Aunt Vadge: I have a cut in my vagina that won’t heal after vaginal delivery

Hello Aunt,

I have a problem with a vaginal tear. After I gave birth to my first-born vaginally, I got a vaginal tear that has never healed.

Please contact me and help me with what I can do to mend the crack. 

Yours,
Cracked

______

Dear Cracked,

You don’t mention how long ago you gave birth, or if there were any other complications besides your vaginal tear.

For this reason, I recommend you go to your gynaecologist or doctor and get personalised advice based on an examination of your vagina and vulva.

There may be problems that you can’t see or feel, so it’s best to get looked at by someone who knows what they are looking for.

What to do in the meantime

Write a short journal of your experience for your doctor – dates, times, what it feels like, any bleeding, etc. This will help your doctor to understand what is going on with your vaginal tear.

There can be reasons why a vaginal tear won’t heal after childbirth, with some causes very easily fixed with a few stitches. Sometimes it’s not so straightforward, but it’s important to know what’s happening just in case you are perpetuating damage by leaving yourself unexamined.

Sorry I can’t be much more help, but childbirth tears can get complicated and you need professional advice.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge