Post-birth 'stretching'?

I gave birth to my son 5.5 weeks ago. I had an epidural (and hence catheter) and a vacuum extraction, which resulted in a small second degree tear (doc's words). I've just had a look 'down there' to assess the damage.

There doesn't seem to be much difference in the obvious place (i.e. where the baby came out :redface:), but my urethra seems to be very stretched. Like, I mean I can easily see the hole, which is about 1-2 mm wide. I'm pretty sure it shouldn't be stretched like that.

Anyone else experienced this? Could it be from the catheter? I have my 6 week check up later in the week, so will ask the doc then, but thought I'd find out other people's experiences in the meantime.

It could be the catheter as I've had 2 due to post birth complications and my urethra was a tad stretched. I think it could have happened anyway as a lot of the stretching when you give birth is at the top of your vulva. I felt as much burning there as the perineum definitely.
I guess having had the epidural you didn't feel that sensation. I know I wasn't expecting it up the top area. So much of my antenatal classes focussed on the perineum so when I was birthing Mason I kind of freaked out a bit.

I'm sure it will shrink back soon though. You are still in the healing stage post birth. I think mine has but I haven't looked for a while ;)