The Perineal Clinic provides assessment and management of postpartum women who have experienced anal sphincter tears during childbirth. Statewide referrals accepted – this service is available to patients across Victoria.
Services available
- Multidisciplinary clinic with doctors, continence nurses and physiotherapists
- Assessment of 3rd and 4th degree tears and acute healing issues
- Manometry and ultrasound assessment of anal sphincter following tear
- A range of management options from conservative management to surgery
Please note: pregnant women with a history of anal sphincter tear may not be eligible for manometry or ultrasound (during gestation <13 weeks or >28 weeks)
Inclusion criteria
- Postpartum women with a 3rd or 4th degree tear experienced during childbirth
- Acute healing issues or perineal pain
- Referrals must be made within six months of birth ( >6 months ago: please refer to Pelvic Floor Clinic – Urogynaecology)
Statewide referrals accepted (women do not need to have given birth at the Women’s). Pregnant women should also be referred to the closest maternity service that meets their needs, even if they are seen at the Women’s Perineal Clinic.
Urgent referral
Mark your referral as urgent if the patient is:
- Currently pregnant
For assessment or care due to concerning or deteriorating condition, please consider the most appropriate of:
- Triage reassessment – phone (03) 8345 3143
- Women’s Emergency Care
- Registrar review – contact via the Women's switchboard on (03) 8345 2000
Referral instructions
Essential information
All referrals must include essential demographic, medical and social history details, and relevant information about the presenting complaint.
- Date of delivery
- Mode of delivery
- Summary of delivery
- Type of anal sphincter tear
- Operation notes of repair
- Mobility problems
- Relevant investigations
In detail: Women's health referrals
Send referral
GPs and other specialists can refer to the Perineal Clinic via Fast Fax: (03) 8345 3036.
Use our Women’s Health Referral Form – jump to Referral templates (Downloads).
In detail: How referrals are processed
Appointments
The Perineal Clinic runs on a Wednesday afternoon. All appointments are face-to-face.
Related information
- Referral forms and information
- Pelvic Floor Clinic (Urogynaecology)
- Third and Fourth Degree Tears - Management [Procedure] - The Women's (PDF)
- Perineal Trauma Assessment, Repair and Safe Practice [Guideline] - The Women's (PDF)
- International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)
- Find health information for your patient
- Find a fact sheet for your patient
Downloads and Related Topics
Date reviewed: 23 January 2025
Date reviewed: 23 January 2025