4th-degree vaginal tears

Fourth-degree vaginal tears are the most severe. They go through the anal sphincter and into the mucous membrane that lines the rectum. Fourth-degree tears usually need to be repaired in an operating room rather than in the delivery room. Sometimes they require more complex repair than stitches alone. Healing may take 4 to 6 week or more. If you have a fourth-degree tear, you may need to take antibiotic medicine to prevent an infection.

After a fourth-degree vaginal tear is repaired, some problems that can happen include infection, separation of the repaired area, leaking stool — also called fecal incontinence — and leaking urine — also called urinary incontinence. If you notice any of these problems, contact a member of your health care team.