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Good day Aunt Vadge,
A few days ago, while cleaning the bathroom, I slipped and fell onto one of the racks. Unfortunately it hit my lower clitoris, just on the near side of my labia minora. It was so painful. I thought it was a simple bruise, but when I woke up I found blood on my underwear.
I examined it with a mirror and found a scratch. I cleaned it with povidone iodine and covered it with gauze, but whenever it touches my skin or underwear it swells, and I can’t walk properly. There’s blood too. What should I do? I’m getting depressed. I hope you can help.
Thank you,
Slipped
Dear Slipped,
Ouch – that sounds painful and frightening, and I’m sorry you’re feeling so low about it. You’ve done the right first things with the iodine and by keeping it clean.
Because this is a genuine injury from a fall, with ongoing bleeding, swelling and enough discomfort that you can’t walk properly, I’d like you to get it looked at by a doctor or clinic rather than only treating it at home. A knock like that to the vulva can occasionally cause a blood collection (a haematoma) under the skin, or a cut that heals better with proper care, and a quick look will tell you exactly where you stand and put your mind at rest. This is a normal thing to be seen for, and nothing to feel embarrassed about.
Please go sooner rather than later if the swelling is getting bigger, the bleeding won’t stop, the area feels hot or looks infected, or the pain is increasing.
Caring for it in the meantime
The most important thing is to keep it clean and calm, and to leave it alone as much as you can – try not to touch it, and avoid anything rubbing on it, including tight underwear, gauze and clothing where possible.
Cuts and grazes like this typically bruise, bleed a little, swell as they start to heal, and then over a day or two the swelling eases and healing sets in. To help settle the swelling, you could use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, or natural anti-inflammatories like fish oil (taken by mouth with food). A cool (not icy) compress held gently near the area, over clothing, can also take the edge off.
Try to be kind to yourself while it heals – an injury somewhere this tender is upsetting, but it will settle, and you’ll feel much better once a doctor has confirmed all is well. If those low feelings hang around, please reach out to someone you trust.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
