Perineal Clinic

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.



Date reviewed: 23 January 2025

Date reviewed: 23 January 2025