Most minor vaginal cuts will heal on their own in a week or less. Those are called simple cuts and are usually caused by shaving or other hair removal, foreplay, or sexual activity.
It’s important to take care of these injuries so they don’t reopen and become infected. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
1. Clean the Wound
Many small cuts and scrapes on the vulva heal on their own without medical attention. However, it’s important to keep the area clean to prevent an infection. Wash the area daily with mild soap or cleanser (unscented) and warm water. Make sure the area is dry before getting dressed. Exposing the wound to air may speed up the healing process.
A cut in your vagina can be caused by sexual activity, using a tampon that’s not properly placed or by an irritant such as a dirty razor or rough skin on the vulva or genital area. Some women, especially those with certain conditions like eczema, are more prone to cuts in the vulva than others.
In addition to pain and discomfort, a vaginal cut can cause bleeding into the labia (pockets of blood) or into the anal canal. These pockets of blood are called hematomas and need to be drained if they occur. Deep vaginal tears, such as those resulting from childbirth or trauma, require stitching.
Fortunately, most simple vaginal cuts heal within a week or so and don’t leave any marks or result in long-term complications. You can help the process along by taking an oatmeal bath or using a vaginal moisturizer to keep the area hydrated while it’s healing. You can also pour water over your vaginal opening as you pee and avoid placing any objects in the vulva while it’s healing, including panty liners or menstrual cups.
2. Apply a Barrier Ointment
Some cuts and tears in the vulva can make it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection. Applying a barrier ointment to the cut can help prevent this by making it harder for germs to stick to the wound.
It’s not unusual to get a small cut or scrape in the vagina, especially during sexual activity. These minor injuries may cause some discomfort for a day or two, and they can bleed when you have a bowel movement, bathe, or shower. However, the pain and bleeding usually stop within a few days and don’t leave any lasting marks or cause long-term problems.
More serious injuries to the genital area can be more painful and take longer to heal. They can also be more difficult to treat, such as a large blood clot or a penetrating injury that needs medical attention. If you have a deep wound that won’t stop bleeding, or you see blood around the outside of your vulva, contact your doctor.
In some cases, changes in estrogen levels can cause the walls of the vulva to become thinner and more prone to tearing. This can be caused by pregnancy, birth control methods, or other factors such as exercise and extreme sexual activity. To reduce the chances of getting these vaginal cuts, it’s a good idea for post-menopausal women to use an FDA-approved vaginal estradiol therapy, available by prescription in creams, tablets, or suppositories.
3. Take a Pain Reliever
Taking an acetaminophen or ibuprofen pain reliever will help with the discomfort of the wound. If the pain persists, talk to your health care provider.
Vaginal cuts and tears are common, especially for women who have a lot of sexual activity. These small abrasions and tears usually don’t cause any long-term problems, but can be painful during urination and when the area is touched.
If you have a cut on your vulva, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Wash the area daily with warm water and a mild soap.
For small cuts and abrasions, applying an ointment can help. If you have a severe tear, it’s best to see a doctor for treatment.
A doctor will do a physical examination of your vulva and pelvic area to find the source of the problem. They might gently touch the area or insert a plastic or metal instrument (speculum) to locate where the injury is coming from.
Most vaginal cuts are minor and heal on their own if they stay clean and don’t get irritated. However, larger tears can cause infections that require medical treatment. If you have a third-degree tear, you may need surgery to repair the muscles in your perineal canal and anus. This is known as an episiotomy. To reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth, talk to your health care provider about your options and birth plan.
4. Avoid Sex
While most vaginal cuts aren’t medically serious, it’s best to avoid sexual activity during the healing process. Not only does it increase your risk of getting an infection, but penetrative sex may cause the wound to reopen. This can lead to bleeding and pain, and increases the chances of bacteria entering or remaining in the wound. It is also important to wear protection during sex to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, UW Medicine reports.
Most vaginal cuts are the result of sex or sexual activity, but they can also occur from using tampons, certain skin conditions, and childbirth. Some are superficial and heal on their own, while others are deeper and require stitching.
To help speed up the healing process, it’s a good idea to wash the area with warm water once or twice per day. But be careful to not wash inside the opening, as this can disrupt your body’s natural pH balance and make the cut worse. Be sure to use mild soap, and avoid perfumed products.
You should also refrain from using any type of hair removal product in the area, as this can irritate the wound and cause it to bleed. In addition, you should not wear tight underwear that will chafe the area or rub it against clothing. Instead, wear cotton underwear or loose pants until the wound is healed.
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