Is my post-partum vagina normal?

[BrokenVJ]

This is really disgusting so please don't read if you don't want to be grossed out.

I gave birth four months ago and had a tear that didn't heal well (granulation tissue was causing an aching pain in my vagina). I saw my Dr who removed the granulation tissue and did something with silver nitrate.

After that healed I felt amazing for a couple of weeks, no more pain, managed to have sex (even though it was a bit sore). Then yesterday I was wiping and felt what I thought was a blood clot or lump of discharge (sorry this is so gross) but when I tried to get it out I realised it was a piece of skin or something which is kind of hanging out of my vagina 🤢🤢

Is this normal? I can't really tell where it is attached to but it feels really quite large. Like a large skin tag. No feeling in it at all but I can't pull it out as I can't get a grip on it (and I imagine it would hurt if I could). I feel so disgusted by it. Please someone tell me you've had this and you were able to get it fixed? I can't even look at it myself, no way can I have sex, get a wax etc with it there. I feel sick just thinking about it. I expected my vagina to be a bit looser post partum but this is too much!

[Changedname78]

That is not normal, please get that checked 😳

[BrokenVJ]

I booked an appointment for next week. I'm so stressed out by this. The removal really hurt last time 😥 I assume it must be the same thing.

[StirCrazy2020]

Don't panic, might be an internal tear they missed. It's early days. Mine was a mess of stitches and even tore up to my bum but it did heal and you wouldn't know after a year or so, twelve years on I've not given it a thought but I do recall how upsetting it was at the time. x

[BrokenVJ]

Thank you StirCrazy, that gives me some hope. Right now I just feel so disgusting and like I'll never be normal or able to have sex without pain.

[2007Millie]

No help other than to say I really hope you manage to get it sorted.

There really should be more information and more discussions surrounding the tears/trauma like this that women have to endure x

[BrokenVJ]

Yes, I wish there was more information. Like people say it won't be the same down there but not much about what actually happens! My tear wasn't even that bad (episiotomy apparently equivalent to a second degree tear).

[2007Millie]

I totally agree.

I had an EMCS, but out of 4 mums I used to walk around with, 3 of them had tears. And I know my mum tore with both her children. So quite clearly it's very 'normal' and therefore people should be made aware of the risks/chances etc when in labour. For example, when my labour wasn't progressing and DS had turned his head, I was offered the choice of forceps or EMCS and I chose EMCS because I knew forceps carried a high risk of tearing. This information should be readily available and women should be allowed to make informed choices.

[BrokenVJ]

I mean I knew it was likely I'd tear but I didn't know that it wouldn't heal properly. I guess it's not common for that to happen? I hope not.

[Ceebs85]

Sorry you're struggling with this. I think it's a fine line to walk as there's being informed and then there's scaring people unnecessarily when I'm sure a lot of tears heal well, mine included.

I was regularly offered to have mine looked at birth times to make sure it was leaning well so that made me feel like I could raise concerns of there were any.

Hope it's easily rectifiable. It sounds like it should be

[Ceebs85]

*both times

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

In really sorry to hear this and must be so upsetting. I gave birth 4 weeks ago and have a 3rd degree tear right into my bum with loads of stitches. As far as I know it s healing ok after three rounds of antibiotics for infection but the thought of sex terrifies me at the minute!! I’m sorry you have been through this. Most definitely get it checked out. Did you have physio during your recovery?

[BrokenVJ]

I didn't have physio. Everything felt ok, my pelvic floor was a bit weak but with exercises it got better quickly. Then just as I thought I was healed I got this constant ache which turned out to be granulation tissue.

[BrokenVJ]

It's not granulation tissue, just how it's healed and would need surgery to correct which Dr doesn't recommend 😔

[Namenic]

I think I have similar. I sort of thought it was a prolapse, but I think it’s a bit more superficial (though mild prolapse might contribute). I only noticed it recently (last birth 3 years ago). And I don’t know if it was slightly exacerbated by trying a menstrual cup and removing it incorrectly. Will probably try and see a pelvic physio post lockdown.

[theBelgranoSisters]

@BrokenVJ i really feel for you and hope its gets sorted soon and you start feeling better both physically and emotionally..There is a distinct lack of informed choice for women in UK.
This is the exact reason i chose a csection -i was the last of a very large group of school/work friends (25-odd)over the years to give birth and didn't know one who hadn't experienced awful tearing or complications and everyone was surprised at what little info they'd received and how the recovery was and in particular what women are expected to tolerate'par for the course'with VB.
My last friend to give birth chose csection for the same reason as me and also had a speedy painless recovery despite what they'd have you believe.