Vaginal Tears During Sex — How To Avoid Them and What To Do if They Happen
Sex is FUN!
At least it’s supposed to be.
But if you're suffering from a vaginal tear, sex is far from all fun and games.
If you’re wondering how to prevent vaginal tears during sex, there are things you can do to be better safe than sorry.
Here, we tell you how to prevent tears in your vagina and give you tips to make sex feel better than ever.
Table of Contents
- How Are Vaginal Tears Caused During Sex?
- Why Do Some Women Produce Less Lubrication During Sex?
- How To Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Sex: The 8 Tips Every Woman Needs To Know
- I’ve Already Torn — What Do I Do?
- Prevent Future Vaginal Tearing and Enjoy Sex More With Chiavaye
How Are Vaginal Tears Caused During Sex?
If you're reading this article, you're obviously concerned about how to prevent vaginal tears during sex. The main reason women tear really boils down to one word: LUBRICATION.
If your vagina is not well lubricated before penetration, you may run the risk of experiencing a vaginal tear.
Other reasons you may be experiencing vaginal tearing during sex include:
- Overly rough or vigorous thrusting into your vagina
- Vaginal dryness
- Menopause
- Vulvovaginal atrophy, a condition that occurs as we age where the vaginal tissues become thinner, drier, and less stretchy
- Vaginal scarring or tissue damage that may be the result of congenital abnormalities, surgery, or pelvic radiation therapy
- Skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or Lichen planus
- Some medications, including:
- Corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Anti-seizure medications
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Certain cancer drugs
- Decongestants; and
- Estrogen modulators
Why Do Some Women Produce Less Lubrication During Sex?
A woman may produce less vaginal lubrication during sex for several reasons — and much of it relates to estrogen.
The hormone estrogen is a critical factor in your body’s lube-making process. Your estrogen levels vary throughout the month, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. It peaks around ovulation and drops to its lowest point before starting your period.
If you are …
- A breastfeeding mom
- In menopause
- Experiencing lots of emotional stress
- Regularly drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes
- Taking birth control pills; or
- Using some antihistamines, cold medicine, antidepressants, and prescription medications
… your estrogen levels are also likely to be lower — and your vagina less lubricated.
How To Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Sex: The 8 Tips Every Woman Needs To Know
Now, let's get down to business and discuss what you can do to prevent vaginal tearing during sex.
Here's what I recommend to help prevent vaginal tears and keep sex feeling amazing:
- Use the right lube (and plenty of it)
- Spend extra time in foreplay
- Take it slow
- Take it easy
- Keep your nails trimmed
- Communicate with your partner
- Use protection; and
- Choose your positions wisely
#1: Add Lubrication!
Overall, your best plan for how to prevent vaginal tearing during sex is to make sure your vaginal tissue is fully lubed and ready to go.
Your body may be spot-on and create plenty of natural lubrication. If for some reason, this isn’t happening naturally, or you find yourself tearing frequently, you will want to get your hands on a high-quality (preferably all-natural) lubricant.
Tears and rips happen because of friction. A good lube provides a smooth gliding surface within your vagina and keeps your delicate inner skin soft and supple.
So, lube up, ladies!
#2: Make Sure Your Lube Has a Barrier Oil
While we're on the subject of lube, it's important to understand that all lubricants are not created equal.
You want to make sure to choose a lube that contains a barrier oil. Why?
Because the barrier oil will coat your inner lady parts to allow for smooth penetration and less friction.
At Chiavaye, we use sunflower seed oil as the barrier oil in our all-natural personal lubricant. Not only does our lube give you a nice, smooth glide, but it's also 100% safe to use during oral sex and with a non-latex condom.
#3: Don’t Skimp on the Foreplay
Foreplay is half the fun of sex — so be sure to communicate with your partner so you get as much as you need.
And don’t be shy if you need a lot of foreplay. Give your body plenty of time to prepare by letting the excitement and anticipation build.
The more foreplay you engage in, the more likely it is that your vagina will naturally dilate and engorge, producing lubrication — meaning less risk of experiencing a vaginal tear.
#4: Take It Slow
Have you experienced a vaginal tear in the past? If so, it may be time to talk with your partner about turning intimacy down a notch or two.
