Perineal tears: Helping you heal

Perineal (or vaginal) tears, also known as perineal lacerations, are quite common, especially during the mother’s first vaginal delivery. About 60% to 70% of mothers experience some tearing during childbirth. The mother often does not feel the tearing, especially if they had an epidural or took pain relievers during delivery. Fortunately, most vaginal tears are relatively minor and get treated right in the delivery room, usually with a few stitches. While there may be some temporary discomfort, especially when walking, peeing or pooping, most small vaginal tears heal on their own after a few weeks.

As many as one in 10 women who experience a vaginal tear may need follow-up care because the tear is severe enough to cause problems with the vaginal or pelvic floor muscles. Signs to watch out for include:

• Ongoing intense pain

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Pain during intercourse

• Urinary incontinence (accidental leaking of pee)

• Fecal incontinence (accidental leaking of poop)

If you are experiencing complications during the postpartum period – typically resulting in pain, pain during intercourse, or accidental leakage of pee or poop – UW Health is here to help. Led by Dr. Jon Pennycuff, a urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, our clinic is one of the only clinics in the region to specialize in caring for women with severe vaginal tearing.

After reviewing your situation, Dr. Pennycuff and his team will recommend a treatment path tailored just for you. Less advanced cases may be able to be treated with physical therapy or other non-surgical approaches. More advanced cases may need surgery to repair the tear. Either way, our goal is to get you back to a normal quality of life as soon as possible so you can focus on your new baby.