I searched through these forums looking for someone else's experience ahead of a fentons procedure and couldn't find anything too recent so I wanted to share my experience in the hopes it will help someone else!
I had a vaginal delivery, no episiotomy but I did have a grade 2 tear requiring stitches. I had an almost pain free recovery until I noticed a tight pulling sensation 4weeks pp. While my stitches had healed, a small section of skin had adhered to the wrong side down below, leading to a too tight vaginal entrance. I went to gp who referred me to maternity hospital perineal clinic where it was recommended I undergo fentons procedure at 5.5months pp.
I was offered general anaesthetic as standard but requested local as I'm still breastfeeding and wanted to get in and out of the hospital as quickly as possible. The procedure took 5 minutes. I could feel the local anaesthetic injections for about ten seconds then could feel nothing at all. It was so quick and painless, I feel like local really should be offered more frequently.
I understand some people prefer the idea of sleeping through the whole thing, but for me, the thoughts of not being aware of what was happening in such a vulnerable position, was much worse. No regrets at all! The doctor told me the anaesthetist said I was mad, which wasn't the most helpful thing to hear, and honestly I completely disagree, it was more than manageable.
Day one post procedure and there is pain and I'm hoping everything heals correctly this time.. but otherwise doing well.
So for anyone considering the procedure with just local, here's a positive experience to read about!