How to heal vaginal tears from sex or childbirth

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 that are minor tears involving the skin around the vaginal opening.
• Second-degree tears that extend into the underlying muscle tissue.
• Third-degree tears that 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.

What are the causes of vaginal tears?

Vaginal tears can be due to many reasons.

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1. Vaginal birth

Most common cause is vaginal birth, the expert tells Health Shots. When the baby passes through the vagina, it causes significant distension of vagina causing tears. Doctors give cuts called episiotomy to create space for the baby to come out.

Also read: How to prevent vaginal tears during childbirth?

2. 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.

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3. Estrogen deficiency

After menopause, estrogen deficiency causes atrophic fragile vagina, and this can lead to tear, 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Cold compress

If the injury is fresh, cold compress with clean water or cold pack will help reduce swelling and discomfort.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Be careful of where you sit

Sit on soft and comfortable cushion, and avoid sitting on low height chair or stool, says the expert.

7. 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 yogurt can also be used to balance the vaginal PH and restore healthy microbiota in 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 wound. Some wounds would also need cleaning and dressing by doctors or ointments. Proper care is crucial for healing and preventing any complication.