Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
Dear Aunt Vadge,
Some weeks ago, after an intense HIIT session, I noticed my clitoris hurt. When I looked, there was what seemed like a small bruise (about 5mm x 2mm, like a line). My ob-gyn said it was a micro-trauma of the clitoris, probably from the intense exercise. It’s now been six weeks and, although I think it has diminished a little, it’s still there, right under the clitoral hood. It doesn’t hurt or itch anymore. I’m using a special soap my gym recommended and a healing cream. Should I be concerned, and should I see my doctor again?
Thanks a lot,
Fit
Age 26, Portugal
Dear Fit,
Six weeks is a long time for a simple cut or bruise – skin usually heals quickly – so yes, it’s worth going back to your doctor for a closer look. It may well be nothing serious, but something that lingers this long deserves a proper second look rather than guesswork.
Why it might be slow to heal
Sometimes a small trauma to the delicate vulvar skin can unmask another skin condition that was quietly sitting there, or slow healing can have a separate cause worth ruling out – for example a skin condition like lichen sclerosus. Your doctor can check that everything is as it should be and ask about any other symptoms that might connect.
Injury from exercise isn’t unheard of and could happen to anyone, though it is a little unusual to happen without you noticing at the time – another reason a proper look is sensible.
What to take with you
Keep notes of anything that changed around when this started – exercise, diet, laundry detergent, new products, that ‘special’ soap. Speaking of which, harsh or fragranced soaps can slow healing, so switch to washing with just warm water for now.
Once you’ve been checked out by your doctor, minor cuts and tears can be encouraged to heal well with a vulva- and vagina-friendly cuts cream to soothe and support the tissue while it recovers.
How this affects your vagina
The clitoris and vulva are delicate and normally heal fast, so a spot that persists for weeks is your body’s way of asking for a proper look. Getting it checked and being gentle with the area is exactly the right approach.
Write any time.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
