Vaginal scratch that won't stop bleeding: what to do

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: June 30, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I have a tear between my vagina and urethra, and it has been bleeding for going on three days. Should I be concerned, and what can I do to help it heal? It hasn’t been a steady flow, but moving around through the day seems to increase it. I’m 36, and my boyfriend scratched me during fingering.

Sincerely,
Scratched

Hi Scratched,

Let’s get you sorted: please book in with a doctor about this, ideally today or tomorrow. A vaginal scratch that won’t stop bleeding three days on has gone past what a simple graze should do, and it’s worth having someone take a proper look. Most small genital tears stop within minutes to a few hours, so three days of on-and-off bleeding tells us this one might be a touch deeper, sitting somewhere that keeps reopening when you move, or near a little blood vessel that needs a hand to close. None of that is dramatic to fix – sometimes a tiny stitch or a dab of silver nitrate sorts it – but it does need eyes on it.

Go sooner rather than later, or to an urgent care or emergency department, if the bleeding suddenly gets heavier, soaks a pad in an hour, won’t stop with gentle pressure, or you feel lightheaded, dizzy or faint. Those are signs to be seen straight away rather than waiting for an appointment.

While you’re arranging that, a few things will keep it as comfortable and clean as possible. Wash gently with plain warm water only – no soap, no washcloth, nothing antiseptic, as those sting and slow healing. When you wee, pour a little warm water over your vulva at the same time to take the burn out of it, and pat dry with soft tissue. A thin smear of plain Vaseline or pawpaw ointment over the area makes a waterproof barrier between the sore skin and your underwear (it can stain, so skip your good knickers). Steer clear of anything that rubs – jogging, tight jeans, lots of fiddling – and otherwise leave it well alone to mend.

Our guides on looking after vulvar cuts and tears and deeper or stubborn tears have more, and this one on tears and infection covers the warning signs to watch for as it heals. Assessing and treating a bleeding tear is a hands-on job we don’t do here, so a doctor is the right port of call – we just want you looked after.

None of this is your fault, and it’s a common enough mishap. Get it checked, be gentle with yourself, and it’ll heal.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.