Struggling to decide between vaginal birth and C section after 3rd degree tear. Need advice.

[Twinklebird]

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first 2 and a half years ago(Not sure if it was a,b or c).
Currently pregnant with my second, due late January. I presumed it would be another vaginal delivery until I was offered a section. The decision is up to me and no one will give me an answer either way (I'd actually prefer if they recommended either way) My mind is blown and I don't know what to do. I would consider that I recovered very well from my tear. I never had any issues and never experienced pain. At the moment I've a 28 week bump and a cough and am embarrassingly wetting myself if I get a coughing fit so maybe I haven't recovered as well as I thought.
I just want to remain as intact as possible. I'm quite an active person and don't really want the section and the recovery of it if I can avoid it but if its the best thing then I'll just have to deal with that.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I can't give you any advice about what to do as everyone is so different but can share my experience. I had a 3b tear with my first, it took a while but like you I'd say I recovered well, no major issues. I got pregnant again around 15 months later & the option of a c section was never really discussed. I was really keen to have a vaginal birth again & my midwife was really supportive of this, she gave me all the encouragement that there was no reason the same thing would happen again. It gave me confidence to just go for it again with a vaginal birth.

My second was born almost exactly 2 years after my first, honestly it was the best birth I could have hoped for. Born in water which I'd always wanted if possible & an amazing experience. I did have a grade 2 tear (in a different place) but was stitched up by the midwife rather than in theatre like my first. Did my pelvic floor exercises & have never had any issues. I am also physically active & have no long lasting problems.

So from my perspective I'd absolutely go for a vaginal birth again, there's loads of things you can do to try & limit the risk of tears, not sure how successful they are as I never bothered!

Equally very aware that just because my experience was positive it won't be the case for everyone