Vaginal lacerations and rips: Origins, remedies, and when to seek medical attention
Vaginal cuts and tears can occur for various reasons, and it's essential to understand the causes, prevention methods, and treatment options.
One common cause of vaginal cuts and tears is dryness and lack of lubrication during sexual activity. This dryness may stem from hormonal changes, menstrual cycle variations, or insufficient arousal. Physical trauma from penetration, including fingernails scratching the delicate vaginal lining or hymenal stretching/tearing, especially during first-time penetration, is another cause. Infections that cause inflammation or irritation of the vulva, vagina, or cervix can lead to increased sensitivity and bleeding, with bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or yeast infections being common culprits.
Factors that increase the likelihood of such injuries during sexual activity include insufficient lubrication or arousal, rough or forceful penetration, the presence of infections causing weakened or inflamed tissue, and possibly repeated or prolonged sexual activities without adequate breaks or care.
Prevention focuses on ensuring adequate lubrication during sexual activity, maintaining short and smooth fingernails, engaging in gentle and gradual penetration, especially for first-time experiences, treating and managing any vaginal infections promptly, and using barrier protection (like condoms) to reduce infections that can inflame tissue and increase injury risk.
Treatment for vaginal cuts and tears usually involves allowing the area to heal naturally with rest and avoidance of further irritation or penetration until healed, using water-based lubricants to prevent dryness during future sexual activity, treating any underlying infections with appropriate medications prescribed by a healthcare provider, and keeping the area clean and dry to avoid secondary infections.
Healthcare professionals may use perineal massage and warm compresses during labor to help prevent vaginal tears during delivery. Keeping the area around a vaginal cut clean and dry can help prevent skin infections. Cuts or tears from vaginal deliveries can be painful and may make it difficult for an individual to walk or sit for a few days.
Minor vaginal cuts or tears are generally harmless and usually heal quickly without treatment. However, more severe cuts or tears can lead to complications such as substantial blood loss and infections. Ways to lower the risk of vaginal cuts and tears during sex include using a water or silicone-based lubricant, setting aside time for sex, making time for foreplay, telling a sexual partner about pain, and emptying the bladder before sex.
Rough or vigorous thrusting, vaginal dryness, vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal scarring, certain skin conditions, and some medications may increase the likelihood of vaginal tears during sexual activity. Hair removal, particularly with a razor or waxing, can also cause vaginal cuts or tears. Vulvar inflammation can cause the vulva area to appear red or discolored and swollen, and in certain conditions, may also develop alongside scaly patches or blisters.
To prevent vaginal tears while waxing, the area should be clean, dry, and free of any irritation, wound, or sore. Wax should be applied in the direction of hair growth and removed in the opposite direction, and the skin should be kept taut when applying and removing the wax.
Vaginal delivery can cause more severe cuts or tears inside the vagina, with 53% to 79% of people who deliver vaginally developing lacerations or cuts. People with vaginal cuts or tears should seek immediate medical care if they exhibit symptoms such as excess bleeding, large, deep, or numerous tears, rugged edges, failure to heal within a few days, fever or chills, discolored or foul-smelling discharge, a general feeling of being unwell, numbness or tingling, feeling faint or losing consciousness, or any other concerning symptoms.
Regular vaginal intercourse can help keep vaginal tissues strong and moist, reducing the likelihood of vaginal cuts and tears. It's crucial to remember that open communication with sexual partners, proper hygiene, and safe sex practices are essential in preventing vaginal injuries and maintaining overall sexual health.
- Inconveniencies such as hair removal using a razor or waxing can potentially cause vaginal cuts or tears.
- Seeking immediate medical care is necessary if symptoms like excess bleeding, large tears, or fever arise after vaginal delivery, which can lead to severe cuts or tears inside the vagina.
- Sexual health is greatly influenced by the use of appropriate lubricants like water or silicone-based ones, allowing enough time for foreplay, communicating about pain, and emptying the bladder before sexual activity.
- Predictive science in health and wellness, including sexual health and women's health, can help predict factors that increase the likelihood of vaginal tears during sexual activity.
- GLP (Global Practice Guidelines, Linda-Gail Beadle and others) can provide useful guidance on topics related to sexual health, such as preventing vaginal cuts and tears through proper lubrication, gentle penetration, and managing infections.
- The removal of vaginal cuts and tears during delivery can be facilitated through perineal massage and warm compresses, promoting healing and minimizing pain and discomfort.
