, or leaking of stool. The injury can be caused by an accident, childbirth, or physical or sexual abuse.

Medicines can treat pain. They can also prevent infection. Surgery may be needed to treat severe injuries.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If your doctor suggests, sit in 8 to 10 centimetres of water (sitz bath) 3 times a day and after bowel movements. The warm water helps with pain and itching.
  • If you do not have a safe place to stay, tell your doctor.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You feel that you are in danger.

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or worse rectal or vaginal bleeding.
  • You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

  • You need support for domestic violence or sexual abuse.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter K463 in the search box to learn more about "Injury to the Rectum and Vagina: Care Instructions".

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

©2006-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

© 2022 Government of Alberta.
About MyHealth.Alberta.ca | Contact Us
Terms & Conditions  |  Accessibility   |  Privacy
MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
​