Infected masturbation cuts: when to see a doctor

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: June 30, 2026

Hello Aunt Vadge,

I masturbated pretty aggressively last week and think I may have nicked my labia minora and clitoral hood with my nails. The cuts seemed to be healing, then I had sex and they were back to square one. I checked with a mirror and there are four wounds that look infected – small, but open, with a yellow film over them. They don’t hurt, but feel tender and ‘open wound’ like when I touch them.

I have a photo of them. I’m not sure if I should see a doctor, or whether the infection will heal on its own. My groin lymph nodes are also tender and a little swollen. (Side note: I don’t think it’s herpes, as I never had any blisters.)

Thanks,
Tender

Dear Tender,

Please see a doctor about these infected masturbation cuts in the next day or two – this is one to get looked at rather than treat at home. The reason is those swollen, tender lymph nodes in your groin. They’re a sign your body is fighting an infection that’s a bit more than a surface graze, and combined with weepy, yellow-filmed wounds, that’s a flag to be seen properly.

A doctor can swab the sores and sort out exactly what’s going on, then give you the right treatment – which might be an antibiotic if it’s a bacterial infection that’s set in (a graze plus fingernails is an easy way for skin bacteria like staph to get a foothold). Our piece on when a vulvar tear gets infected runs through the warning signs you’re describing.

On the herpes question – I know you don’t think it is, and you may well be right, but I’d gently say don’t rule it out yourself. A first herpes episode doesn’t always do the textbook blisters; it can show up as plain little ulcers or sores with tender, swollen lymph nodes, exactly like you’ve got. The only way to know is a swab while the sores are fresh, which is another good reason to go soon rather than letting them heal first. Whatever it turns out to be, it’s treatable, and there’s no judgement in any of it.

While you’re waiting for that appointment, keep it simple and let the skin recover. Wash with plain warm water only and pat dry – please don’t put tea tree, antiseptics or essential oils on the wounds, as the delicate inner skin really doesn’t tolerate them and they sting and slow healing. Keep your nails short and clean, wear loose cotton underwear, and give masturbation and sex a rest until it’s all healed and you’ve been seen. Our guide on caring for a simple tear has more.

Go sooner – same day, or to an urgent care – if the redness spreads, the pain climbs, you run a fever, or you feel generally unwell, as those mean the infection is moving and needs prompt treatment.

None of this is a telling-off – enthusiastic solo time is great, it’s just the nails that caused the mischief. Get it checked, and it’ll settle. If you’d like help afterwards, you’re welcome to book an appointment with us.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

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