A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit theformation and/orprogression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. The perianalsupport device comprises acompression body having a continuous compression surface and a rigidcompression member having aproximal portion and a distal portion. The compression member is joined to thecompression body andthe compression member is configured to transmit compressive force appliedadjacent the proximalportion to the compression surface. A method is provided to apply the perianalsupport device to patientsduring childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damagein the perianal region of thebody.
