Slide show: Vaginal tears in childbirth: A look at the four classifications of tears

When women give birth, it is very common for them to experience vaginal tearing. Most tears are superficial — involving only the skin around the vagina — and heal within a few weeks. Some tears are more extensive and require a longer time to heal. Doctors use a grading system to define the severity of the vaginal tear.

First-degree tears are the least severe, involving only the skin around the vaginal opening. Although painful, these superficial tears usually require no medical treatment and heal within a couple of weeks.

Fourth-degree tears are the most severe vaginal tears. They involve the perineal muscles and anal sphincter as well as the tissue lining the rectum. Fourth-degree tears require surgical repair and usually heal within several months. However, complications — such as fecal incontinence and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) — are fairly common.