Vaginal cuts and tears are a common problem in women who are sexually active. Although usually not serious, vaginal cuts can be uncomfortable and irksome. The good news, however, is that vaginal cuts can be prevented.
Many women notice vaginal cuts and tears after sexual intercourse, and most of the time these tears and abrasions are normal. Vaginal cuts become more noticeable during sex, because semen can sting when it comes in contact with the open cuts.
Even though minor vaginal cuts may not create long-term health issues,, they can negatively affect your experience of sex, and make you uncomfortable. A better course is to learn how to prevent the cuts from occurring in the first place.
Many women notice vaginal cuts and tears after sexual intercourse, and most of the time these tears and abrasions are normal. Vaginal cuts become more noticeable during sex, because semen can sting when it comes in contact with the open cuts.
Even though minor vaginal cuts may not create long-term health issues,, they can negatively affect your experience of sex, and make you uncomfortable. A better course is to learn how to prevent the cuts from occurring in the first place.
Vaginal Cut Symptoms
Symptoms of vaginal cuts may include:
• Mild pain
• Stinging when urinating (peeing) or after contact with water or semen
• Discomfort when inserting a tampon or during sexual intercourse
• Slight bleeding or spotting
• Itching, burning, or a tearing sensation
• A cut, split, or damage to the vaginal tissue
• A cut or split to the vulva (the outer genitalia)
• A cut that often comes from an unknown cause (such as sex, a scratch, or other causes)
• Mild pain
• Stinging when urinating (peeing) or after contact with water or semen
• Discomfort when inserting a tampon or during sexual intercourse
• Slight bleeding or spotting
• Itching, burning, or a tearing sensation
• A cut, split, or damage to the vaginal tissue
• A cut or split to the vulva (the outer genitalia)
• A cut that often comes from an unknown cause (such as sex, a scratch, or other causes)
Causes
There are many possible causes of vaginal tears, which may include:
Sexual intercourse or foreplay (particularly involving rough sex)
Putting a foreign object into the vagina
Improper insertion and removal of tampons
Vaginal dryness (making the skin more prone to vaginal tears)
Thinning of the vaginal tissue due to aging
Taking steroids (which makes the skin tissue more prone to tearing)
Removal of pubic hair (shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods)
Yeast infections
Sexual intercourse or foreplay (particularly involving rough sex)
Putting a foreign object into the vagina
Improper insertion and removal of tampons
Vaginal dryness (making the skin more prone to vaginal tears)
Thinning of the vaginal tissue due to aging
Taking steroids (which makes the skin tissue more prone to tearing)
Removal of pubic hair (shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods)
Yeast infections
Sexual Activity
Sexual activity is a common cause of vaginal tears. A penis, finger, or another object that a person inserts into the vagina can damage its delicate tissues.
Following sexual activity that causes vaginal tears, a person may also have minor bruising in the pelvic region and vaginal soreness that lasts for a few days.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of vaginal tears during sexual activity include:
• rough or vigorous thrusting of an object into the vagina
• vaginal dryness
• vulvovaginal atrophy, a condition in which the vaginal tissues become drier, thinner, and less elastic
• vaginal scarring or tissue damage, for example, from surgery, pelvic radiation therapy, or congenital abnormalities
• certain skin conditions, such as eczema, lichen planus, or psoriasis
Following sexual activity that causes vaginal tears, a person may also have minor bruising in the pelvic region and vaginal soreness that lasts for a few days.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of vaginal tears during sexual activity include:
• rough or vigorous thrusting of an object into the vagina
• vaginal dryness
• vulvovaginal atrophy, a condition in which the vaginal tissues become drier, thinner, and less elastic
• vaginal scarring or tissue damage, for example, from surgery, pelvic radiation therapy, or congenital abnormalities
• certain skin conditions, such as eczema, lichen planus, or psoriasis
Do’s And Don’ts
If you have cuts in your vagina, you should avoid vaginal penetration until the wounds are healed. Penetration could reopen or worsen the cut and introduce new bacteria. This may cause the cut to bleed or swell. It can also lead to infection.
If you do have sex while your cut is healing, use protection. Having unprotected sex while you have an open wound increases your risk of transmitting or developing infectious disease.
If you do have sex while your cut is healing, use protection. Having unprotected sex while you have an open wound increases your risk of transmitting or developing infectious disease.
When To See Your Doctor
When the symptoms do not resolve themselves or in other circumstances, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. These circumstances include:
Any discolored drainage or foul-smelling discharge
Excessive bleeding that does not stop
Large, deep, or numerous vaginal cuts
Worsening of symptoms
Symptoms that have continued for a few days (the deeper the cut, the longer it will take to heal, deeper cuts may take longer than a few days).
Symptoms that cause concern
Recurring vaginal cuts
Numbness or tingling
Fever or chills
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Any discolored drainage or foul-smelling discharge
Excessive bleeding that does not stop
Large, deep, or numerous vaginal cuts
Worsening of symptoms
Symptoms that have continued for a few days (the deeper the cut, the longer it will take to heal, deeper cuts may take longer than a few days).
Symptoms that cause concern
Recurring vaginal cuts
Numbness or tingling
Fever or chills
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Summary
Vaginal cuts or tears can occur during pubic hair removal and sexual activity. Vaginal delivery during childbirth can also cause wounds in the tissues inside and surrounding the vagina. Minor vaginal cuts or tears can cause pain and discomfort, but they generally heal without treatment within a few days. Keeping the affected area clean and dry can help the wounds heal and prevent infection. More significant cuts or tears may require medical attention. See a doctor if the cuts are deep, numerous, or do not stop bleeding.
