Hi Aunty Vadge,
I️ thought I️ might’ve cut myself shaving because I️ started having discomfort around 12 hours after I️ had shaved, but I️ did not feel a nick or anything after. The cut is is in my inner labia and started scabbing over but it looks a little yellow with redness around. I️t hurts to the point where I’ve been trying to find many different ways to sit comfortably.
There are two bumps on the other labia that seem to be caused by the cut and I️ don’t know what to do to treat I️t. I️ cleaned I️t out with alcohol and put neosporin on it, but that made it hurt worse. I️ don’t want to go to the doctor because I’m only 16 and that makes me uncomfortable.
I️ haven’t been sexually active in the last six months and the cut is in my inner labia. The sore appeared just a few days ago, but I️ just want is to subside as soon as possible I️ guess. There isn’t really any blood but on the outer edges looked like there was in the past. I️ shaved very quickly the last time I️ did so I’m not 100% sure whether I️ shaved over I️t or not.
Best,
Nicked
Age 16
_____
Dear Nicked,
It’s really hard to know what’s happening to you without being examined, which I know you don’t want to do, but if the cut doesn’t heal by itself, you will need to bite the bullet and go and be checked by a doctor. I would give it a day or two, and if there is no change, you need to make an appointment, but take a photo in case the sore goes away before you get to the doctor. You need to at least show them a photo, so take one now if the sore isn’t healing.
The fact that there is more than one sore makes me suspicious – a cut is a cut, but cuts don’t spread.
You are 16 now, which means you need to get your head around your vagina, vulva, and sexual health, and that means regular pap tests, STI tests, and checkups. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we all have to do it, and nobody likes it much!
But, having a good doctor (try to find a woman doctor) who is kind and respectful will make the process a lot easier. Having someone actually look at your vulva will make this process much faster, because they will instantly be able to recognise what’s happening, after seeing it so many times.
Remember doctors look at vag all the time!
Becoming friends with your doctor and your vulva and vagina is an important part of growing up and taking care of yourself. It fills most of us with dread at first too, but it’s genuinely important – many vaginal diseases start off with a little thing, which if ignored, can turn into a disaster for your body. They can be quite silent too.
If you are covered by someone’s insurance, now is a good time to use that facility, until you are on your own and getting checked becomes harder work (meaning more expensive).
Write anytime.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
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