All You Need To Know About Vaginal Scarring

What is a Scar?

Scars occur on skin tissue when the skin gets injured or damaged to heal it. The human body has a sophisticated mechanism to heal injuries or damages. 

What is Vaginal Scarring?

Vaginal scarring is the scarring in the vaginal region. When the vaginal tissue gets injured or damaged due to friction or other wearing and tearing, a pregnant lady may face such scarring after childbirth.There is a possibility of scarring on the vulva as well. 

Causes of Vaginal Scarring

• 1. Tearing
• 2. Micro tearing
• 3. Puncturing
• 4. Splitting
• 5. Vaginal childbirth: Childbirth from the vaginal canal leads to stretching to allow the baby’s delivery. This process eventually causes scarring of the vagina during childbirth. Sometimes the stretching of the vaginal canal is not for appropriate delivery of the baby, and this prompts a doctor to perform an episiotomy (an incision made between the anus and vaginal opening) 
• 5. Vaginal surgeries: Various surgical procedures which require incisions would lead to scarring in the vagina tissues. Some of the surgeries include:

1. A. Surgeries to remove cysts, fibroids, and tumours
2. B. Hysterectomy
3. C. Vaginoplasty surgery
4. D. Labiaplasty surgery
5. E. Vaginal reconstruction
6. F. Neo anatomical structure construction also causes scarring in the case of transgender women. 

• 6. Endometriosis (cells which undergo monthly changes and are shed every month)- the shedding of these tissues causes scarring.
• 7. Cancer- Vulval, cervical, or pelvic cancer leads to tissue scarring.
• 8. Treatment of cancer via radiation therapy also causes scarring.
• 9. Lichen dermatoses- a skin disease causing itching and scarring in the vaginal skin
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How To Recognize Vaginal Scarring?

A vaginal scar tissue skin is not the same as normal skin; it can be felt stiff and thick. The skin may become numb or get more sensitive than usual skin.

Symptoms of Vaginal Scarring

• 1. Tenderness in vaginal and vulva region
• 2. Pain in and around the vagina while using tampons or penetration
• 3. Normal sitting posture may hurt
• 4. A certain style of walking may hurt the vaginal area
• 5. Scarring may be painful while bathing or using the toilet
• 6. Intense exercise may lead to itching and pain
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Vaginal Scarring Treatment

• 1. De-Sensitizing the Scar
• 2. Giving massage to the scar
• 3. Vaginal Dilator
• 4. Feminine Balm
• 5. Massage Wand for abnormally Deep Scar
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De-Sensitize the Scar

Mobilizing or rubbing the scar gently with fingers will decrease the scar sensitivity and alleviate pain. Sometimes it is recommended to use a make-up brush that has more soft touch to deal with the highly painful scars. 

How to give gentle, sensitive strokes to the scars:

Stroking upwards and then downwards, going lengthwise to make gentle upside-down strokes, will help make them feel better. Stroking in circular motion also helps in de-sensitization. Gradual stroking for at least 3-5 minutes using fingers or a soft touch brush will slowly serve the purpose of de-sensitizing the vaginal scars.

Massage the Scar

Giving gentle massage to the scars eventually help in softening the scar tissues. It allows enhanced flexibility. Putting gentle pressure on the vaginal scar and gliding fingers along it would help with the pain in the scar and its tenderness.

Gently massage the scar in all directions – right, left, up and down. 

Use vaginal Dilator

Vaginal scars are the source of friction in the vagina, and when they are present at the opening, the scars make the opening tighter. Some vaginal scars create problems and pain during intercourse or tampon use. Vaginal dilators are helpful in making the vaginal muscles relaxed, thereby relaxing the scars present in the vagina. Vaginal dilators are medically approved devices which improve vaginal length, diameter and flexibility of vaginal opening.

Use of Vaginalbalm

They contain ingredients with healing properties to deal with the injuries causing scars in the intimate region. A balm to be used inside the vagina can help soften and nourish the vaginal skin and scars. It can be applied to the outer and inner vaginal region and the region of the vulva to smoothen the scarring tissue.

Using Massage Wand For Superficial or Deep Scars

Provide massage to soften the scar tissue and mobilize it both deeply or superficially in and around the vagina and the vulva if they also have some skin with scars. Furthermore, females, after pregnancy (childbirth), surgeries, and other such treatments trigger pelvic muscles. They need repair or revival of tissues with the restoration of blood supply to help with the muscle tension. All of this needs a massage wand for appropriate management. 

