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. An injury in the crotch area during activities such as cycling (straddle injury) can also lead to a vaginal tear.
Treatment depends on how severe your tear is:
Shallow (superficial) tears. These may cause mild pain and light bleeding. These tears often heal on their own with very little treatment.
Deep tears. These are more likely to cause more severe pain or heavy bleeding. They must be fixed with surgery.
To help ease 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.
Don't touch 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 with your healthcare provider, or as advised. If stitches were used to repair your tear, these will dissolve on their own and don’t need to be removed.
Call the healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
Bleeding continues or gets worse
Pain continues or gets worse
Abnormal or bad-smelling discharge from the vagina
Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
© 2000-2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
