How to care after a primary perineal tear

The perineum is a part of the body under the crotch. When people do sports such as hurdling, climbing, running, playing basketball, etc., this part may be torn. Tears in the perineum can be divided into four degrees. Generally speaking, if the perineum tear reaches the second degree, measures need to be taken to deal with it, but the first degree perineum tear also needs people to pay attention to it and take care of it. The following is a detailed introduction on how to take care of the first degree perineum tear.

The degree of perineal laceration is divided into four degrees. Generally speaking, only second-degree lacerations require suturing, but this depends on the doctor’s judgment. Sometimes, even if there is only a first-degree laceration, the doctor will still suturing it if he thinks it is necessary.

Postoperative care

diet

1. Eat more high-fiber foods to avoid constipation. If a woman is constipated after childbirth, she may easily cause the wound to be lacerated again if she exerts too much force when defecating.

2. Develop regular bowel habits.

3. Drink plenty of water, at least 2000cc a day.

Sequelae

Effects on postpartum urinary incontinence in women

Experts point out that regardless of whether the perineum is incised during delivery, the baby will still pass through the birth canal. As for whether it will affect the problem of postpartum urinary incontinence, it is actually related to factors such as the size of the mother's pelvis, the size of the baby, and the speed of delivery.

If the delivery process is long, the baby stays in the birth canal for a long time, and the vagina is stretched for a long time, it is more likely to cause postpartum urinary incontinence. This has no absolute relationship with whether the episiotomy is performed or not.

Effect on future dyspareunia

The tear during childbirth will affect the pain during sexual intercourse because the scar after suture is a harder fibrous tissue compared to the soft vulva. During sexual intercourse, the traction between them can easily cause pain.

If the wound from the episiotomy or tear is relatively smooth and there are no poorly healed scars after repair, there will be no problem. On the contrary, if the wound is messy and the doctor does not repair it properly, the scars will be intertwined and entangled with each other, and sexual intercourse pain is very likely to occur.

The impact of wounds on the birth of a second child

The blood circulation in the perineum is very good and the blood flow is sufficient, so the wound healing ability is very good and will not affect the delivery of the second child.

Self-care

1. Flushing after using the toilet: After giving birth, women should flush their perineum with water after urinating or defecating, just like wiping with toilet paper, and flush from front to back to avoid bacterial infection.

2. Keep the wound dry: After going to the toilet or taking a shower, pat the perineum with tissue paper to keep the wound dry and clean.

3. Avoid exerting force: Do not exert force when defecating to avoid reopening the repaired wound.

4. Do not lift heavy objects: Within 1 month after delivery, do not lift heavy objects or do any housework or exercise that requires physical effort.

5. Avoid sexual activity: Sexual activity should be avoided within 6 weeks after delivery.

6. For swelling and pain, you can use Youdian: For those with severe lacerations and swelling and pain in the wound, you can add betadine to the water for a sitz bath, or use a heating lamp to speed up recovery. (Betadine can kill bacteria, warm water and heating lamps can promote blood circulation with high temperature)