Labia Tear After Sex: See a Doctor?

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 24, 2025

Hi there Aunt Vadge, I had an accident whilst having sex with my partner, and tore my labia where the skin joins. At the time it bled A LOT, but stopped shortly after and reduced to seeping a little. From what I can see the tear is about 1 1/2 inches. It happened around 32 hours ago now. I just don’t know wether to go and see someone or not as this has never happened to me before and I am worried. I’m currently away from home working abroad. I return back to uk on the 28th. Should I wait? Or should I try and find someone here? Is there anything else I can do? Very concerned
🙁
Kind Regards
Split X
_____

Dear Split, That seems like a very long tear, but I don’t have enough information on whether you should see someone or not. There are two things to consider.

Is there flappy skin? A 3cm/1.5″ tear to your labia would be quite serious depending on its location and orientation. If you have any flappy skin, see a doctor, as you may need stitches.
If it is a cut, then it will heal just like any other cut would heal, and you don’t really need to do anything except take proper hygiene and wound care of it.
You can find out instructions on dealing with sex accidents here.

Only you can be the judge of whether you need to see someone or not, so use this as a guide. If it continues to bleed, weep, seems infected, or anything else besides healing up nicely, go get checked.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

References¹

1.
Frioux SM, Blinman T, Christian CW. Vaginal lacerations from consensual intercourse in adolescents. Child Abuse & Neglect. Published online January 2011:69-73. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2010.08.006