How to Avoid Vaginal Cuts

Prevention should generally apply as a guiding principle, and vaginal cuts are no exception. Vagina refers to the tube in the female genitals that lead to the uterus. Getting into the cause of vaginal cuts may help better understand how they may be prevented.

• Primarily during conventional penetrative sex, the vagina may suffer minor cuts.

• Sex positions of certain types aggravate the vagina.

• Shaving, trimming, and waxing the pubic hair could give rise to cuts.

• Dryness in the vagina.

• Sex toys with rough surfaces for a variety of sexual activities.

• Tampons and pads absorb menstrual blood. 

How to Minimize the Risks of Vaginal Cuts?

Certain cultures consider the topic sex sensitive, which is usually avoided during a general conversation. Spouses could talk it over and certainly with healthcare professionals. Normal controlled sex does not cause such cuts. Tough sex is dangerous. If the cuts arise from vaginal dryness, water-based lubricants solve the problem with moisture. Oil-based lubricants disturb the skin and damage condoms that are meant for avoiding birth and protection from STDs.

Natural arousal that lubricates the vagina before sex requires ample foreplay or lovemaking. Give it some time. Further, sex toys may be exciting but destructive and may cause havoc to the private parts. Some sex toys may have sharp surfaces. Limit their use or avoid them completely. Why not experiment with a variety of sexual positions to avoid stress on the vagina? The woman on top is certainly less stressful for the vagina. Another strategy especially after a busy stressful working day would be bathing before the sex session to promote vaginal relaxation.

The use of inserted tampons or pads to absorb menstrual blood raises many questions. They might cause injury or infection. Follow hygienic practices and avoid keeping them on for too long. 

Regarding the dangers that arise from grooming public hair, it is best avoided. If it must be done as many do, use clean and sharp razors. Are you certain that the skin is in good shape without cuts or disease? Don’t forget to moisturize the area with gel or cream beforehand. Shave with extreme care and gently, especially around bumps. During shaving, rinse the razor frequently. Shaving strokes should go downwards and do it while standing. Do it yourself.

Regarding waxing, do it on clean and dry healthy skin. The skin needs to be taut while applying or removing the wax. Start applying the wax downwards. That is how the hair grows. While removing the wax, follow the opposite direction, the opposite of hair growth.

Take great care with shaving and waxing as they are among the most common causes of vaginal cuts. A 2017 study found that over 25 percent of those who groomed such pubic hair ended up with injuries. Some needed antibiotics for healing.

Identifying Vaginal Cuts

While severe cuts may be visible, small cuts in the internal vagina would not be seen but felt. The usual symptoms that arise are mild pain and burning during urination. When water or semen comes in contact, it might result in stinging. Itching and burning along with a little bleeding could occur. Sexual intercourse would be painful. Inserting a tampon could cause discomfort. Take care of the doubt with a careful examination of the affected area. Wait and see if signs of infection occur.

The Need for Medical Attention

Minor cuts heal within days on their own. Some cases would require professional help. If the tear is located on the posterior fourchette fissure at the bottom of the vagina entrance, it could get worse. If symptoms persist after a few days and are getting worse, they may require medical assistance. Is there a discharge with a foul smell? Are the cuts recurring? Are fever and chills present along with numbness? Is the bleeding getting more intensive? Is it resulting in weakness or fainting?

Sexual Abuse Requires Urgent Help

Legally and medically, immediate care and attention should be sought in cases of sexual assault. If a child or baby suffers vaginal tears, immediate medical attention should be sought by the elders in the family or institution without delay.

Understanding Vaginal Dryness Better

In normal sexual activity, the vagina moisturizes itself and thus reduces the friction that could tear the skin. In the absence of lubrication, cuts could occur. What causes dryness? One cause is menopause at a later age when estrogen in women declines. Estrogen is the female sex hormone. Such diminishing estrogen stimulation leads to dryness.

Vaginal fluids are generated by sexual excitement. If foreplay is restricted or non-existent before sexual intercourse, the vagina remains dry. Under such circumstances, the danger of cuts in the vagina is greater.

Sufferers of sexual abuse cannot enjoy the foreplay and find it hard to relax. Finding arousal difficult, dryness remains. The body in such conditions does not produce vaginal fluids. 

Less Common Causes of Vaginal Tears

Skin diseases like eczema around the genital regions could increase the likelihood of vaginal tears. It could result in red skin patches with itching, burning, a leaking fluid, and crust formation.

• Lichen Planus is an inflammation that affects the skin of the vulva. The symptoms are raw soreness and burning along with a sticky discharge. If the vagina is affected, the tissues are eroded.

• Psoriasis on the skin results in dryness with scales that cause itching. If the moist vulva is affected, it appears as pink patches.

• Lichen sclerosis affects the genital regions and the skin then becomes more susceptible to tears. 

• Vulvovaginal atrophy results in dry and thin vaginal tissue with a greater danger of tears. 

• If surgery or radiation therapy took place in the pelvic region, the result could be scarring or tissue damage in the vagina.

• Candida albicans result in an infection called vulvovaginitis. 

• Genital herpes could cause a cut in the vaginal region.

Additional Rare Causes

While vaginal cuts are usually minor and subside in days, it is good to be on guard and develop an awareness of the possible causes.

• Inserting an object into the vagina

• Thinning vaginal tissue in aging 

• Steroids being taken 

• Yeast infections

• Hormone imbalance

• Vitamin deficiencies 

Diagnosis and Treatments

According to the severity level, professional attention should be sought early. Medications may need antibiotic creams or anti-fungal creams. If it is herpes, antiviral medication is indicated. Steroid cream will be prescribed for psoriasis or dermatitis. Pain medications are commonly prescribed.

Take care of the private parts and avoid perfumed soaps or gels. Shower regularly every day. Make sure that the vagina remains clean and dry. Wear loose-fitting underwear. Avoid tampons. Soak in warm water for a few minutes each day.