Perineal Tear Infection Symptoms

A perineal tear infection needs urgent medical treatment. It is therefore important the patient is advised of the signs of a perineal tear infection before she leaves hospital.

Perineal tear infection symptoms

The symptoms of a perineal tear are:

Pain
Wound break down (dehiscence)
Smelly vaginal discharge
Fever

"Before we contacted you we had no real idea that we had grounds for a medical negligence claim but after speaking to you it became clear that Wendy was indeed treated poorly. Chris Bird took the time to explain what was happening and kept us to speed. Our deepest gratitude to you all and Chris in particular."

Mr And Mrs H

If you have suffered a perineal tear and would like advice about a possible medical negligence claim, please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete a Free Online Enquiry.

Claims Involving Birth Tears That Glynns Solicitors Have Settled

More About Perineal Tears

A perineal tear will be sore in any event, but when the tear becomes infected it will be especially painful. The area around the stitches will also be inflamed and hot to touch.

Wound dehiscence means that the repair has started to break down and rupture. You may be able to notice the stitches are loose, although you may not be able to see any visible changes.

Perineal tear infection is also associated with a foul-smelling fluid that oozes from the wound. The patient may develop a fever, with a high temperature and a general feeling of being unwell.

What should you do?

If you experience these symptoms after a perineal tear, you must seek immediate medical help - either from your GP, midwife or even the hospital where you gave birth. You need to be examined to ensure the stitches are still intact. You must also be prescribed oral antibiotics to fight off the infection.

Prompt treatment

It is absolutely essential that this action is taken without delay. With early medical care, the infection can be effectively treated and no adverse consequences will arise.

But if the patient fails to seek medical help, or clinicians fail to diagnose an infection, the outcome can be very problematic. This is because the wound will continue to break down and the stitches will come undone. Because the tear is no longer sutured together, the defect will remain in place.

If the patient has experienced a third or fourth degree tear, she will be left with a defect in her anal sphincter. This can make it very difficult to control the passing of wind and faeces. The injury can be re-stitched, but it will be much harder to perform and may not be successful.

Failed to recognise perineal tear infection symptoms

If a midwife or doctor failed to diagnose you perineal tear infection, causing you to suffer long-term complications, you could be the victim of medical negligence. A medical practitioner should be fully aware of perineal tear infection symptoms and be able to make a swift diagnosis. Medical practitioners should also know that antibiotics are needed immediately.

A failure to achieve this standard of care will amount to a breach of duty. Any patient who is harmed as a result will be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.

"May I take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work on my case, it has been very much appreciated and I would not hesitate to recommend Glynns to others. "

Mrs O, South Wales.

Make A Free Enquiry Today

Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete a Free Online Enquiry.

Make An Enquiry

Why Choose Us

Specialist medical negligence solicitors
Free initial enquiries
No win, no fee available

Reviews

Our Expertise

Helping Clients Across England & Wales

Free Birth Injury Guide

Update cookies preferences