Struggling with long-term effects from a birth injury – looking for advice/support

[Quiethaven]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice and share my experience with others who might understand. I had a vaginal birth back in November 2011, when I was 17, and suffered a 2nd-degree perineal tear, which I believe was stitched incorrectly. Immediately after birth, I experienced severe pain and signs of infection, and had to attend an out-of-hours doctor for antibiotics.

Since then, I’ve been dealing with ongoing symptoms – chronic perineal and pelvic pain, painful intercourse, heavy and irregular periods, and multiple miscarriages. Despite repeatedly going to my GP over the years, my concerns weren’t properly investigated. I wasn’t referred to a gynaecologist until 2024, when a consultant confirmed persistent scar tissue from the original tear.

This has had a huge impact on my life, both physically and emotionally, including stress on my relationship and difficulties with trying to have children.

I’m sharing this because I want to connect with others who may have gone through something similar, and to ask for any advice on managing the long-term effects, finding support, or navigating the medical system after such an experience.

Thank you for reading. Any insights or experiences you can share would be really appreciated.

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this. Are they putting all of those symptoms down to the tear scar tissue? As a lot sound like they could be related to endometriosis. Just that, given how happy drs tend to be to fob off gyne concerns, I'd be asking if there is something else also going on. I hope you get the support you need, you've have a very rough ride x

Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words. It’s been 14 years, and even after a scan my symptoms are still being put down to the tear and scar tissue, but I don’t feel the doctors are pushing to properly help me. It’s been a long, frustrating journey.

I also thought of endometriosis when reading about the pelvic pain, painful intercourse and heavy bleeding. How did the consultant confirm the scar tissue and how it that going to be treated (that is usually done surgically). A scan is not going to detect endometriosis if it is present and that is usually confirmed via a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

You will need to be persistent in order to get answers and you may well have to go private to do so (you need a referral letter from your GP).