Unstitched tears

[LizChase]

I'm just over two weeks after giving birth. I tore second degree down, and a little up as well.. both got stitches and seem to be healing fine. However, there is also one tiny tear on the hood of my clitoris that wasn't stitched. The doctor said it's more of a "cosmetic" tear, and they try not to stitch around there due to nerves, etc. But it's not going to come together and heal on it's own, so it's always going to have a small tear there. My concern is when we start having sex again the tear will get bigger and keep splitting up due to, you know, friction around the area.

Does anyone have experience with small surface tears like this, and is it a problem in the future? I have a postpartum appointment next week, and I will discuss it with her when I go in, but I'm seriously stressing about it in the meantime. I would be afraid to have sex right now.. (Not that I'm close to that yet.)

 

[Mummafrog]

I don't have first hand experience but I do know my mum had a labial tear, bigger than yours, that she chose not to have stitched and flaps didn't heal together and it causes her no issues, no pain, never re-tore or anything (she is proud of it ), I don't think that would happen once the skin has fully healed, scar tissue is tough.
I can understand feeling nervous but my guess is you won't even notice a tiny tear like that once it is healed. Also the doctor would risk giving nerve damage to prevent it tearing more surely, so I assume that if they don't stitch 'cosmetic tears' then it's because they don't cause a problem

 

[JessesGirl29]

No experience I just wanted to say that I think everyone has nerves about sex after any tears. I tore 'up the front' to my urethra and had to have a catheter for a little while in hospital. The hood of my clitoris was separated as well as labial tears. I had stitches but was nervous about the look and the first time having sex.
You just have to go slow, use lubrication and open communication. Sex has been fine for me after a couple of times.....it didn't effect the ability to orgasm either (which was my biggest fear )

 

[LizChase]

Just to follow up, the doctor said today that the tear I'm worried about should close over in time. I'm skeptical, but I guess ill try to trust her for now!

 

[Butterfly89]

I just happened to catch this post on the main page lol. I'm quite a bit past postpartum stage. It's surprising what can heal. I tore both ways too... one part of labia had to be resewn on and I had a small piece of muscle or tissue sticking out in one area too. I know that sounds scary lol but I can't even tell now. =) Scar tissue is very very strong.

Things actually look and feel very normal. I was shocked because for the first couple months, it was a disaster zone haha. Women are amazing creatures you know.
But I really did wait the recommended 6 weeks. Go slow, use a lubricant, and stop if anything feels uncomfortable. And if things aren't healing by then, definitely go into the doctor! It's always easier to fix things sooner than later.