Healing a Clitoral Cut: Tips from Aunt Vadge

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

The last time my guy and I had sex, he told me he could see a straight cut across the tip of my clitoris. He’d gone down on me, and probably his teeth did it, but I didn’t feel any pain at all and it didn’t even bleed.

So I forgot about it. A few days later I masturbated, spraying water at the right side of my clit (which feels good). I enjoyed it, but noticed a very slight burn and let it go.

The next day I started noticing stinging every time I walked. When I got home I saw the right side of my clit was swollen, so I shaved clean to prevent further irritation. I’m now using a water-soluble iodine-based ointment for cuts. When I pull my clitoris upwards, the right side looks like it has an internal tear on the surface, as if it’s not connected to the hood anymore.

How long will this last, and is there anything more I can do to help it heal? I want to be able to walk without freezing in pain when that area gets irritated.

Regards,
Straight Cut

Hi there Straight Cut,

It does sound like you’ve nicked your clitoral hood. The little junction where the clitoral hood meets the inner labia is a common spot to split, especially with teeth involved – it’s delicate skin over a very sensitive area, which is why it stings so much even from a small cut.

The good part is that this kind of tear usually heals fast – often within a few days, up to a week or so if it’s a bit deeper. Vulval skin is quick to knit itself back together when you leave it alone.

To help it along:

wash very gently with warm water only – no soap on the area
keep it lightly lubricated with a soothing, vulva-safe cuts cream (or a little plain vegetable oil) so the raw spot glides rather than catching on skin or clothing and pulling the healing edges apart
wear loose or no underwear so nothing rubs it
no sex and no masturbation until it’s fully healed, and try to stop checking and touching it – the less you disturb it, the faster it goes

The iodine ointment won’t do any harm, and it keeps bacteria off, but you’d heal just as well without it – a healthy vulva has plenty of its own protective microflora fending off invaders.

The one thing to keep an eye on is that ‘not connected to the hood anymore’ bit. A shallow split will close over on its own, but if it’s actually a deeper tear it can occasionally need a doctor’s eye. So if it hasn’t clearly improved within a week or two, or if it gets more swollen, hot, red, starts oozing or smelling, or the pain ramps up rather than settling, get it looked at by a GP or a sexual health or vulval clinic. You don’t need to have it figured out first, and it’s a completely routine thing for them.

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

Rest it up, and write anytime.

For soothing and healing minor cuts and tears, here’s how to deal with cuts and tears from fingering and rough sex.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge