I Got An Infection After a Third Degree Tear
If you have suffered a perineal tear during childbirth, you may develop an infection afterwards. If so, it is important to act quickly.
If, in the days or weeks after childbirth, you develop the following symptoms, you need to see your GP promptly:
- An unusual discharge from the perineal region (around the vagina or anus)
- An unpleasant smell from the region of the vagina
- Flu-like symptoms of nausea and a temperature
- Pain in the vaginal area or around the stitches if you have them
The chances of developing an infection after a 3rd or 4th degree tear are higher than with a smaller tear. A 3rd or 4th degree tear extends from the vagina, across the perineum and affects the sphincter (and, in the case of a 4th degree tear, lining) of the anus. Therefore, bacteria may be leaking from the anal area and causing an infection.
Does it mean there's a problem?
If you have an infection, you will, at the very least, need antibiotics in order to help clear it up. <
However, it might be a sign of a bigger problem:
- You have a 3rd or 4th degree tear that has not been diagnosed
- Your tear repair was inadequate and part of the tear remains, allowing faeces to leak from the bowel
- Your tear repair has broken down.
Whatever the cause, you should have a thorough investigation to ensure that none of the above is true. If you do, in fact, have an undiagnosed or inadequately repaired tear, then you will need surgery and antibiotics to try to repair the damage.
A proper repair
A thorough repair of a 3rd or 4th degree tear should be done in an operating theatre by a skilled surgeon under either local or general anaesthetic.
A further examination should be undertaken following the repair to ensure that the entire tear has been treated.
A course of antibiotics will be necessary to try to prevent infection. Laxatives may also be prescribed to reduce the pressure on the bowel during recovery.
Advice on caring for the repair and surrounding area and maintaining good general health should also be offered to enhance the chances of a prompt and full recovery.
What problems are associated with a 3rd degree tear?
An untreated 3rd or 4th degree tear can lead to highly distressing problems in addition to the discomfort of on-going infections:
- Inability to control wind
- Inability to control the bowel
- The development of a fistula (hole in the tissue between the anus and the vagina), leading to leakage of faeces
- Pain
Most women who experience a 3rd degree tear, or worse, make a good recovery and are symptom-free within a year.
However, where diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the above symptoms can be on-going and life-changing.
Medical Negligence
If you have suffered a third degree tear which was not diagnosed or poorly repaired, contact Glynns Solicitors. You may be entitled to make a claim for compensation which can help you to deal with the difficulties your injury has caused.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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