In this article we explore the type of problems commonly experienced after a missed/poorly repaired third degree tear. This includes physical, emotional and financial complaints.
Complications after a third degree tear
If a third degree tear is missed or poorly repaired, a woman will develop a number of symptoms. These can continue in the long-term, as the success rate of secondary repairs stand at around 50%.
The main complaints ordinarily include the following:
1. Bowel dysfunction
Third degrees tears involve damage to the external anal sphincter and, in some cases, damage to the internal anal sphincter. This will affect a woman’s ability to control the passing of faeces and wind. This will lead to problems such as faecal leakage (particularly of liquid stool), faecal urgency with the inability to defer defecation, incontinence of wind and faeces, and increased frequency in passing a bowel motion. A woman may also find it difficult to completely evacuate her bowels, needing to strain or employ manual evacuation.
2. Sexual dysfunction
Due to the fear of faecal soiling, and the level of pain experienced in the perineal area, many women are reluctant to resume sexual intercourse. This can have a negative impact upon a woman’s relationship with her husband or partner, and in some cases can cause the relationship to break down entirely.
3. Work difficulties
Because of their bowel dysfunction, many women are unable to return to work once their maternity leave has ended. Having poor control of wind and faeces can be very embarrassing. It also necessitates being close to a toilet at all times, something which cannot always be accommodated in the workplace. Many therefore feel they cannot return to employment and encounter financial difficulties.
4. Social activities
Women who previously enjoyed socialising and/or taking part in hobbies find themselves housebound, for fear of straying too far from a toilet. Consequently they give up any hobbies they once had, lose touch with friends and become increasingly reclusive.
5. Psychological distress
Understandably, all of the aforementioned problems can have a devastating effect upon a woman’s mental well-being. This can result in depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Compensation for your injuries
If you have suffered the aforementioned problems due to a missed third or fourth degree tear, please get in touch with us today. You could be entitled to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional and financial injuries you have wrongfully incurred.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.
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