Sore clitoris that won't heal after fingering? Check this

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: June 30, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

My boyfriend was fingering me and I think something near my clitoris tore. I’m not sure how deep or exactly where, but it hurts to walk and sit. I read your articles and think it’s a ‘simple tear’ — there was no bleeding and it doesn’t sting when I wee, but it’s still painful.

My period started four days after, and now it’s day six and still sore. Could my period infect the wound? I’m really hoping it’ll heal itself.

Yours sincerely,
Torn
Age 19, Denmark

Dear Torn,

First, the worry you can drop straight away: your period can’t infect the wound. Period blood isn’t dangerous — if it were, we’d all be in trouble once a month — so cross that off the list.

Now the useful part. A real simple friction tear heals fast, usually a couple of days, so six days of pain makes me suspect it might not be a tear at all.

The most likely culprit, and a sneaky one, is a trapped pubic hair tucked up inside your clitoral hood — a short, rogue hair caught under there causes a startling amount of pain for something so tiny, and it’s surprisingly hard to see.

Other persistent-soreness causes are trapped smegma or debris under the hood, or a little spot or blocked gland.

So grab a hand mirror and good light and have a gentle look — check for a red, sore patch, and without digging, see whether there’s a hair caught at the edge of the hood; if you find one, easing it free usually brings instant relief.

Meanwhile, to soothe it: keep it clean with plain water and dab on a little pawpaw, vitamin E or plain coconut oil to keep the skin supple, rest it (no more fingering until it’s settled), wear loose cotton, and use a warm compress for the ache — just don’t pick or dig at it, since the skin there is delicate and close to sensitive structures.

See a doctor if the area turns hot, swollen, oozing or spreading (signs of infection), or if you can’t find any cause and it’s still sore, because something that hasn’t healed in six days needs an experienced eye — they can spot a trapped hair or anything else in seconds.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

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