Vaginal Cuts - A Cause for Concern

Introduction:

Vaginal cuts are injuries to the vaginal tissues or the external genitals. The cuts can be mild or severe. Minor vaginal cuts can occur when a woman is grooming her pubic hair or engaging in sexual activity. They are very common and heal independently with or without simple home care treatments. Severe cuts, referred to as lacerations, are caused by childbirth. This might require stitches. In addition, severe vaginal tears caused by injury or infection could require medical intervention.

Is Vaginal Cut a Cause for Concern?

Pubic hair removal is one of the major causes of vaginal cuts in women. Sexual activity can sometimes result in vaginal cuts or tears. Nevertheless, it is common for females to have cuts in the vaginal or external genital region following sexual intercourse and foreplay. It is not considered a cause for concern when the cuts are small and healing independently.

But, certain conditions could make the individual more susceptible to cuts, tears, and lacerations in the vaginal area, making them worse. Such conditions, infections, and injuries should be considered, and one should take steps to target them before they become a distressing concern.

What Causes Vaginal Cuts?

Vaginal cuts can be superficial, moderate, or deep, depending on the cause. Minor and simple vaginal cuts are harmless, causing mild pain and discomfort. While the severe and deeper ones require medical attention as they present bleeding and do not heal with self-care.

The common causes of vaginal cuts include the following:

1. Vaginal Delivery: Vaginal delivery can result in severe cuts and tears. It can cause severe cuts inside the vagina. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that about 50 to 80 percent of women who have undergone vaginal delivery develop vaginal cuts or tears. The vaginal cut from vaginal delivery could be painful, resulting in walking and sitting difficulties. Severe cuts and tears could be more painful and even bleed.

2. Sexual Activity: Sexual activity is one of the most common causes of vaginal cuts or tears. At times, damage to delicate vaginal tissue results from the insertion of the penis, finger, or any object. A person with a vaginal tear might have minor bruising and soreness lasting a few days.

There are certain risk factors for vaginal tears during sexual activity.

• Vigorous thrusting into the vagina.

• Vaginal scarring and tissue damage.

• Vaginal dryness.

3. Skin Conditions: Chronic skin conditions could make the vagina and genital region more fragile. Moreover, oral corticosteroids for these skin conditions could weaken the skin.

The common skin conditions that increase the risk of vaginal cuts or tears include the following.

• Psoriasis.

• Lichen planus.

• Lichen sclerosis.

• Eczema.

4. Hormonal Imbalances: The shifting estrogen levels in the system tend to make the vaginal walls thinner, less elastic, and more protein to tears and cuts. The estrogen level fluctuations occur with menopause, changing birth control aids, and strenuous exercise.

5. Hair Removal: There is another common cause of vaginal cuts and tears. Removing pubic hair with a razor can be one of the most significant causes. In addition, waxing could result in marked superficial cuts. People with chronic skin conditions are more likely to have cuts and wounds at the time of hair removal. Microscopic wounds are more common with pubic hair removal, which makes it easier for germs to access them. The clinical research findings suggest that about 25 percent of women are more likely to injure their genital region while trimming pubic hair.

6. Vitamin Deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies are less likely to cause vaginal cuts and tears. Nevertheless, vitamin C and D deficiencies could influence the strength of the skin tissue, causing more frailty.

When to Seek Professional Help for Vaginal Cuts?

The simple and minor vaginal cuts could heal on their own over time. Otherwise, self-treatment and home-care guidelines would help relieve those cuts. A minor laceration generally does not leave any scars or long-term complications.

However, one should consult a healthcare professional if the cut is still distressing with no improvement in symptoms. The doctors prescribe the appropriate treatment course. So, one should see the doctor if one has the following concerns.

• Continuous bleeding.

• Severe pain and discomfort.

• Presence of yellow and cloudy fluid.

• Recent history of vaginal delivery.

• Sexual assault.

• Underlying skin conditions.

How to Treat Vaginal Cuts?

Vaginal cuts generally heal up at a rapid rate with no or minimal scarring. Treatment of vaginal cuts involves self-treatment with or without medical intervention.

Medical Treatment:

The vaginal cuts require medical attention and appropriate treatment if they occur due to infection, underlying conditions, or severe injury. Poor healing responses should be taken into consideration and medically treated.

The common treatment options that healthcare professionals would provide for vaginal cuts include the following:

• Antibiotic creams and ointments.

• Antifungal cream if a yeast infection is suspected.

• Antiviral medications for herpes infection.

• Vaginal estrogen cream for inflammation of the vagina.

• Steroids and other ointments for psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin conditions.

• Pain relieving medications for severe pain.

• Drainage in case of abscess.

• Stitches for large and open vaginal cuts.

What Are the Self-Treatment Aids for Vaginal Cuts?

Most minor and superficial vaginal infections can be effectively treated at home. The salt-care treatment avoids activities and products that irritate the vaginal area.

The salt-care treatment guidelines include the following:

• Avoidance of sex and foreplay until the cut heals.

• Avoid touching the injured area.

• One must wear comfortable clothing.

• Keep the affected area clean and dry.

• Completely dry the vaginal area before appareling.

• Avoid fragrant soap, lubricant, spermicide, and other irritant chemicals while the vaginal cut heals.

• Use cleaners containing gentle ingredients.

• Increase the amount of daily water intake to make the urine less acidic.

• Watch the affected area for changes to prevent it from worsening.

Conclusion:

Vaginal cuts are cuts and lacerations that develop in the vaginal or external genital region. It can range from a minor cut to a more upsetting concern. It can occur due to infections, skin conditions, vaginal delivery, hormonal imbalances, pubic hair removal, and other injuries. Healing occurs on its own in most cases. Nevertheless, one must get medical treatment for those vaginal cuts that show poor healing responses.