How long does it take for a vaginal cut to heal?
Most vaginal cuts should heal on their own in a few days. However, some may need medical care. For example, a tear in the V-shaped fold of skin at the bottom of the entrance to the vagina (posterior fourchette fissure) can develop into a deeper tear.
How are perineal and vaginal tears repaired?
Perineal and vaginal tears can sometimes cause pain and may increase your recovery time. How are vaginal tears repaired? In most cases, a tear requires stitches. Generally speaking, they're required in tears that are longer than 2 centimeters, or about 1 inch. After the tear is repaired, you’ll likely experience tenderness at the site as it heals.
What are the treatments for a third-degree vaginal tear?
Third- and fourth-degree tears will require surgical treatment, which will repair the muscles between the vagina and anus. After a vaginal tear, some home remedies may help you remain comfortable or heal more quickly.
Do you need stitches for a tear in your vagina?
Because the vaginal area has a good blood supply, the tissues in this area heal well, and minor tears may require no treatment. For more severe tears, you may need stitches or surgical repair of the tear. First-degree tears, which only involve the skin, don’t usually need treatment.
How long does a torn VAG take to heal?
How long does it take a vaginal tear to heal? Most women feel relief from any pain caused by a vaginal tear in about two weeks. If your tear required stitches, they will dissolve within six weeks.
How can I speed up the healing of a vaginal tear?
Home remedies for faster healingUse a peri bottle. Your hospital may even give you this postpartum essential as a parting gift before you return home. ... Change your pads often. ... Use cooling pads. ... Try showering daily. ... Drink plenty of water. ... Eat a varied diet. ... Kegels, Kegels, Kegels.
How long does 2nd degree tear take to heal?
Whether you had a vaginal tear or an incision, a new wound like this one will take time to heal, usually seven to 10 days. Stiches used in the repair of various tears will dissolve on their own within six weeks.
What to do if you think you have a cut on your vagina?
If you think you have a vaginal cut, do a self-exam and keep an eye on the area to see if the injury gets worse or may be infected.
What happens if a cut on the vagina doesn't clear up?
If bleeding or pain does not clear up within a few days after the injury occurs, call your healthcare provider. Vaginal cuts could result in infection. A severe infection could lead to an abscess, which might need to be drained. Large or severe cuts may need stitches.
How to tell if you have a vaginal infection?
Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you have large, deep, or numerous vaginal cuts, or if you think you have an infection. Signs of an infection may include foul-smelling discharge, fever, and pain that doesn't improve with medication. 3
Why do they do a biopsy on vaginal tears?
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken and sent to the lab in order to diagnose underlying causes of recurring vaginal tears (such as lichen sclerosus).
What is a vaginal cut?
Vaginal cuts are tears are injuries of the vaginal tissues, including the vagina or the vulva, which is the external genitals. Severe vaginal tears (called lacerations) are often caused by childbirth, but smaller vaginal cuts (sometimes referred to as micro-cuts) are very common. Vaginal cuts can occur from a wide range of underlying causes, ...
What are the risks of having a vaginal cut?
Specific skin conditions that may increase the risk of vaginal cuts include: Eczema is a skin condition involving red patches that become inflamed, crack, and itch. Lichen planus is an inflammatory disorder that affects the skin. Psoriasis is a skin condition involving itchy, scaly, dry patches.
Why does my vagina hurt after radiation?
Vaginal scarring or tissue damage may occur from surgery or radiation therapy in the pelvic area. Atrophic vaginitis is inflammation and thinning of the vaginal tissue due to not having enough estrogen. Vulvovaginitis is an infection resulting from Candida albicans, commonly referred to as thrush.
How to treat a cut on the vagina?
Some general suggestions for treating vaginal cuts and tears include: washing the hands with soap and running water for 15–30 seconds before touching the wound. washing the affected area daily with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or cleanser.
What causes a vaginal tear?
Sexual abuse, assault, or rape can cause vaginal cuts or tears of varying severity. People who have experienced sexual violations should talk to a doctor as soon as possible or seek emergency care. Adults should also speak with a doctor about any unexplained or concerning vaginal cuts or tears in children or infants.
What does it mean when you have a large vaginal tear?
numbness or tingling. feeling faint or losing consciousness. People who frequently experience painful or large vaginal cuts or tears should discuss their symptoms with a doctor to identify possible underlying conditions. Sexual abuse, assault, or rape can cause vaginal cuts or tears of varying severity.
How painful is it to have a cut in your vagina?
Cuts or tears from vaginal deliveries can be painful and may make it difficult for a woman to walk or sit for a few days. More severe cuts or tears can be very painful and may bleed.
