A Guide To Treating (Minor) Vaginal Cuts!
Trigger Warning: This article contains topics like injuries in the sensitive areas, and sexual abuse.
The vagina is one of the most sensitive parts of the bodies of vagina-owners, which is why a cut or fissure in the vagina could be the cause of a lot of discomforts. But, as much as it is sensitive it is also very private. In case of minor injuries, some might not feel very comfortable discussing it with others. So here’s an article that’ll help you in such tricky situations.
Now, vaginal cuts can be experienced due to a lot of reasons such as sexual activities, childbirth, or even an accident while removing pubic hair. We’ll in this blog target the minor vaginal cuts that may not need a doctor’s attention.
What Vaginal Cut is not?
There are various types of injuries in the vagina and its various parts such as the labia or vulva. Some of the examples are- rashes on the vulva, Hematoma on Labia, swelling on labia or even urethral trauma, and many more. Note that this blog does not talk about these bruises and one should not confuse vaginal cuts with these injuries.
Vaginal cut if defined in layman’s language would be- ‘The cuts/tears of the vaginal tissues, which can include the vagina and vulva are called vaginal cuts. They may affect the other parts of the vagina such as labia or clitoris, but they occur in the vaginal tissues only ’
Now, vaginal cuts can be as minor as a scratch (known as micro cuts) or as severe as Episiotomy (which is caused during childbirth). Episiotomy is an incision made for childbirth and is performed under anesthesia by the health practitioner.
In this article, the main focus would be the most common causes of vaginal cuts and how they are treated.
But how do I know if I have a Vaginal cut?
Unless it’s a severe laceration, one might not realize the injury. And there’s a huge possibility that you might suffer from a vaginal cut and wouldn’t really realize or might confuse it with infection or any other discomfort but a Vaginal cut.
Now, one way to self-examine vaginal cuts is to-
- Take Pictures of your vaginal area and check for tears or fissures.
- Or, use a torch and mirror to examine (gently) your vagina
In the case of micro-cuts, they might not be visible to the naked eye, in such cases look for the symptoms. Here are some symptoms of (minor) vaginal cut or ways you can self-exam vaginal cuts:
- Pain or discomfort inside of the vaginal opening.
- Burning or stinging sensation during urination or while coming with the contact of water.
- Bleeding inside the vagina.
- Menstruators might feel discomfort while inserting tampons, menstrual cups, or even while using sanitary pads.
- Itching or tearing sensation, especially while wearing tight underwear or pants.
What causes Vaginal cuts?
Sometimes there’s no way to know what gave you a vaginal cut, but based on common causes of vaginal cuts you can figure out what caused your cut-
- Sexual activity: This is one of the most common causes of a vaginal tear, some of the activities include:
- Intercourse- Rough and vigorous thrusting into the vagina (especially without using a lubricant)
- Skin and vaginal conditions: Sexual activity with certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus can cause vaginal cuts. Also, vaginal dryness due to vulvovaginal atrophy and vaginal conditions like vaginismus or yeast infection can also be the cause of Vaginal cuts.
- Fingering or Fisting- While foreplay or masturbating, fingering or fisting might stretch the vaginal tissue more than its capacity which can lead to vaginal tears. Also, human nails (most probably by accident during masturbating or fingering) can also be a reason for cuts in the vagina.
- Selecting wrong sex toys- Often foreign objects (for example dildos) can tear the sensitive vaginal tissues, hence it is always advised to use safe and suitable sex toys.
- Hair Removal: Vaginal cuts are common in people who might indulge in pubic hair removal. It’s worth noting that a majority of vagina owners give themselves vaginal cuts during the pubic hair removal process, either during shaving using a razor or while using a hot wax technique.
- Childbirth: Many birth givers suffer from vaginal cuts during the delivery of the child. In such cases, it is advised to get medical assistance for the injury.
What is the treatment for vaginal cuts?
It is very important to aid the vaginal cuts to avoid infections in your vaginal parts.
For micro-cuts you can rely on home treatment, here are some ways which can be useful to treat vaginal cuts-
- Wash the area with warm water gently, thrice a day.
- Avoid harsh, scented soaps for cleaning your genitals till the wound is healed
- Take painkillers if needed.
- Refrain from touching your affected area frequently.
- Do not use antiseptics for the cuts, such as Dettol or Savlon.
- You can use a peri bottle for urinating to avoid the stingy sensation.
- Avoid using tampons, menstrual cups, or sanitary pads till the wound is healed
- Pat dry your sensitive area instead of rubbing.
- Avoid any kind of sexual activity (oral, and intercourse especially)
- For a few days avoid wearing underwear or tight clothes
- Try sitting freely with legs (slightly) wide open for the wound to heal
How to prevent Vaginal cuts?
