A vaginal tear (laceration) is an injury to the tissue around your vagina and anus that can happen during childbirth. The severity and location vary and the damage is commonly inadequately corrected at the time of delivery.
A vaginal tear often happens during childbirth. The most common location for a tear is the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus). However, tears can occur in other places as well including the urethra (where you urinate), the labia (lips of the vagina) and the clitoris.
As high as 90% of women with a vaginal delivery will have some tearing. Treatment for vaginal tears depends on the severity and location of the tear. Due to the circumstances and tissue changes these tears are rarely well addressed at the time of delivery.
There are four different grades of perineal vaginal tears. The grade determines the potential damage.
As most tears are fixed at the bedside after delivery poor functional and cosmetic results are common.
Some factors that increase your chance of tearing include:
Vaginal tears can be uncomfortable and painful, but most small vaginal tears heal within 6 weeks. For more significant tears permanent skin, muscle and nerve damage can be an issue.
Some of the common long-term complications of more severe vaginal tears include:
If you are experiencing any of these complications after delivery contact The Intimate wellness Institute for help.
Unfortunately, vaginal injuries with delivery are often ignored, considered normal, and inadequately evaluated and treated. At the Intimate Wellness Institute we take these issues seriously. Dr. Guerette and the IWI team will listen to your issues, properly evaluate the situation and correctly treat the problem. Often the evaluation involves some simple office tests to assess the degree or urinary and bowel damage. Once the issue is understood Dr. Guerette will consult with you to develop a plan. Common options for care include:
The Intimate Wellness Institute has the most comprehensive options for overcoming obstetrical injuries in the region.
Vaginal tears and obstetrical trauma are extremely common and often have lifelong consequences affecting your bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and confidence. These issues are often completely ignored or inadequately addressed in traditional women’s healthcare. At The Intimate Wellness Institute we understand how important and devastating these issues can be and we will listen to you and work with you to get you back to yourself.
"I think the thing that stood out most about the office is that I really felt like, Dr. Guerette understood what I was talking about when I started talking about some of the bladder issues I had. And number two,everybody just seemed really very caring. I really appreciated that."
"I would recommend Dr. G and Jennifer because they are the best. They listen, they're very patient and they really know their stuff! I would like to add that since I have, found Dr. G and Jennifer, I have learned a lot about myself and what I'm going through, that I'm not the only one and there's help so don't have to suffer in silence any longer."
"When I was here, I felt completely heard. I felt, seen and understood. You guys really helped me. You made me not feel, you made me feel like a human. You didn't make me feel like I was a patient."
"I have a much better idea of what's going on with my body and the things that I need to do to, help be more comfortable, have a better quality of life."
