What Is a Vaginal Tear?
A vaginal tear occurs when the skin, sometime the surrounding muscles, and tissues, around the vagina is ripped. This problem is not uncommon as it affects up to 50 percent of women. Many people have a vaginal tear during delivery when the infants stretch the perineum and vagina. There are 4 degrees of tear:
– First degree: This is the least serious form. It affects the skin around the vagina and perineum. The tear tends to heal on its own without the need for stitches.
– Second degree: In addition to the skin, this type also affects the perineal muscle
– Third degree: The tear may extend further to the anal sphincter
– Fourth degree: The mucous membrane can be affected [1]
