The effect of Hypericum Perforatum ointment on episiotomy pain

Episiotomy is the most common surgical incision during vaginal delivery. Recently herbal medicine is being considered in episiotomy healing. Considering the analgesic effects of Hypericum Perforatum, this study is performed to investigate the effect of Hypericum Perforatum ointment on episiotomy wound pain.
This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial, performed on 120 women with episiotomy in Taleghani hospital of Arak city. After completing the informed consent, samples were randomly assigned into two groups; intervention group (60 women receiving 2.5% Hypericum Perforatum ointment) and control group (60 women receiving placebo ointment). Subjects applied ointments three times a day for 10 days. Pain intensity was measured by Visual Analogue Scale in three times; before intervention, and five and ten days after intervention. Data was analyzed by Chi square and independent t tests.
Results showed that before intervention the mean pain intensity in intervention group was 6.04±2.44 and in control group 6.09±2.42 which had no significant difference (p=0.9). Five days after intervention the mean pain intensity in intervention and control groups was 3.64±1.54 and 4.90±1.64 respectively, which also had no significant difference (p=0.1). But ten days after intervention the mean pain intensity in intervention and control groups was 1.96±1.06 and 2.54±1.008 respectively, which was significantly different (p=0.004).
Based on the findings, it seems Hypericum Perforatum ointment can reduce episiotomy wound pain.