- For sexual activity:
- Use water or silicone-based lubricant to avoid discomfort during intercourse.
- Indulge in foreplay and vaginal stimulation before intercourse so that your vagina naturally lubricates (wets) itself.
- A warm-water shower or bath can help you relax your vaginal tissues before sex or masturbation.
- Always ask your partner(s) to take care of their hygiene (like washing hands, and trimming their nails) before fingering, and do the same yourself while masturbating.
- Don’t take risks with complex sexual positions or fisting without having proper guidance of performing it.
- For hair removal:
- While using a razor be extra careful and gentle, and shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Always use a clean razor/blade and dispose of the razor after 5-7 uses.
- Avoid shaving or waxing when you have acne or sores around that area.
- While waxing keep your skin taut and apply the gel in the direction of hair growth.
- During childbirth, try to seek help from a medical professional to avoid vaginal cuts.
A final piece of advice to vagina-owners:
Love your body and respect it, whenever needed remind your partner(s) of it, and discuss healthy sexual practices which make your body and mind happy. Sex should never be painful, but if the find is very discomforting, then talk to your partner(s) and also you may seek help from sex therapists.
Minor or micro vaginal cuts can cause mild pain and discomfort which can be easily self-diagnosed but in case of severe cuts (which might cause excessive bleeding or nauseousness), it is always advised to see a doctor.
In case of sexual abuse or assault, do not refrain from going to the police and also a doctor.
Cover Illustration: VIX
Author
18 thoughts on “A Guide To Treating (Minor) Vaginal Cuts!”
Thank you so much it is so helpful ❤️
It was helpful
hi … my name is vanessa … and i have a vagina … and it has a cut … it stings when i go pee …
Thank you so much for this
Hi, my Name is hawwa. I m having really troublesome and also very hard to ensure this vaginal pain. Actually its not vaginal but near that area I have a small cuts. Its been quite few months im having this problem I don’t know how to treat to that cuts. I can’t walk because of pain im having. So pls tell me wht can I do to treat this area
Id like to know how long it usually takes to heal for vaginal cuts?
Mine happened thru a bad sexual experience. The psychopath thought eating pssy actually ment using his teeth. Plus he was very rough and the beard did not help.
I’ve been in pain for over a week and it itches so it’s hard to not touch the area while it heals.
Do you have any advice?
Hi! Thanks for the question. Smaller cuts should heal in 5-7 days usually but can be aggravated by factors like added friction. It’s best to speak with a doctor if it has not resolved yet.
62years old l have a some cut l don’t have sex and l don’t masturbate l use triple antibiotic but seen like it comes back every two weeks. What can l do?
Such cuts can happen for a variety of reasons including underlying skin conditions or infections. It’s best to consult with a gynaecologist in this case to figure out why they may be occurring.
Hi I am a 14 year old virgin who hasn’t had hair removal, or performed any self stimulation, but I still have these. Should I be concerned?
Such cuts can happen for a variety of reasons including underlying skin conditions or infections. It’s best to consult with a gynaecologist in this case to figure out why they may be occurring.
Thanks so much
Hey I’m 17 and it has been ig5-6 days since i muster-bated and from the second day I felt cut inside my vagina may be becoz i got to rough with myself does it affect my vaginal health in future?? what should i do?? Do i need to consult to doctor incase
Hi! Small cuts usually heal on their own. However, if the pain persists, you should consult a doctor since there could be small chances of infections. Generally, there are no consequences for long term vaginal health!
Hello, I was “attempting” to pleasure myself with an adult toy however it was much larger than anything I’ve tried to use before. I did limit foreplay and can say that lubricant was scarce. After about 5min of trying I took the toy away and noticed blood on it. It’s been about 30-40min and I’m still bleeding. I feel no pain or discomfort at this moment or when it happened and can’t see any cuts as I think it’s coming from a little more inside. I’m unsure what I should do, this has never happened before and I’m quite scared that I’ve damaged something.
Hi there! Thanks for sharing. The bleeding could be for many reasons like small cuts or excessive stretching of the vaginal canal, specially since you mention that lubricants were scarce. It is uncommon for a toy to cause irreversible damage based on what it described. If the bleeding does not go away on it’s own within 1-2 days, it’s best to speak to a medical professional to ensure everything is well.
was having sex last night for the first time in awhile. it was very rough and enjoyable until we noticed i was bleeding excessively. its tender today amd still bleeding some but not as excessive. Hands and penis were both used. Should i go to the doctor?
Generally, some bleeding can happen as a result of minor tears from rough sex or even nails. Usually, this should go away on it’s own but if it is painful and doesn’t subside within 24-48 hours, it’s wise to speak to a doctor