What is the term for a condition in which the vaginal tissues become drier, thinner, and less?
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.
How to prevent cuts while shaving pubic hair?
wetting the skin and hair before shaving. using shaving creams or gels. using a clean razor with a sharp blade.
How to avoid tears while waxing?
The following tips can help prevent vaginal tears while waxing: making sure that the area is clean, dry, and free of any irritation, wound, or sore. applying the wax in the direction of hair growth and removing it in the opposite direction.
How long does it take for a vaginal tear to heal?
Most women feel relief from any pain caused by a vaginal tear in about two weeks. If your tear required stitches, they will dissolve within six weeks. You will not need to go back to your healthcare provider’s office to have your stitches removed or receive any additional treatment for the tear.
How long does it take for stitches to dissolve in a vaginal tear?
In a second-, third- and fourth-degree tear, you will receive stitches to repair the injury. Any stitches will dissolve on their own within six weeks.
What is the most severe tear in the vagina?
There are four grades of tear that can happen, with a fourth-degree tear being the most severe. An episiotomy is a procedure that may be used to widen the vaginal opening in a controlled way. Appointments 216.444.6601. Appointments & Locations. Have My Baby at Cleveland Clinic.
What are the different grades of vaginal tears?
There are several different grades of vaginal tears. These grades are determined by the severity of the tear. First-degree tear: The least severe of tears, this small injury involves the first layer of tissue around the vagina and perineal area. Second-degree tear: This second level of this injury is actually the most commonly seen tear ...
What is the area between the vagina and the anus called?
The perineal area (also called the perine um) is the space between the vaginal opening and your anus. During a typical vaginal delivery, the skin of your vagina prepares for childbirth by thinning out. This part of your body is meant to stretch and allow the baby’s head and body to pass through without trauma. ...
Why does my vagina tear?
This part of your body is meant to stretch and allow the baby’s head and body to pass through without trauma. However, there are several reasons why a vaginal tear might happen. These reasons can include: A large baby. A very quick delivery (the skin hasn’t had time to stretch and thin). Use of forceps during delivery.
Can an episiotomy tear your vagina?
Though an episiotomy widens the vaginal opening, it doesn ’t always keep you from tearing. An episiotomy is often listed as one of the risks for a more severe tear (third- or fourth-degree). Talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of this procedure.
How to lessen the likelihood of a vaginal tear?
You can also lessen the likelihood of experiencing a tear by taking additional precautions. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider for additional treatment if you’re experiencing unexpected bleeding, pain, or vaginal swelling following birth, or if your vaginal tear isn’t healing or is getting worse.
How do you know if you have a vaginal tear?
Signs of infection from vaginal tears include fever or stitches that smell or become painful. You should contact your healthcare provider if you have: symptoms of infection. trouble controlling your bowels after a severe tear. intense pain while urinating, or increased frequency of urination.
What is a 4th degree laceration?
A fourth-degree laceration extends to the anal sphincter and the tissue beneath it. These severe tears can cause problems with incontinence later. Infections are possible but unlikely with proper treatment. Signs of infection from vaginal tears include fever or stitches that smell or become painful.
What to do if you tear your ear?
Depending on the severity of the tear, you may receive stitches or prescriptions for medicated creams and ointments.
How to get rid of a swollen peritoneum?
taking prenatal vitamins, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining overall good health. using a lubricant when it’s time to push. keeping your perineum warm, such as with a warm towel, to increase blood flow and soften the muscles.
How to reduce swelling in a swollen area?
Ice packs. Applying ice packs to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling. Many drugstores sell ice packs that resemble sanitary pads and can be worn in your underwear. If you use an ice pack, cover it with a clean cloth to protect your skin from the cold.
Can you get stitches for a vaginal tear?
Vaginal tears are a normal complication of childbirth for many women. While some will need to be treated by a healthcare provider and may require stit ches, plenty of women can treat their vaginal tears with home remedies like those listed above.
When to seek medical advice for a vaginal tear?
When to seek medical advice. If you experience a vaginal tear during birth, make sure to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments. If you experience a non-obstetric vaginal tear, you may only need a doctor if it causes bleeding or pain. You should also see a doctor if you think the tear is infected.
How to prevent vaginal tear?
To prevent vaginal tearing, medical professionals have many strategies they may use during delivery. Massaging the perineum can relax the muscles and help prevent tearing.
What are vaginal tears?
