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Childbirth

Third degree tear

4 replies

Coleminer · 19/04/2013 08:44

I gave birth 7 weeks ago and suffered a third degree tear. It's finally starting to feel a little more comfortable now but I'm still wearing pads as i keep leaking wee. Has anyone else had this and how long did it take to stop? I'm doing my pelvic floor exercises religiously. Also, I had a look down there in the mirror and I do look quite stretched, will this ever go back to normal? I'm quite depressed about all this and found the birth quite traumatic, I'm worried I'll be too scared to ever have sex again!

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cathan · 19/04/2013 10:16

I had a 3rd degree tear with my DD and landed up having to have ultrasound treatment for my scar which had healed wrong. Although I'd mentioned that it was still uncomfortable at my 6 week check, it wasn't until 12 weeks when I complained again that my GP finally took the problem seriously and referred me. The physio was then cross and said I should have been seen earlier! So I think you should see your GP and get help, especially as you're leaking urine which definitely should NOT be happening. The physio really help sort me out and I'm sure that there's treatment which will help you. Even after a 3rd degree tear, the medics should help you get everything in that area back to where you are comfortable and confident. Hope this helps.

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MrsJLS85 · 19/04/2013 11:27

I had a 3rd degree tear, and the recovery was shocking. Sex was painful for about 6 months but it all did eventually heal, and 2 years later I do feel as if I'm back to 100%. When I take a look 'down there' things definitely look different, but I think that may be normal after giving birth...
I would definitely talk to your GP but also keep in mind that 3rd degree tears do take a while to heal from.

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corkgirlindublin · 19/04/2013 11:42

Are you not getting physio? I had a third degree tear and got weekly physio for 6 weeks after the birth and saw a specialist consultant about 3 months after the birth. It took lots of physio to regain pelvic floor and wind control. Disclaimer - I'm in Dublin, not the UK but I would have thought you'd be offered some. In the mean time lie on the bed and bend you knees and keep your feet flat. Pull in your pelvic floor as if you are trying not to fart (sorry). Do it say 10 times and try hold it in for increasing lengths of time. That was mainly what I did with the physio. I was able to use tampons again after about 6 months. I can't specifically remember but I do know sex was occasionally uncomfortable for about 6 months too. However 2 years on (and pregnant on number 2) all is normal down there. Sorry you have to go through this - no women should have to experience this!