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[anonymxxx]

I am a regular, but have name changed for this one. I gave birth 6 month ago. I had a vaginal birth and an episiotomy. Second stage was more than two hours. I have been BF exclusively.

Ever since I have the following symptoms:

1. very sore around the anus. It feels like little fissures and sometimes bleeds. Although it gets better or worse, it has not gone away completely. It is so painful that I dread going to the loo or having sex, the latter only hurting initially.

2. very bad gas

3. I still have a pretty bad diastasis recti (separated belly muscles)

4. Pelvic floor probably not great either but not (any more) incontinent.

So here is my questions: Are these separated problems or is there a connection?

Are 1) External hemorroids? If so did I get them during childbirth due to the pushing? I didn't have any during pregnancy.

Do I maybe have a candida overpopulation causing 1) and 2) or is 2) the result of BF?

Or is 1) and 2) the result of having lost all my core stability due to the diastatis recti and (probably??) poor pelvic floor muscles?

First I thought it was the episiotomy that hurt, but it has been the perinatal/anal area all along.

Could I have some other infection?

I will see GP about this but am hoping for some suggestions as to what it could be and what can be excluded. Otherwise I will most likely get turned away with a "well, it can't be that bad"....

All suggestion far-fetched or not are welcome. Thank you!

I gave birth 5 months ago and I hear you!

Firstly, I don't they are all related other than being linked to pregnancy (apart from the gas thing).

It is very common to develop piles during pregnancy and not notice (if they are on the inside), which then pop out and become enlarged during labour when all the pushing makes them more prominent. It can take a while for them to calm down. Fissures are more likely caused by chronic constipation and feel like pooing glass! Don't be embarrassed about asking your GP to take a look and confirm the diagnosis, as they can then suggest appropriate management.

A prolonged second stage won't have done your pelvic floor any good. Were you fit and active during and before childbirth? Have you been doing any exercises since? Do you still have any problems holding wee and poo? Again, if you are concerned, ask your GP to take a look.