What should you know about types of 3rd degree perineal tear?

In a 3a tear, less than half of the external anal sphincter is torn. In a 3b tear, more than half of that muscle is torn. In a 3c tear, the external and internal anal sphincters are both involved. A fourth-degree tear extends through the anal lining and is a different category. The exact grade is recorded after examination, because the appearance of the skin does not show the full depth.

The sphincter helps control wind and bowel movements. Early recognition, careful repair, and follow-up help the team check healing and bowel control. Symptoms can change during recovery, so mention concerns even if the wound looks normal.

Follow the repair instructions and keep the area clean and dry as advised. Take prescribed pain relief, drink fluids, and prevent constipation with the plan given by your maternity team; straining can make recovery harder. Attend the follow-up appointment and ask when pelvic-floor exercises should begin. Postnatal Physiotherapy can support muscle assessment, movement, and bowel-control concerns, while Perineal Repair explains the procedure.

Contact your maternity team promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus or unpleasant-smelling discharge, fever, wound opening, difficulty controlling wind or stool, or inability to pass stool or urine. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe illness, or sudden loss of bowel control. Do not wait for a routine review if symptoms are deteriorating.

Ask which grade was diagnosed, how the sphincter was repaired, and when review is planned. Clarify bowel-care medicines, activity limits, warning signs of infection, and when sex, exercise, and future pregnancy discussions are appropriate.