Vaginal tears, also called vaginal lacerations, are wounds in the vaginal tissue. They can occur throughout the vagina. Tears in the vagina, labia, and perineum are all possible. The perineum is the tissue between anus and vaginal opening. There are different types of perineal tears that range in severity from first- to fourth-degree.
How common are vaginal tears during birth?
During birth, vaginal tears are very common. Most deliveries cause some degree of tearing, though severe tears are quite rare.
What percentage of vaginal deliveries cause perineal trauma?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 53–79 percent of vaginal deliveries will cause some degree of perineal trauma. Fortunately, most of these tears do not lead to adverse functional outcomes.
What degree of tears are there in the perineal gland?
There are different types of perineal tears that range in severity from first- to fourth-degree. First-degree tears only affect the skin, while second-degree tears reach into the muscle. Third-degree tears go deeper, extending all the way into the anal sphincter.
What degree of tear is needed for surgery?
Second-degree tears, which involve both the skin and the muscles underneath, often need to be stitched up. Third- and fourth-degree tears will require surgical treatment, which will repair the muscles between the vagina and anus.
How long does it take for vaginal tears to heal?
Whether you had a vaginal tear or an incision, a new wound like this one will take time to heal, usually seven to 10 days. Stiches used in the repair of various tears will dissolve on their own within six weeks.
How are vaginal tears treated?
Stitches are required to treat tears that are longer than 2 centimeters or about an inch in size, which includes second-, third- and fourth-degree lacerations. A first-degree tear, however, usually heals on its own. You may be stitched up right in the delivery room, though more severe tears are sometimes repaired under anesthesia, possibly by a specialist, in an operating room.
What causes vaginal or perineal tears during childbirth?
During labor and delivery, the vaginal skin will thin out so it can stretch, thereby allowing your baby’s head, body and limbs to slide out. But in some cases, the vagina or perineum tears — and here’s why:
How do you care for vaginal tears after childbirth?
As mentioned, your stitches will absorb over time, but you can help your tears heal more quickly by following your practitioner’s instructions for postpartum perineal hygiene. Here’s how to keep this area healthy, prevent infection and promote healing:
How to avoid tears during labor?
Applying warm compresses to the perineum and using perineal massage during labor may also help you avoid tears as can controlled labor, which means pushing only when you feel the urge and allowing your skin enough time to stretch.
Why does my baby tear out during labor?
During labor and delivery, the vaginal skin will thin out so it can stretch, thereby allowing your baby’s head, body and limbs to slide out. But in some cases, the vagina or perineum tears — and here’s why: First birth. Your body may not cooperate the first time you push, resulting in a tear. Fast birth.
How to stop vaginal tears?
The pain is real when it comes to vaginal tears, but there are some ways to get relief: Ice. Chilled witch hazel pads, crushed ice in a plastic bag or wash cloth or a maxi-pad lined with a plastic cold pack can fight swelling. Heat.
Vaginal Cut Symptoms
Causes
- Vaginal cuts can occur from a wide range of underlying causes, but the most common cause of vaginal cuts is having sex, usually without proper lubrication.4 Shaving and waxing pubic hair are other common causes of vaginal cuts. In fact, a 2017 study found that 25.6% of all people who groomed their pubic hair reported injuries. The most common injury was vaginal cuts in women. …
Diagnosis
- To diagnose a vaginal cut, your healthcare provider will need to perform a physical examination and take your medical history. This helps them understand your symptoms, as well as any other medical conditions or other factors that could be the reason for the injury. The healthcare provider will also ask if the symptoms are new or recurring to find out if you have a history of vaginal cuts.
Treatment
- Vaginal cuts usually heal up quickly with no scarring and only slight bleeding. If bleeding or pain does not clear up within a few days after the injury occurs, call your healthcare provider. Treating vaginal cuts will involve self-care but may also require medical treatment.
Prevention
- Prevention measures for recurrence of vaginal cuts depend on several factors: 1. The cause: Prevention involves avoiding the underlying cause (such as shaving or trimming pubic hair) or using caution when a person plans to continue the action that caused the vaginal cuts (such as sexual activity or using tampons). 2. The severity of the condition: Mild tears may be avoided by …
Summary
- Skin in the genital region is delicate, sensitive, and can be prone to injuries. In some cases, underlying medical conditions may make your skin even more fragile. If you have a vaginal cut or injury to your vaginal tissue, understanding what caused it is important so that you can prevent it from happening again.
A Word from Verywell
- Vaginal cuts are never pleasant. While some can be serious, rest assured that most are not. Keep the area clean and have some patience—it's very likely that a minor cut will be a thing of the past in a few days. Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you experience odd discharge, persistent pain, or other symptoms of a significant tear or infection.