What is an OASI and how do you know if you have suffered one?
What is an OASI?
An OASI is an Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury and, if you have one, you will have received that injury during the course of giving birth via the vagina.
An OASI is birth tear which not only damages the skin and muscle of the perineum (between your vagina and anus) but also damages your anal sphincter. The anal sphincter is made up of internal and external muscles which control the bowel. They are the muscles which allow and prevent the passing of both wind and faeces.
These muscles can be damaged as you give birth due to the pressure on the area surrounding the vagina.
An OASI can, in the worst cases, also damage the internal lining of the anal canal. In this case, the injury is described as a 4th degree tear.
Symptoms of an OASI
You may be suffering from a third or fourth degree tear (an OASI) if you are experiencing the following symptoms following the birth of your child:
- You are finding it difficult to prevent the passing of wind
- You have very little time to get to the toilet when needing to poo
- You are experiencing leakage of faeces from either the anus or the vagina
- You are suffering with infections of the perineum
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be for a number of reasons:
- Your anal sphincter injury may not have been diagnosed at all
- Your severe tear may have been diagnosed as a less severe injury
- Your injury may have been diagnosed but your repair was insufficient to resolve the symptoms
Check out your symptoms
If you continue to experience the above symptoms, you should get your GP to check if you may have an undiagnosed or poorly-repaired anal sphincter injury.
If this is the case, you may require surgery to try to repair your injury.
Unfortunately, delayed surgery for an anal sphincter injury is not always entirely successful and you may continue to suffer these debilitating symptoms.
Speak to a solicitor
If you have severe on-going symptoms, you may find it difficult to return to work. You may, therefore, wish to think about making a claim for compensation. A successful claim can provide financial support to make up for your loss of income and help you to cope with the everyday difficulties you may be experiencing.
Make A Free Enquiry
If you, or your family member, has suffered a birth injury tear, please call us now for free, no obligation advice on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.