3rd degree tear and perineum....

[Charlie4491]

So I suffered a 3rd degree tear graded a C 9 weeks ago.. stitches seem to have healed well I have an idea where they are but it’s hard to tell how far they go internally. (Makes me shudder at the thought of exploring to find out) The midwife said it would be a good idea to have a look which I have done, everything looks and feels okay but I’m just comcerned about my perineum, it probably sounds silly but it seems so short (maybe 1cm) and it’s more towards my back passage rather than front or central ?...I do have a follow up with a gynaecologist in about 3 weeks but I’m anxious about what it should be, if this is normal, and what they’ll do if it’s not... Looking at it makes me worry about having intercourse again it just looks too small like it might split 😳 has anyone else experienced this and recovered well and managed to live a normal sex life later on? Maybe it feels more fragile than it really is because I know what’s happened down there. I know any future babies will need to be ELCS as I was told by the surgeon.

It is probably to early to tell at this stage. However if there is an issue there is a procedure called Fenton's procedure which is corrective surgery. I was terrified but it was far simpler than giving birth as you ate under general And healing was much better too.

So basically I suffered a 3rd degree tear graded a C. I’m now 9 weeks PP and things feel as if they have healed, can’t say it’s sore I just get the occasional sting.
It’s hard to tell exactly where the stitches begin and where they end, but I have a rough idea.
My only concern really is the length of my perineum, it seems super short (maybe like 1cm) and it seems more toward my back passage rather than central..the thought of intercourse makes me shudder as I keep having visions it will just tear open I do have my follow up appointment with gynaecology (I think it’s a perinial clinic).. but I’m scared they might say it’s not right, and what they might do or suggest to do. Has anyone else experienced this and can shed any light on future sex life....
I’m lucky to have escaped incontinence, maybe just slight urgency. Would be grateful for any positive comments

Sorry for posting twice....said my original couldn’t be posted

@Charlie4491

I had 3B tear 20 weeks ago. I also had an episiotomy. I was aesthetically altered down there and it isn’t the same anymore. My perineum is shorter than it was an more closer to the front for me. Although not as short as 1cm. I think change is to be expected. THey did he best repair they could with the damage which was caused. My scar tissue isn’t flat and I had a fe me bumps on my perineum but it’s just cosmetic an who looks down there too much anyway.

If your worried visit your GP. But I’d say give sex a try if you feel upto to it and just go slow and use loads of lube!! Some ppl naturally have a short perineum so I’m sure sex will be just fine.

I didn't look or feel as I didn't want to know. Lots of lube the first time you feel up to sex, lots of foreplay. It's probably fine.
Are you due a smear anytime soon? I hazard that the nurses who do those are pretty good at spotting anything unusual.

Nevermind just read your post properly sorry! I'd wait for the gynae but it's probably fine.

Start strengthening your pelvic floor and if you have any concerns insist on a referral to a women’s health physio.

I had corrective surgery at 6 months after sex was impossible and so glad I did. Only a second degree tear but stitches were botched.

Thank you so much for your comment.
I totally agree about how it looks, and anyone who does look for any reason is more than likely to know that we’ve had babies and it’s the price we have paid.
It’s also nice to know I’m not the only one with a shrunken perineum! I guess really after stretching so much during childbirth it’s going to be smaller when everything comes back together. I think I’m just reaching that stage where I’m starting to get back to myself but my body isn’t and I’m finding that hard to handle, even though I do have the most precious baby as the outcome!
I guess I will see what the consultant says when I have my appointment.