Content

• Steps

Lacerations in the vagina are often painful and uncomfortable. The vagina may break during sex, during labor, from taking a tampon or from underlying medical conditions. Most vaginal lacerations are mild and can heal on their own, except for childbirth lacerations that require stitches. Many vaginal lacerations will heal if you keep them clean, avoid sex, and avoid irritation. For deeper lacerations, you need to see a doctor to sew the wound.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Treatment of vaginal laceration caused by childbirth

1. 

   Determine the extent of the vaginal tear. There are 4 levels of vaginal tear that can occur during labor. The first degree are thin tears in the skin. Grade 2 tears include both skin and muscles. These are the least serious vaginal lacerations.
   • The third degree tear goes down the perineal layer and into the anal canal. Grade 4 laceration in both the anal canal and rectum.

2. 

   
   
   Suture. Any vaginal lacerations that happen during labor require stitches. The doctor will sew along grade 1 and degree 2 lacerations. Grade 3 and 4 lacerations need more meticulous stitching. Each skin and muscle layer needs to be stitched individually.
   • For grade 4 lacerations, the doctor will focus on stitching the muscles that support the anus and rectum.

3. 

   
   
   Keep the wound clean. Regardless of the degree of the tear, you need to keep the wound clean to reduce bacteria and prevent infection. Wash the vagina and episiotomy several times a day.
   • Pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Be sure to wipe from front to back so as not to bring bacteria from the rectum into the vagina.

4. 

   
   
   Change the dressing regularly. You will need to change gauze or tampons every 4-6 hours. This will keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection.
5. Prevent constipation to reduce pressure on the wound. Constipation can increase pain or damage. To prevent this, you can take a stool softener. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fiber diet.
6. Practice Kegel exercises to increase the strength of the pelvic floor. One easy move to do is to tighten the muscles used to urinate. Hold for 5 minutes before relaxing. Repeat 10 times a day. advertisement

Method 2 of 4: Pain relief

1. 

   Try a cold compress. Cryotherapy can help relieve pain and inflammation around the wound. Do not place ice or cold packs directly on the skin. You need to use an ice pack or a cold pack to protect your skin from cold burns. Apply to skin for about 10 minutes.
   • Use a cold compress in the pelvic area every few hours.

2. 

   Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the tear is causing pain, you can try an over-the-counter pain reliever. An acetaminophen group like Tylenol, an ibuprofen group like Advil, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Aleve can help relieve pain and discomfort.
   • Remember to read the label carefully and use it according to the instructions.

3. 

   Lie down every hour. You should rest when your vagina is torn, especially after giving birth. If you have deep lacerations, try to avoid standing or sitting, as these positions will put pressure on the vaginal area.
   • Every hour, you should lie down for 20-40 minutes. Try to rest for 2-4 days after giving birth.
4. Take a sitz bath up to 3 times a day. Sitting is a method of soaking your genitals in water. This therapy can both help heal vaginal lacerations and relieve pain. You should sit in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a clean towel.

5. 

   Apply a calming oil. There are a number of natural topical oils you can try using in the vaginal area. Try a drop of aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, or an antibacterial-free skin soothing oil. Do not use an antibacterial cream in the vaginal area, as it disturbs the balance of natural beneficial bacteria.

6. 

   Soak an oatmeal bath. You may experience itchiness when the wound begins to heal. Lacerations also cause pain or dryness in the vaginal area. If this happens, you can calm your vagina with an oatmeal bath. Fill the tub with warm water and mix the oatmeal in the water. Relax in the bath and let the oats soothe itchiness and inflammation. advertisement

Method 3 of 4: Heal minor lacerations

1. 

   Notice pain. Vaginal lacerations will cause mild pain in the vaginal area. You may feel pain while sitting, walking, or when wearing tight clothing. Small lacerations can also cause mild bleeding, itching, or discomfort.

2. 

   Determine the depth of the tear. The treatment will depend on the severity of the tear. If you are unsure of the extent of the wound, look in the mirror. If the tear is in an invisible place, you may need to seek medical attention.