There’s no need to go to “pound town” with every sexual interaction. Harder and faster are not always better.
Taking it nice and slow, savoring the foreplay, and using plenty of lube should make your vagina perfectly passable and prevent vaginal tears.
#5: Keep Your Nails Trimmed
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re turned on and ready to get down to business — but check your fingernails (and your partner’s!).
Uncut, rough nails or hangnails can have sharp edges that can easily cut the inside of your vaginal walls during manual stimulation.
#6: Communicate With Your Partner
Sex should always be coupled with an open line of communication between partners.
Are you feeling pain? Is your partner coming in at a bad angle? Do you need more time in foreplay?
If so, speak up.
Don’t be afraid to tell your partner exactly what you need — and when you need it.
#7: Use a Condom
Using a condom during sex is always a smart idea.
And not just for preventing unplanned pregnancies and protecting from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
High-quality condoms give you an extra layer of lube (although you’ll likely want to use an additional lubricant) for an easy glide, making the entrance into your vagina pain-free, smooth, and much more enjoyable.
As an added note, be sure your lube is compatible with your chosen form of protection.
#8: Choose Your Positions Wisely
Sometimes, a specific position may not provide you with the comfort or pleasure you’re looking for.
If there are sexual positions that cause discomfort or pain, then avoid them — and make your wishes clear to your partner.
Experiment with several positions until you find the ones that feel right and give an easier “glide.”
And an added tip: Having the woman on top gives her more movement and control — meaning there's less risk for vaginal tearing.
I’ve Already Torn — What Do I Do?
You may be saying to yourself, “All those tips above are great, but I'm already suffering from a vaginal tear. Now what?”
Here are a few ideas on what you can do to help heal a vaginal tear.
Take a Break!
Take some time off.
While this advice might make you sigh a sigh of relief – or it might be the last thing you want to hear – but if you’re already torn, don’t have vaginal intercourse.
That's right. Take a break to let your body heal.
Just because you're taking a break from sex doesn't mean you have to starve yourself of pleasure. This is the perfect time to get those creative juices flowing and explore other areas of intimacy.
Prioritize Your Health and Comfort
As a woman, don’t be afraid to focus on the importance of your body and your needs. Let’s normalize self-care!
While you're recovering from the pain of a vaginal tear, there are plenty of alternatives to penetrative sex, such as:
- Oral sex
- Massage; and
- Manual simulation
Pushing through and continuing to have sex when you’re in pain is never the way to go. Associating sex with pain will create a neural pathway that decreases your libido and can even make you want to avoid having sex altogether. Yikes.
Visit Your Doctor
While tiny vaginal tears will heal on their own, you’ll want to speak to a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- It burns when you pee
- You have an unusual vaginal discharge
- You have bleeding that won’t stop
- You’re still in pain, even after sexual activity is over
- You struggle with regular vaginal dryness
- You think you may have an STI
- You experience fever, nausea, or feel otherwise ill
While the occasional small vaginal tear might not be a huge cause for concern, it could point to an underlying issue if it's a common occurrence.
Your doctor can examine you and suggest any special treatments, such as silver ointments, etc., to help:
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Heal tissue quicker
- Prevent future tears
Treatment Options for Vaginal Tears
The best treatment for a vaginal tear depends on the size of the tear you're experiencing and the reason you tore.
Smaller tears located around the edges or inside your vaginal opening will likely heal on their own.
If you experience a larger vaginal tear, however, you will want to visit your doctor, so they can prescribe medication or ointment to speed healing and prevent infection.
Whatever the reason for your tear, you may need to take some time off from penetrative sex.
Prevent Future Vaginal Tearing and Enjoy Sex More With Chiavaye
At Chiavaye, we care about the health of your vagina.
Our personal lube was specially formulated with you and your most tender bits in mind.
Chiavaye lubricant contains just six natural, gentle ingredients, and is …
- Chemical-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free; and
- Hormone-free
It’s also gynecologist approved.
Chiavaye provides natural relief from friction, dryness, and sexual discomfort to keep your vagina well-lubed — and prevent vaginal tearing during sex.
It can be used on bare skin, sex toys, or non-latex condoms.
Give your vagina the moisture and protection it needs with Chiavaye's natural lubricant — because everyone deserves great sex.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.