Have you started passing wind from your vagina after giving birth? If so you need to seek advice from your GP as you could have an undiagnosed third degree tear.
Passing wind from my vagina after giving birth
After giving birth by way of vaginal delivery, some women will notice that they start passing wind through their vagina. This will of course be extremely distressing and many will put off getting medical advice because they find it too embarrassing to discuss.
However, passing wind through your vagina could be a sign that something is wrong. This will not be the case for every woman who passes wind vaginally – it can simply be a side effect of childbirth. But in some cases it happens because there is a third degree tear that has not been diagnosed and repaired.
It is therefore important you ask your GP to check whether or not you have a missed perineal tear. If so, you will need to undergo further treatment to rectify the problem.
3rd degree tears
Third degree tears are a type of perineal injury that extend down into the anal sphincter. If the defect is not treated, it can cause a number of symptoms, including faecal urgency, faecal leakage and passing wind vaginally.
Third degree tears are supposed to be detected and repaired shortly after the birth. The injury should be identified during a routine examination after the delivery. If a midwife or doctor does note a third degree tear, an experienced surgeon should be asked to carry out a surgical repair.
The outcome for third degree tears is much more optimistic if a repair is performed soon after the injury is sustained. It is for this reason that medical professionals should not delay is diagnosing and treating the condition.
If clinicians do fail to spot a third degree tear, the standard of care will be considered unacceptable.
What can you do?
If you seek medical advice for symptoms such as passing wind vaginally and you are told that you have an unrepaired third degree tear, you need to talk to a solicitor. Failing to diagnose and repair a third degree tear will amount to medical negligence and you could be entitled to claim compensation for the damage this has caused you.
To talk to a solicitor today, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors and speak to one of our friendly lawyers.