3. 

   Allow minor tears to heal on their own. Mild lacerations will heal on their own without any treatment. These lacerations are small and look like paper cuts or scratches. You may bleed at first, may be painful, uncomfortable, and itchy. Often times you can know the cause of minor cuts, such as having sex or using a tampon.

4. 

   Wash the vagina 2 times a day. If you have a tear or cut in your vagina, wash the affected area every day with mild soap. Wash gently, avoiding vigorous rubbing. Use a mildly hypoallergenic soap. Try not to wash away the natural barrier of the vagina, as it is responsible for protecting and healing the vagina.
   • Do not wash the inside of the vaginal opening. Wash only the outer skin areas.
   • Avoid douching when your vagina is torn. This can disturb the natural pH which keeps the body healthy.
5. Wear clean and comfortable underwear. Breathable cotton is the best choice when you have vaginal lacerations. A pair of underwear that is slightly loose and comfortable will help you feel better.

6. 

   Avoid sexual activity. When you have a tear in your vagina, you should avoid any sexual activity, either alone or with your partner. Any sexual activity that touches the wound can cause the wound to open again. Contact with other parts of the body can also cause bacteria to enter the wound.
   • After the laceration heals, be very gentle with having sex for the first few times to make sure not to tear the sensitive parts again.

7. 

   Avoid placing tampons or other objects in or near the vagina. While the wound is healing, avoid irritating your vagina by not placing anything inside or close to your vagina. Do not use tampons, condoms, vaginal diaphragms or other products. You should also avoid irritating lubricants or lotions.
   • Wear loose cotton underwear that is pressed against the vagina.
8. See a doctor if the wound gets worse. If the tear worsens, check with your doctor. Also, if you experience bleeding, an unpleasant smell or discharge, fever, dizziness, seek medical attention immediately. advertisement

Method 4 of 4: Medical treatment

1. 

   See a doctor. If the vaginal tear is causing a lot of pain, it is larger than the cut or scratch, or if it does not go away, seek medical attention. Your doctor will examine and evaluate your vaginal damage and decide the best course of treatment.
   • Your doctor will also determine if you have an underlying medical condition that is causing your vaginal tear.

2. 

   Drink medicine with order. If you have a tear in your vagina, your doctor may prescribe medication to fight infection or heal the wound. It can come in a cream, gel, or pill form.

3. 

   Increase estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels can also lead to atrophic vaginitis. This can dry out the vagina, making it more prone to tearing. Other diseases, like cancer or a hormone imbalance, can also cause estrogen levels to drop. Your doctor may prescribe an estrogen-containing cream to correct it. You are also instructed to make dietary changes to increase the amount of estrogen you absorb from food.
   • Never take an estrogen supplement on your own without consulting your doctor. This can disturb the chemical balance of the body.

4. 

   Adjust your diet. Some women experience a vaginal tear due to a lack of certain nutrients. This deficiency causes damage to the skin and vaginal mucosa. Talk to your doctor about diet if you often have vaginal lacerations that don't heal. A registered dietitian can help determine which nutrients you are deficient in and how to safely add them.
   • Zinc deficiency is a common cause of vaginal tears. Deficiencies in other nutrients such as vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin C can also lead to this condition.

5. 

   See a doctor right away if your vagina is deeply torn. Some vaginal lacerations are deep and severe. These lacerations may bleed a lot, have pus, have a bad smell, have part of the flesh falling off, or cause severe pain. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should immediately see your doctor for treatment. Such lacerations often occur from childbirth, trauma or an accident during sex.
   • These are serious injuries and need treatment.

6. 

   Suture. Many vaginal lacerations require stitches, usually more than 2.5 cm long. The doctor will stitch the edges of the skin together. The procedure is performed at a medical facility or hospital. Usually, these wounds will heal well. While you are waiting for your recovery, keep the wound clean and dry. Remember to wear loose fitting.
   • Avoid activities that could cause stitches or injuries.
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