Obstetric perineal lacerations

These are tears of the skin, muscles and other soft tissue structures, known as the perineum, that separate the vagina from the anus. Tears are classified as first through fourth degree and increase in severity as the tear deepens in this space.

Perineal lacerations are the most common form of injury that happens during childbirth due to stretching and straining with delivery. Up to 80% of women will experience one of these tears in her first delivery.

Taking sitz baths and caring for your bottom after delivery can help with recovery.

Other childbirth pelvic floor disorders we treat

Clinic Director

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Lisa Hickman, MD

The clinic is led by Lisa Hickman, MD, a physician and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders. She developed the first Special Interest Group on Childbirth and Pelvic Floor Disorders through the American Urogynecologic Society and currently serves as the organization’s vice chair. She has also published several articles and lectured at numerous local and national meetings about pelvic floor disorders, and was recipient of the Women’s Health Service and Leadership Award from the Cleveland Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists in 2020.

Clinical profile

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