Around 8 out of 10 women and birthing people have some damage to their perineum after giving birth. Your midwife will offer to examine your perineum, including the muscles of your back passage (anus and rectum), after you give birth. They will explain what the examination involves and ask for your consent. They may recommend some sutures (stitches) to help reduce any bleeding, reduce your chance of infection and improve healing.
About 3% of women and birthing people have more extensive tears involving the muscles of the anus, which are repaired by a doctor in an operating theatre.
