I cut my clitoris shaving - can I still have sex?

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 8, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I cut my clitoris while shaving and I have a sex date tomorrow. Is it safe to have sex?

Yours,
O.
Age 18, South Africa

Dear O,

Short answer: it’s not dangerous, but it’ll probably sting – so the real question is whether you want your date to be comfortable or a bit ouch. A small shaving nick on the clitoris is minor and heals fast (that area has a rich blood supply), but a fresh cut plus friction is a recipe for it smarting.

If you can give it even a day or two to close over first, you’ll enjoy yourself far more.

If you’d rather go ahead, a few things keep it comfortable and clean: use plenty of lube to cut down the friction that would otherwise catch the cut; use a condom or barrier (partly contraception and STI sense, partly keeping the open skin clean); skip oral on that spot for now, since the mouth carries a lot of bacteria you don’t want in an open cut; and a dab of coconut oil beforehand and after soothes it and stops it catching on clothing as it heals (just not with latex condoms, as oil weakens them).

Keep an eye on it afterwards – if it gets more painful, swollen, or oozes pus over the next few days, get it checked – but a simple shaving cut almost always just heals quietly on its own. Have fun, gently!

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

Best,
Aunt Vadge

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