What should you know about third degree tear stitches?

A third-degree tear reaches the anal sphincter, so repair brings the injured muscle and surrounding tissue back together. The stitches are placed in layers to restore alignment. They are generally designed to dissolve as healing occurs, so do not pull at a loose thread or try to remove a stitch yourself.

Tenderness, tightness and itching can occur as the area heals. Scar discomfort or pain with bowel movements and sex should be mentioned at follow-up rather than silently endured. Healing varies, and an examination can distinguish expected soreness from a wound problem.

Wash gently, pat dry, change pads regularly and use pain relief only as advised. Prevent constipation with the bowel-care plan provided by your clinician, and avoid straining. Increase walking gradually, but stop and seek advice if activity makes pain, bleeding or pressure worse.

Attend the planned review and describe any leakage of wind or stool, urgency, numbness, scar tenderness or difficulty with sex. Postnatal physiotherapy may support pelvic floor control; perineal repair care can review the stitches and wound when concerns persist.

Contact your maternity team promptly if pain, redness or swelling increases, the wound separates, discharge smells unpleasant, you have fever, heavy bleeding or trouble urinating. Seek urgent care for sudden loss of bowel control, severe pain, faintness or marked illness.

Ask which layers were repaired, what stitch changes are expected, how to manage bowel movements and when review should occur. Also ask when pelvic floor exercises, driving, work, exercise and sex are appropriate for your healing.