Small tears are usually left unstitched, but a larger tear may require anything from just one to many stitches. The stitching procedure is exactly the same as for an episiotomy and, again, it is important that pain relief is completely effective. Bruising can be caused by the action of your baby's head coming down your vagina and through your perineum at birth. It is particularly associated with forceps and ventouse deliveries where external force and pressure will have been exerted to help deliver the baby. How to live with stitches and bruising Everyone is different.
Some women find their stitches painful and slow to heal, and others experience much less discomfort.
There is little or no research on the remedies' effectiveness, but it is worth trying various comfort measures to see which will suit you. Whatever your degree of damage, keeping your stitches really clean is vital to reducing your risk of infection. You should try to do these exercises about 50 times each day, spread out throughout the day. The first few times you have sex, use a lubricating jelly and try out positions to find one that is comfortable for you. And remember, it isn't your fault that you are sore and maybe don't feel like making love.