What to expect from perineal repair for a perineal tear

After birth, a clinician checks the tear’s depth, location, bleeding, and the muscles around the vaginal opening. The repair is normally performed with dissolvable stitches. Deeper tears may need a clinician with specific training and a more detailed examination. You can ask for an explanation of what was injured and what was repaired.

Tenderness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort when sitting or passing urine can occur while the tissues heal. Bowel movements may feel worrying, so the team may discuss fluids, fibre, gentle movement, and medicines that keep stools soft.

Keep the area clean and dry, change pads regularly, wash your hands before and after toilet care, and use pain relief exactly as advised. Rest between activities but take gentle walks if comfortable. Avoid straining and follow instructions about lifting, sex, driving, and pelvic-floor exercises. Attend the planned review, especially if the tear involved the anal sphincter.

Ask for prompt assessment if pain or swelling is getting worse, the wound opens, stitches become very painful, or you notice pus, a bad smell, fever, or difficulty controlling urine or stool. Heavy bleeding, faintness, chest pain, or trouble breathing needs emergency care. New loss of bowel control after a deeper tear should be reported without delay.

Ask what degree of tear you had, which tissues were repaired, how to manage bowel movements, when review is due, and when you can safely resume exercise and sex.