Vaginal cuts and tears can be painful and cause you discomfort. So, let’s find out how to heal vaginal tears. Vaginal cuts and tears may be common when it comes to rough sex or during childbirth through vaginal delivery. These can lead to discomfort and pain during sex or even while urinating. Sometimes, there may be minor bleeding too. Your private parts are sensitive and prone to infection. Be mindful of how to heal vaginal cuts and tears. Vaginal tears are injuries or abrasions to vaginal mucosa and muscles, explains gynaecologist Dr Chetna Jain. Vaginal cuts are sharp incisions in or around the vagina, mostly performed for medical reasons. But these can happen due to injury from sharp objects too. Vaginal tears can be classified into
- First-degree tears: these are minor tears involving the skin around the vaginal opening.
- Second-degree tears: that extend into the underlying muscle tissue.
- Third-degree tears: these involve the perineal muscles and may extend into the anal sphincter.
- Fourth-degree tears: extend through the anal sphincter and into the tissue lining the rectum.
Vaginal tears can be due to many reasons.
- Vaginal birth
The most common cause of vaginal tears is vaginal birth, according to a health expert interviewed by Health Shots. The process of the baby passing through the vaginal canal causes significant stretching and tearing of the vaginal tissue. In some cases, doctors may perform an episiotomy, which involves making a small cut to create more space for the baby to come out.
- Aggressive sex
Aggressive sex can cause extraordinary pressure, leading to vaginal tears. Poor lubrication during sex, dryness during penetration or improper use of sex toys can also cause vaginal tears.
- Estrogen deficiency
After menopause, estrogen deficiency causes an atrophic fragile vagina, and this can lead to tears, says Dr Jain.
How to heal vaginal cuts and tears?
If your vagina has gone through a medical procedure, the doctors will repair the cuts and tears by suturing the edges closely under clean conditions. Most of the stitches for the vagina are dissolvable and typically heal well in four to six weeks. You can also do the following, but only after advice from your medical expert.
- Use warm compress
This will help to recover faster. In fact, applying warm compress to the perineum during labor can help to soften the tissues, potentially reducing the risk of vaginal tears.
- Keep your private area clean
You should wash your private area with clean warm water and use pH balanced gentle non-perfumed soap so that healing speeds up. Avoid using harsh soaps and going for vaginal douching, and do not touch your private parts unnecessarily.
- Cold compress
If the injury is fresh, a cold compress with clean water or a cold pack will help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Wear loose cotton and comfortable clothes
Always go for breathable fabrics and avoid tight clothes like jeans, as these can enhance vaginal tears and delay healing.
- Limit physical activities
Working out is good, but doing exercises that involve a lot of stretching or putting pressure on your private part can make the pain worse.
- Be careful of where you sit
Sit on a soft and comfortable cushion, and avoid sitting on a low low-height chair or stool, says the expert.
- Natural ingredients
Natural oils like coconut oil and olive oil can be used to soothe and moisturise the vaginal area. This in turn promotes healing. Plain yoghurt can also be used to balance the vaginal PH and restore healthy microbiota in the vagina to support healing. Most vaginal wounds heal in four weeks, depending on the depth. Shallow and clean-cut tears with no infection heal faster than deep, dirty or infected wounds. Some wounds would also need cleaning and dressing by doctors or ointments. Proper care is crucial for healing and preventing any complications.
