QuestionThis might sound weird but I gave birth to a 8lb 9oz baby about a year ago. I also had to have stitches. My labia (on the left) seems to have been torn also. Is that possible? It seems to be hanging further than it was and it irritates me when I take my underwear on and off. Please help!
AnswerLabial tears are possible during delivery. And if you had one, most likely your OBGYN would have stitched the tissue back into position. But you don't say why you needed stitches or where they were put in.
Many women in the USA undergo an episiotomy during labor to help speed delivery or prevent tears. A small sideways cut is made in the perineum (the dense tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus) and this widens the vaginal outlet. All episiotomies require stitches afterward. Often, women find the scar tissue of the epsiotomy to be less elastic than the surrounding tissue, and this can make sexual intimacy initially painful for several months.
Tearing of the vagina, labia or perineum can also occur in a natural birth. Here again, stitches are required.
Consult with your OBGYN, and ask her about your stitches and your current irritation. It may seem awkward the bring this up, but this is their area of expertise, and for OBGYN's, no big deal. Your doctor will want to help you, and in order to get help, you need to ask. Discussing your problem with an OBGYN will also rule out any other complications.
In the mean time, use an over-the-counter lubricant on the area, as it's common for moms to have less natural lubrication, and this may be contributing to your discomfort.
