How to heal a perineal tear safely

A perineal tear is a wound in the skin and tissues between the vagina and anus after birth. The depth and location affect pain, bleeding, bowel comfort, and follow-up needs. Soreness, swelling, bruising, and stinging when urine touches the area can occur early in recovery. Stitches may dissolve as the tissue joins, but healing can continue while tenderness and tightness gradually change.

Keep the area clean with plain water, pat dry, change pads regularly, and wash your hands before and after care. Use prescribed or pharmacist-approved pain relief, and prevent constipation with fluids, fibre, and any recommended stool-softening plan. Rest between activities, avoid straining, and begin gentle pelvic-floor contractions only when comfortable. A postnatal physiotherapist can guide scar comfort, movement, bladder and bowel care, and a safe return to exercise or sex.

Contact your maternity team if pain or swelling is worsening, the wound opens, stitches appear disrupted, discharge smells unpleasant, or you develop fever or increasing redness. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, inability to pass urine or stool, or loss of bowel control. An examination can identify infection, a wound problem, or a need for specialised repair.

How deep was my tear and what follow-up is planned? Which pain and bowel-care options are suitable? When can I resume exercise and sex? Would pelvic-floor rehabilitation or repair review help with ongoing pain, leakage, or scar tightness?