1st degree tear not healed after 6 weeks

[MauiChristmas]

I have a small graze after childbirth, a first degree tear, that hasn't healed properly, it's still red and sore. It wasn't stitched. I asked the gp about it yesterday at our 6 week check up but she was very dismissive, said that if it didn't heal in a few months they would check it out but not now. Can anyone tell me how long I should wait for it to heal? I don't want to get infected and I think it might hurt when we get back to DTD! How long does it normally take for small childbirth grazes to heal?

Hi. I know an episiotomy can take up to 6 months to heal.
I'd go back to the GP (see someone else in your surgery) and ask if you could use something like Lidocaine to help with the discomfort.
Makes me boil when healthcare professionals dismiss the very reason you've come to see them.
Good luck

Go back to gp.

I had a second degree tear and quite a few stitches and had almost minimal issues with healing (slight soreness and tightness at 4 weeks). I use to rinse my bits with a jug of water with a tablespoon of witch Hazel and a drop.or two of lavender oil, then at night soaked in the tub for 20 minutes (if dd would let me) with the same but higher quantity.

Also get some air to your bits. It's not at all dignified but I use to lie on a towel on the bed with my legs akimbo (lying on back pushing style). It's so glamourous but I think it helped.

Try a salty bath? I had a second degree tear that wasn't healed at 8 weeks. The GP said "Why haven't you tried salt water yet?!"

Because the midwife made me feel fucking stupid for suggesting it

It worked!

Thanks all. that's really helpful.

Get yourself a toilet bidet from amazon and bathe the area a few times a day in salt water. Pat dry with a clean flannel each time. It's a pain but it really helped my healing. I had a bad third degree tear. Arnica tablets also help with the healing. Hope you start feeling better soon. Your gp doesn't sound great. The gp should have had a look for you.

Thanks and sorry to hear about your tear - the things we put ourselves through....