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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Still in discomfort 5 months after 3a tear and episiotomy

5 replies

chillin12 · 02/12/2023 01:20

Hello,

I gave birth in mid-July via vaginal delivery. I had a 3rd degree tear, and an episiotomy with ventouse. First 6 weeks, I couldn’t even walk. I then felt better. I can use the toilet okay, but my perineal area still feels sore, and I feel some sort of pressure there. I have a scar running down one side of my vaginal hole into the perineum, which still feels sore to touch too. It also feels like if I cough hard, I can feel the soreness more. The whole area just feels somewhat strained.

I had a perineum check in October; the midwife said everything seems fine when she had a look. She advised me to use almond oil on the scar which I have been.

I’m really worried as it’s been nearly five months since the first, and the whole area still feels sore and strained. Anyone know how long it takes to heal completely? I’m currently terrified of vaginal sex, even though I really miss it, and would like to have it again. I stopped having sex since my second trimester of pregnancy (Jan), as my vagina just started feeling sore. I wonder how much longer I need to wait until I can do it again 😅

Any advice on what to do, and how long until it feels more back to normal?

Thank you

OP posts:
Fran91 · 02/12/2023 01:27

Have you seen a woman’s health physio? If not I highly recommend, even if private for a couple of sessions.

I first gave birth in 2021 and had an episiotomy only but can still feel the tear and get some discomfort around it when I’m on my period which is due to hormones and also if I’ve done loads of exercise as it’s just the muscle again like you would if you have sore glutes etc after a work out. The pressure you’re feeling could be a prolapse, gave you been checked for the that? MW wouldn’t check I don’t think. does it feel as though a tampon slips down or something there? Massage your scar inside and out every two days and it’ll start to breakdown the tissue and see a physio. High levels of pain isn’t normally at this stage but could be common and as I say I still feel some discomfort and have done since 2021 but I gave birth again this year and it’s hugely improved. When I massage every other day the discomfort goes.

Original poster
chillin12 · 02/12/2023 01:32

Fran91 · 02/12/2023 01:27

Have you seen a woman’s health physio? If not I highly recommend, even if private for a couple of sessions.

I first gave birth in 2021 and had an episiotomy only but can still feel the tear and get some discomfort around it when I’m on my period which is due to hormones and also if I’ve done loads of exercise as it’s just the muscle again like you would if you have sore glutes etc after a work out. The pressure you’re feeling could be a prolapse, gave you been checked for the that? MW wouldn’t check I don’t think. does it feel as though a tampon slips down or something there? Massage your scar inside and out every two days and it’ll start to breakdown the tissue and see a physio. High levels of pain isn’t normally at this stage but could be common and as I say I still feel some discomfort and have done since 2021 but I gave birth again this year and it’s hugely improved. When I massage every other day the discomfort goes.

Thank you for your reply.

I will look into women’s health physio. I wasn’t told anything about a prolapse, but I will make a doctors appointment soon. I don’t wear tampons, so I wouldn’t know, pads only. It’s not such a painful feeling, just more sore and uncomfortable, especially if I squeeze, or touch the area firmly. I do wish for more children in the future, so hopefully, it’ll be okay.

OP posts:
NC098765 · 02/12/2023 01:33

Self-refer to a pelvic physio, you can do this online via the NHS website. It was the best thing I ever did post partum. It'll be under the bladder and bowel clinic but my particular case was related to pain rather than incontinence. Mine was a very quick referral (around 2 weeks I think) and completely life changing.

Original poster
chillin12 · 02/12/2023 01:52

NC098765 · 02/12/2023 01:33

Self-refer to a pelvic physio, you can do this online via the NHS website. It was the best thing I ever did post partum. It'll be under the bladder and bowel clinic but my particular case was related to pain rather than incontinence. Mine was a very quick referral (around 2 weeks I think) and completely life changing.

Thank you so much.
I have just submitted the self-referral form.

OP posts:
NC098765 · 02/12/2023 20:20

@chillin12 great! I hope it helps ☺️

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