How long does it take for a vaginal tear to heal after having a baby?

Question

Hi doctor,

I gave birth four years back and had a tear during delivery. I was stitched up, but it did not heal properly. About six months later, I went back to the hospital because I was feeling discomfort at the site of the stitches and noticed there was a piece of tissue hanging out. A doctor cut it off, but then told me the space left was too wide and that I needed to be stitched again. I refused because they did not offer any pain relief or numbing injection, and I could not go through that pain again.

After that, I felt okay for about a month, but then I started experiencing recurring issues. At first, I thought they were normal healing problems, but I began to worry when even wearing panties caused discomfort; they would go inside and make things worse. I tried switching to cotton underwear, but the issue did not go away. I have also noticed an increase in small, pimple-like swellings around my vulva.

I started using hot, salty water to clean the area, which seemed to help, but the problems came back after my period. I also made the mistake of having sex, and afterward, I experienced pain and bleeding.

I am honestly scared and not sure what to do anymore. I just want to know what might be happening and if there is anything I can do at home to help until I can afford proper care.

Please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Thank you for your honesty and the courage it takes to speak up about something so personal. Given your story, you have been incredibly strong, and it is absolutely understandable that you are feeling overwhelmed and scared.

Based on what you have described, ongoing discomfort, improper healing after a perineal tear, exposed tissue, pain with underwear and sex, swelling, and post-intercourse bleeding, your symptoms may be due to a combination of incomplete healing, granulation tissue, localized infection, or vulvar folliculitis. If the tear healed "open," it can leave the area sensitive and vulnerable to irritation and friction.

Granulation tissue, which is raw and reddish, may have formed where the wound did not fully close, making the site prone to bleeding and pain. Pimple-like bumps may be caused by inflamed hair follicles or blocked Bartholin glands, particularly in the presence of moisture or pressure.

Additionally, your discomfort after your period and sex suggests ongoing inflammation or fragility of the tissue. For now, continue caring for the area gently with warm saline sitz baths twice daily (mixing one teaspoon of salt in a liter of warm water), and pat dry with a soft cloth or let the area air dry.

Wear loose cotton underwear, or go without underwear when possible to reduce friction. You can apply a barrier cream like petroleum jelly or a zinc-based cream to protect the tissue, but avoid antiseptics, as they can delay healing.

It is important to avoid any vaginal intercourse until the tissue has fully healed, as it may continue to worsen the injury. If you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus, foul smell, fever, or body aches, seek medical attention promptly.

When you are able to access care, ask a women’s health provider for a pelvic exam to evaluate the tear, check for granulation tissue (which can often be treated with silver nitrate), and assess whether re-suturing is necessary.

Swab testing may also be done if infection is suspected. You are not alone in this; many women quietly suffer from postpartum complications, and you have already taken positive steps by using salt water and seeking help.

If you need any more clarification or help with your questions, feel free to ask.

Thank you.