It is common for women to experience injuries in or around the vagina during intercourse or foreplay. Inserting an object into it can also cause potential problems if there is friction. If you are sexually active, you have probably experienced this problem at least once in your lifetime.
Multiple health conditions can also add to this issue, such as menopause, vaginal dryness, hormonal changes, vaginismus, and others. Women often notice vaginal wounds during sex because semen can irritate them even more. Fortunately, this is a quickly-fixable issue if treated correctly. We encourage you to check out Gynecology Care Palm Beach, FL and let our skilled staff take care of you.
Read on to learn more about vaginal cuts and how to manage uncomfortable symptoms successfully.
Causes of Vaginal Tears
As said previously, there are many possible causes of vaginal wounds, which include:
- Lack of foreplay – When women are aroused, their vaginas secrete a fluid that lubricates the vaginal walls. Short foreplay usually leads to vaginal dryness, and any kind of penetration will probably hurt and cause discomfort. Therefore, vaginal cuts are possible to happen.
- Menopause – As we age, our bodies produce less estrogen, which produces lubrication. As a result, you may experience discomfort and friction during intercourse due to vaginal dryness.
- Chronic skin problems – Certain health conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema, can negatively impact your vulva and vagina, making them more prone to vaginal wounds due to irritated and thin tissue. Be careful with medications like corticosteroids, as these can also contribute to the problem.
- History of abuse – Although not as common as other factors, this one can contribute to vaginal dryness due to trauma. Many women who were victims of sexual abuse find it hard to relax during foreplay or sex and have trouble getting aroused, which usually ends in vaginal cuts.
- Childbirth – Vaginal tears that occur during delivery are called perineal lacerations. They happen when the child’s head is too large for the vaginal opening or if the vagina doesn’t stretch enough. Many women experience these kinds of injuries.
- Other factors – Certain sexual positions are more likely to cause injuries during intercourse and some sex toys. They can be made from materials that are aggravating to the skin.
If you have trouble with vaginal dryness and feel hopeless, you are not alone. Feel free to contact Comprehensive OBGYN and schedule an appointment.
How to Treat Vaginal Wounds
To find the appropriate vaginal tear treatment, you must first discover the primary cause. Vaginal cuts can be superficial or deep, and they are treated a bit differently.
Superficial tears usually heal on their own after a few days and are typically caused by sex, hair removal, and foreplay. If you have a superficial cut, make sure to wash the area with warm water at least once a day and avoid using soaps or any other scented products since these can worsen the existing problem by disrupting your vagina’s pH balance. Before dressing up, make sure that the area is dry. Always wear cotton underwear until the cut is healed. You can use ibuprofen or any other over-the-counter medication if you are in a lot of pain or discomfort. There are many ointments available that can help, such as Aquaphor, which would repair your skin’s barrier, or Bacitracin, a topical antibiotic. Of course, these can only be applied if the cut is located on your vulva, not inside of your vagina.
As for the deeper wounds, they are treated differently. It is said that at least 90 percent of women experience tears during delivery. If you have experienced one, your gynecologist will give you instructions on how to take proper care of it. Women are usually recommended to use sterilized water during the healing phase to rinse the wound. You can use a peri bottle to do so every time you go to the toilet or after cleaning the vaginal tear. Doctors usually recommend wearing a pad for a few days to soak up the blood and keep the cut as clean as possible. Since you will probably experience pain and discomfort, feel free to use pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol. It is essential to contact your healthcare provider if the wound has opened again, as it may cause problems if left untreated. Also, if you suffered from vaginal lacerations after being assaulted, we urge you to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is crucial to not self-diagnose and get the help you need.
Healing Process
It is very important to avoid any kind of penetration during the healing stage, as it can worsen the vaginal wound and cause it to reopen. There may be blood or swelling and even an infection, which is the last thing you want.
However, if you do happen to have intercourse while your cut is open, it is crucial to use condoms to avoid getting or transmitting an infectious disease. Also, make sure to clean the wound after and dry the area before putting the clothes back on. If the wound is in your vagina, stay away from tampons for some time as well.
How to Prevent Vaginal Tears
Vaginal dryness is usually the most common factor responsible for vaginal cuts. Therefore, the best form of prevention is to increase wetness. Here are some ways that you can help:
- Longer foreplay – This one can benefit both you and your partner as it can boost arousal and keep vaginal wounds at a minimum. If you increase the duration of foreplay, your vagina will have more time to lubricate and make the vaginal walls more elastic naturally.
- Lubricants – Although this one may be obvious, not many couples use them. However, these are the best way to tackle vaginal dryness. Just make sure to use water-based lubricants to avoid disrupting your vagina’s pH balance and not to irritate the skin. Also, oil-based lubricants can damage the condoms and put you at risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.
- Change the positions – Some sexual positions are more comfortable for heterosexual couples because of their angles. Women might feel better on top due to more control and experience fewer vaginal lacerations.
As you can see, with the right tips and tools and the appropriate vaginal tear treatment, tears can be avoided and cured successfully.
The Bottom Line
Almost all women will experience vaginal lacerations at least once in their lifetime. They can be uncomfortable, and you may experience burning, itching, and even swelling. However, the good news is they are not severe and usually heal on their own within a few days. Of course, there are appropriate ways to accelerate the healing and alleviate the discomfort. If you notice bleeding that continues even after a few days, signs of infection such as yellow fluid, severe pain, and fever, contact your doctor immediately. They will examine you and prescribe the best vaginal tear treatment for you. Of course, if you are in the area, do not hesitate to contact us at Comprehensive OBGYN and get the help you need.