Vaginal tears are cuts that occur in vaginal tissues, both inside the body and externally.
Symptoms include pain, bleeding, swelling, bruising, and problems sitting or walking.
Tears range in severity from minor to deep and tearing may extend into the rectum.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Smaller vaginal tears are common and typically heal naturally within a week or so.
More severe tears may need stitches or surgical repair.
But smaller injuries, especially those to the internal vaginal tissue, may not be obvious.
More severe genital injuries, such as aperinealtear, will likely require medical treatment in addition to self-care.
Self-Treatment
Most minor vaginal tears are treatable at home.
Large or severe cutsmay need stitches.
Deep tears and cuts that recur or leave scars may need to be repaired surgically.
Perineal Tears
Perineal tears are rips in the skin and muscles of theperineum.
These tears occur during vaginal childbirth.
If the perineum cant stretch far enough, skin and sometimes muscle tissue will naturally tear.
Pelvic floor exercisesmay also be advised to assist with healing by improving blood flow to the perineum.
Sexual Activity
The most common cause of vaginal cuts is having sex.
you’re free to get a cut on your vagina by having sexual intercourse without proper lubrication.
Shaving and Waxing Pubic Hair
Shaving and waxing pubic hair are other common causes of vaginal cuts.
The most common injury was vaginal cuts in women.
A small percentage of people in the study needed antibiotics or surgery to treat them.
Sometimes, tests are helpful to check for any conditions that may contribute to vaginal injury.
Communicate with your partner if sex is causing you discomfort.
Remove a tampon slowly.
If you remove a dry tampon, consider switching to a pad or period underwear instead.
Vaginal Delivery
With your healthcare providers approval, better to exercise regularly throughout your pregnancy.
Perineal massage should be performed throughout pregnancy and during labor.
However, some may need medical care.
It requires prompt medical attention.
Signs of an infection may include foul-smelling discharge, fever, and pain that doesnt improve with medication.
Anyone who has beensexually assaulted, raped, or sexually abused should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Summary
Genital tears occur both inside the body and externally.
Symptoms include pain, bleeding, swelling, bruising, and problems sitting or walking.
Tears range in severity from minor to deep and tearing may extend into the rectum.
In some cases, underlying medical conditions may make vaginal tissues more fragile and likely to tear.
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