Vaginal Tear (Non-Obstetric)

A vaginal tear (laceration) is a wound in the tissues of the vagina. It can be caused by damage during sex. Putting a foreign object into the vagina may also cause a tear. Other factors that can make a tear more likely include thinning of tissue in the vagina due to aging or scarring of the tissue due to surgery. A straddle injury (injury in the crotch area during activities such as cycling) can also lead to a tear in the vagina.

Treatment depends on how severe your tear is:

• Shallow (superficial) tears may cause mild pain and light bleeding. These tears often heal on their own with very little treatment.

• Deep tears are more likely to cause more severe pain or heavy bleeding. They must be repaired with surgery.

Home care

• To help relieve pain:

  • Use over-the-counter pain medicine as directed. If needed, stronger pain medicines may be prescribed.

  • Soak in a bath with a few inches of warm water. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day, or as directed.

• If you lost a lot of blood, you may feel weak. Rest as needed until you feel stronger.

• Avoid touching the tear while it is healing.

• Don’t douche unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

• Wait to use tampons or have sex until the tear has healed. This may take a few weeks or longer.

• If the tear was an accidental injury during sex, ask your provider how you might prevent similar injuries in the future. This may include using a water-based lubricant during sex.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as directed. If stitches were used to repair your tear, these will dissolve on their own and don’t need to be removed.

When to seek medical advice

Call the healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Bleeding continues or worsens

• Pain continues or worsens

• Unusual or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Dizziness, weakness or fainting