Prevention of Vaginal Scarring

Prevention may or may not be prevented. There are various cases depending on an individual’s situation, whether they can prevent vaginal scarring or not. Preventing vaginal scars in certain avoidable conditions like:

Sexual Activity

• 1. How to prevent the risk of getting vaginal cuts while sex 
• 2. Use lubricant: water-based or silicone-based, either of them can be used.
• 3. Ensuring private time without rush, anxiety and tiredness. 
• 4. Empty the urinary bladder before having sex
• 5. Try relaxing the vaginal muscles before intercourse by taking a warm water bath. 
• 6. Avoid the usage of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or baby oil while using condoms, as they might get damaged.
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Hair Removal

• 1. Avoid distractions to prevent cuts and injuries while removing pubic hair using a trimmer or shaving.
• 2. Keep hair and skin wet before shaving them
• 3. Try using gels or creams to shave off the hairs
• 4. Only use a clean, new, sterilized razor or sharp blade
• 5. Rinse the blade nicely after every stroke 
• 6. Shave off the hair in the direction same as that of hair growth
• 7. Try keeping blades or razors in a dry and cool place
• 8. Use disposable razors only once
• 9. Make gentle strokes and be highly cautious while shaving sensitive skin over scars or acne.  
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Prevent Vaginal Scars and Tearing While Waxing:

• 1. Be cautious all the time
• 2. Make the waxing area dry and clean
• 3. Apply wax in the direction same as that of hair growth.
• 4. Stick the strip nicely and remove it in the opposite direction of hair growth
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Vaginal Delivery

• 1. Cuts and tearing off in the vaginal region are usual when delivering a baby from the vaginal canal. Prevent vaginal scarring while delivery can be reduced to some extent by some expert doctors and professionals by using certain techniques like:
• 2. Perineal massage (in the second stage of labour after delivery)- will alleviate muscular resistance.
• 3. Warm compresses- applied to the perineal area during labour
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Vaginal Scar Tissue and Pelvic Pain

Scar tissue is tough in comparison to healthy tissues around the scar. Vaginal scar tissue reduces the flexibility of the entry of the vagina and also inside the vagina. The friction and reduced flexibility lead to a “narrowing” effect. Eventually, the scar tissue causes intense pelvic pain because of the loss of elasticity of pelvic muscles supporting the pelvic organs.

Estrogen Cream for Scar Tissue

Estrogen creams have estrogen as one of their content that will help accelerate wound healing. It has been found that a lack of essential hormones like estrogen delays the healing of injuries and wounds.

What are Keloids?

Keloid scars are the ones that are bumpy or raised and make skin colour slightly darker in comparison to normal skin colour. They can develop due to injury, bur, surgical cut or incision. 

How to Get Rid of Keloid Scars on Vagina

Effective steps to get rid of or minimize vaginal keloids.

• 1. Use topical ointments- to treat or remove scars or keloids. Consult a dermatologist to evaluate the colour, shape and size of a keloid scar for the best treatment options 
•  
• 2. Topical treatments: Medically approved retinoid creams may help with the small keloid, with a minute bump and no alteration in appearance over a longer period. Get a proper prescription from a certified expert dermatologist.
•  
• 3. Freezing the keloid: Freezing the keloid or giving cryotherapy to reduce the keloid size can be an option for treating keloids that are not much painful. 
•  
• 4. Laser therapy- an advanced therapy with the least scarring and pain can opt to get the best results for minor keloid scars. Laser therapy and other topical treatments offer a comparatively better and more effective combination to eliminate annoying scars.
•  
• 5. Surgery for keloids- For patients with isolated keloids on the skin, prompt the dermatologist to remove the keloid scars surgically. A simple keloid surgery can be a quick and outpatient procedure to deal with keloid scars in the most hassle-free manner. The surgical procedure requires frequent follow-ups to prevent the risk of developing keloid bumpy again.
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• 6. Steroid Injections- injecting corticosteroids like Kenalog may be recommended by some doctors as a source of treatment to soften and shrink keloids effectively. After evaluating keloids, the dermatologist might consider another series of shots of steroids for months after the first steroidal treatment.
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Lipofilling of Perineal or Vaginal Scars

Lipofilling of perineal or vaginal scars: It is an improved method for pain management after perineal laceration and episiotomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if the scar I got from a vaginal tear swells after a year?

5 Ways to Help Treat and Heal Vaginal Scar Tissue Damage

• 1. Observe the scars 
• 2. Consult the dermatologist
• 3. Try de-Sensitizing methods for the scar.
• 4. Massage the Scar.
• 5. Vaginal Dilator.
• 6. Feminine Balm.
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What should I do as there’s swelling in the vagina and feeble pain?

• 1. To treat vaginal swelling and pain:
• 2. Consult the dermatologist
• 3. Use doctor recommended pain relievers
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How to treat superficial cuts?

• 1. Washing the vaginal area with lukewarm water regularly
• 2. Do not use chemically harsh and scented soaps to prevent pH imbalance in the vagina.
• 3. Clean and pat dry before getting dressed again.
• 4. Cotton underwear should be worn
• 5. Loose bottoms must be worn until complete healing
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How do I cure a vagina tear?

To cure a tear in the vagina:

• 1. Use warm soaks and baths to relieve discomfort
• 2. Proper hygiene should be maintained in the process of healing
• 3. Medications to relieve pain
• 4. The doctor, in case of infection, may prescribe oral antibiotics.
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How is a scar formed?

Scars are formed when a puncture due to injury penetrates the middle epidermal layer (skin layer)or is far deep. If the wound-repair mechanism of the body works appropriately without interruption, a normal scar is formed.

Do surgery scars fade any more after two years?

A normal surgery scar that penetrates the epidermis and the body’s repair mechanism will heal it according to the depth. It will fade in a few months to years. Depending on the trauma and injury, certain scars may take longer than others.

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