Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair Quiz
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Pain in the space between the genitals and anus
Perineum hurts
The area between the genitals and anus hurts
Perineal pain (female)
Pain in the perineum
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair?
When delivering a baby vaginally, it is common to have a tear in the perineum (the area between the anus and vulva). Depending on the type of tear, they can require stitches to repair and take some time to heal. Due to the good blood supply in that area, most of these will heal well and have no complications. Sometimes however, the stitches and wound may become infected, causing the area to be red, swollen, and painful. The wound may also open up as a result.
Typical Symptoms of Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
- Pain between the genitals and anus
- Increased vaginal discharge that is smelly
- Within two months after childbirth
- Pain or discomfort in the genital area
- Affected area is warm to touch
- Fever
- Swelling in the affected area
- Abnormal color, amount or odor of vaginal discharge
Diagnostic Questions for Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Are you experiencing pain between your genitals and anus?
- Has the vaginal discharge odor worsened recently?
- Are you within two months after childbirth?
- Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your genital area?
- Is the affected area hot to touch?
Treatment of Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
Treatment will depend on the type of tear and infection. Sometimes they can be treated with cleaning the area and starting antibiotics. In some cases, if there is a buildup of pus, a procedure may be needed to drain it. If the wound opens up, it may require more surgery to fix it.
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair?
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Smelly vaginal discharge
- Itchy vaginal area
- Swollen perineum
- Pain around the vulva or vagina
- Vaginal discharge odor
- Lump in groin area
- Redness
- Groin swelling
- There is a large amount of vaginal discharge with bad smell
- Burning tingling sensation in groin area
- Sore between anus and vulva
- Pain in the genital area
- Excessive amount of vaginal discharge
- Genital eczema
- Buttock pain when sitting
See full list
Symptoms Related to Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
Diseases Related to Infection After Perineal Laceration Repair
FAQs
Q.
Is This Normal? The Medical Reality of Postpartum & Your Expert Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: normal postpartum recovery often includes gradually lightening lochia, improving perineal soreness and cramps, breast fullness, temporary urinary or bowel changes, and short-lived baby blues; urgent red flags include soaking pads in under an hour or large clots, fever, chest pain or shortness of breath, worsening severe pain, infection signs, or any thoughts of self-harm. Next steps include early and 12-week checkups, tracking trends, pelvic floor support, rest and nutrition, and calling a clinician promptly for warning signs; see the complete guidance below for timelines and nuances that could change your care decisions.
References:
* The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4: Postpartum Care. Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Dec 1;142(6):1462-1481. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005470. PMID: 38048126.
* Byatt N, Harrison MM, Minto W, Moore Simas TA. Perinatal Depression: A Review of Risk Factors, Screening, and Treatment. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2023 Dec;46(4):615-628. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.08.001. Epub 2023 Sep 29. PMID: 37940251.
* Kunkel LV, Miller EC, Miller ES. The postpartum period: an overview of common maternal health concerns. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2022 Nov;4(6):100742. doi: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100742. Epub 2022 Sep 2. PMID: 36058474.
* Creanga AA, Burley K, O'Byrne ML, Wasserheit JN, Collins DS, Callaghan WM, Boulet SL. Severe maternal morbidity in the United States: 2014-2018. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 May;224(5):S105-S113. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.012. Epub 2021 Mar 31. PMID: 33799863.
* American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 804: Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Apr;135(4):e178-e188. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003770. PMID: 32217983.
Q.
Still Hurting? Why Your Body Isn’t Healing & Medically Approved Sitz Bath Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider in why you are still hurting and how to heal safely, since perineal and anal tissues heal slowly and pain can persist from normal inflammation, friction, or pressure, but seek care urgently for fever, rapidly worsening pain, foul discharge, or spreading redness. A medically approved sitz bath can help use comfortably warm water only, soak the area 10 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily, and avoid harsh additives, and for complete steps, timelines, infection clues, and other key tips like constipation prevention and when to call a doctor, see below so you do not miss details that could change your next step.
References:
* Sorg H, Tilkorn DJ, Machens HG, Mirastschijski U. Cellular mechanisms of wound healing. Biol Chem. 2017 Jul 26;398(8):911-923. doi: 10.1515/hmed-2016-0126. PMID: 28418876.
* Pastar I, Stojadinovic O, Mizumoto N, Plano MJ, Blatny J, Sawaya AP, O'Connell C, Tomic-Canic M. Impaired Wound Healing. Clin Dermatol. 2014 Mar-Apr;32(2):189-204. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.08.005. PMID: 24559384; PMCID: PMC3951717.
* Landén NX, Lee LE, Medeiros R, Junker J, Werner S, Longaker MT, Gurtner GC. Targeting genes and signaling pathways to accelerate wound healing. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2016 Oct 1;5(10):427-438. doi: 10.1089/wound.2016.0682. PMID: 27785369; PMCID: PMC5079147.
* Johnson L, Jaffe D, Johnson M. Sitz Baths. Am J Nurs. 2018 Jan;118(1):54-55. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000528430.70729.b4. PMID: 29283731.
* Mizell JS, Spencer SP, Patel M. Perianal Fissure. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: PMID: 32644485.
Q.
Perineum Pain? Why You’re Hurting and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Perineum pain is common and often treatable, typically from injury or pressure, infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, prostatitis in men, pudendal nerve irritation, or nearby anal issues; gentle self care like sitz baths, cushions, hygiene, and short term OTC pain relief can help when symptoms are mild. There are several factors to consider, including postpartum wounds and red flags like fever, fast worsening pain, spreading redness, trouble urinating, or bowel control issues that need urgent care. See the complete guidance below for specific causes, timelines, and medically approved next steps that can shape your care plan.
References:
* Sayler D, Sayler P, Kunkle L. Chronic Perineal Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options. Pain Res Manag. 2019 Jan 10;2019:2476571. PMID: 30678680.
* Hage A, Giraudet-Le Quintrec JS, Le Goff B, Lebrun V. Perineal Pain: A Review of Causes, Diagnosis, and Management. Clin Rheumatol. 2023 Jul;42(7):1719-1729. PMID: 36719177.
* Zuccarello M, Bonaventura A, Zuccarello L, Ciolfi A, Miano C, Delicato A, Ciolli W, Manganelli F, Paternoster S. Pudendal Neuralgia: A Review of the Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Pain Physician. 2021 May;24(3):289-301. PMID: 34066405.
* Dumoulin C, St-Pierre F, Fraser S. Physical therapy management of chronic pelvic and perineal pain: An update. Prog Urol. 2019 Dec;29(16):917-926. PMID: 30691505.
* Lapeyre M, Lacaze P, Marzais F, Bou Khalil R, Thalamas C, L'Heritier H, Kessous K, Pariente J, Connan F. Pharmacological Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Review. J Clin Med. 2021 Mar 26;10(7):1380. PMID: 33800635.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
ACOG Practice Bulletin
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/09/prevention-and-management-of-obstetric-lacerations-at-vaginal-deliveryNIH
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30134424/OBG Project
https://www.obgproject.com/2022/04/08/prevention-and-management-of-obstetric-lacerations-at-vaginal-delivery/