How to Heal Vaginal Tear

Vaginal tears often cause pain and discomfort. The vagina can tear during sex, during labor, from tampons, or from an underlying medical condition. Most vaginal tears are mild and will heal on their own, with the exception of childbirth tears that require stitches. Many vaginal tears will heal if you keep them clean, avoid sex, and avoid causing irritation. For deeper lacerations, you’ll need to see a doctor for stitches.

Table of Contents

Treatment of vaginal tear caused by childbirth

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Determine the extent of the vaginal tear. There are 4 degrees of vaginal tearing that can occur during labor. In grade 1, there are thin tears in the skin. A 2nd degree tear includes both skin and muscle. These are the least serious vaginal tears. ^{[1] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

A 3rd degree tear travels down the perineum and into the anal canal. Grade 4 laceration into both the anal canal and the rectum.

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Suture. Any vaginal tear that occurs during labor requires stitches. Your doctor will stitch along first- and second-degree tears. Third- and fourth-degree tears require more meticulous stitches. Each layer of skin and muscle needs to be stitched separately. ^{[2] X Research Source}

For grade 4 tears, the doctor will focus on suturing the muscles that support the anus and rectum.

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Keep the wound clean. Regardless of the extent of the tear, you need to keep the wound clean to reduce bacteria and prevent infection. Wash the vagina and perineum several times a day. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Remember to wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria from the rectum into the vagina.

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Change the bandage regularly. You need to change the gauze or tampon every 4-6 hours. This will keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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.

Do Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. An easy move to do is to squeeze the muscles used to urinate. Hold for 5 minutes before releasing. Repeat 10 times throughout the day.

Pain relief

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Try a cold compress. Cold therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation around the wound. Do not put ice or cold packs directly on the skin. Use an ice pack or cold pack to protect your skin from frostbite. Apply to skin for about 10 minutes. ^{[5] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Apply cold compresses to the pelvic area every few hours.

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Take over-the-counter pain relievers. If the tear is painful, you can try an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen like Tylenp, ibuprofen like Advil, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve can help relieve pain and discomfort. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Be sure to read the label carefully and use it as directed.

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Rest every hour. You should rest when you have a vaginal tear, especially after giving birth. If you have deep tears, you need to limit standing or sitting, as these positions will put pressure on the vaginal area. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Every hour, you should lie down for 20-40 minutes. Try to rest like this for 2-4 days after giving birth.

Shower sitting up to 3 times a day. Sitting bathing is a method of soaking the intimate area in water. This therapy can both help heal vaginal tears and relieve pain. You should sit in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a clean towel. ^{[8] X Trusted Source MedlinePlus Go to Source}

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Apply skin-soothing oils. You can try some natural oils applied topically in the vaginal area. Try a small drop of aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, or a soothing oil that doesn’t contain antibacterial agents. Do not use antibacterial cream in the vaginal area, as it disturbs the balance of natural bacteria. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Soak in an oatmeal bath. You may experience itching as the wound begins to heal. The tears also cause the vaginal area to be sore or dry. If this happens, you can soothe 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 the itching and inflammation. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Heals minor lacerations

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Notice the pain. Vaginal tears will cause mild pain in the vagina. You may feel pain while sitting, walking, or wearing tight clothing. Small tears can also cause mild bleeding, itching, or discomfort. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Determine the depth of the tear. Treatment will depend on the severity of the tear. If you are unsure of the extent of the injury, you can look in the mirror. If the tear is not visible, you may need to see a doctor. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Allow minor lacerations to heal on their own. Mild lacerations will heal on their own without treatment. These tears are small and look like paper cuts or scratches. You may have some bleeding at first, which may be stinging, uncomfortable, and itchy. Often you can tell what causes minor lacerations, such as having sex or using tampons. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Wash the vagina twice a day. If you have a tear or cut in your vagina, you should wash the injured area every day with a mild soap. Wash gently, avoid harsh rubbing. Use hypoallergenic soaps. Try not to wash away the natural protective layer of the vagina, as it has a role in protecting and healing the vagina. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Do not wash the inside of the vaginal opening. Wash only the outer skin areas.
Avoid douching while you have a vaginal tear. This can disturb the natural pH that keeps the body healthy.

Wear clean and comfortable underwear. Breathable cotton is the best choice when you have vaginal tears. A slightly loose and comfortable pair of underwear will make you more comfortable.

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Avoid sexual activity. When you have a tear in your vagina, you should avoid all sexual activity, whether alone or with a partner. Any sexual act that touches the laceration can cause the wound to open again. Contact with other parts of the body can also cause bacteria to enter the wound. ^{[15] X Research Source}

After the tear heals, you need to be very gentle during sex the first few times to make sure you don’t tear the sensitive parts again.

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Avoid putting tampons or other objects in or near the vagina. While the wound is healing, you need to avoid irritating the vagina by not putting anything in or close to the vagina. Do not use tampons, condoms, diaphragms, or other products. You should also avoid using irritating lubricants or lotions. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Wear cotton underwear that is not tight and presses against the vagina.

See a doctor if the wound is severe. If the tear gets worse, you should see your doctor for an examination. Also, if you notice bleeding, an unpleasant odor or discharge, fever, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Medical treatment

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Go see a doctor. If the vaginal tear is causing a lot of pain, the wound is larger than a cut or scrape, or it persists, you need to see a doctor. Your doctor will examine and evaluate your vaginal lesions and decide on the best course of treatment.

Your doctor will also determine if you have an underlying medical condition that could lead to a vaginal tear.

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Drink medicine with order. If you have a tear in your vagina, your doctor may prescribe medication to fight infection or heal the wound. The drug may come in the form of a cream, gel, or pill. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

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Increase estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels can also lead to atrophic vaginitis. This condition can dry out the vagina, making it more likely to tear. Other diseases such as cancer or a hormone imbalance can also cause estrogen levels to drop. Your doctor may prescribe a topical cream containing estrogen to correct it. You are also instructed to change your diet to increase the amount of estrogen you absorb from food. ^{[19] X Research Source}

You should never take estrogen supplements on your own without consulting your doctor. This can disturb the chemical balance of the body.

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Adjust your diet. Some women are prone to vaginal tearing due to lack of certain nutrients. This deficiency causes damage to the skin and vaginal mucosa. Talk to your doctor about your diet if you often have vaginal tears that won’t heal. A dietitian can help determine which nutrients you are deficient in and how to safely supplement them. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Zinc deficiency is a common cause of vaginal tearing. Deficiencies in other nutrients such as vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin C can also lead to this condition.

Steps

Treatment of vaginal tear caused by childbirth

Pain relief

Heals minor lacerations

Medical treatment

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