Life after third degree tear

To anyone who suffered a third or fourth degree tear, have you fully recovered/healed since? I'm 9 weeks PP and tried to have sex for the first time since giving birth last night and had to stop pretty much straight away due to pain. We tried a few different positions too. Is this because it's still relatively 'fresh' or am I likely to experience pain during sex always now? I also have a smear test booked in for 12 weeks PP and I'm now terrified it'll be agony to have a speculum! Any advice or other people's experiences would be greatly appreciated!

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I had a 3rd degree tear on my first daughter and had the same we tried 8 weeks after but the pain! Defo use lubricant, I had to have a injection in the area as the pain continued but after that it went back to normal.x

@Jessica S what kind of injection was this? Not heard of that! Was it a one off?

It was over 2 years ago now so I can't remember exactly I believe it may have been a hydrocortisone injection but I honestly can't remember! I spoke to my doctor who referred me to a gynaecologist and they did it at a hospital appointment.

The physio told me that if your pelvic floor muscles are tensed (in anticipation of it hurting) it will be painful, so make sure you’re really relaxed and have a lot of foreplay beforehand

I had a 3A tear (a little lore than a 3 but not quite a 4). It took me longer than the 6 weeks to heal. I would definitely mention it at your smear and try lubricant and going slow

@Jessica S sorry for the personal question but could I please ask if your second was a vaginal birth or C-section? And if vaginal did you tear again? Sorry even though I'm miles off number 2 I'm already over thinking it 😅

@Incognito my second daughter was vaginal birth and nope had nothing with her except a graze and she was delivered in 36mins from 4cm to birth!! She was only 1oz bigger than her sister though 🤷‍♀️

@Jessica S oh wow! Thanks for answering :)

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