Injuries after sexual assault

[northernlass]

Hi, I really hope you can help.

I was raped 2.5 years ago and I got quite bad internal and vaginal injuries. The internal injuries healed but I am left with regular tearing to the entrance to my vagina. The fourchette tears probably once a month, causing not only lots of pain, but also bad reminders of the assault.

My GP at the time wasn't very helpful so there was a delay of several months before I was referred to a gynaecologist for treatment and I don't know if this delay is why it wasn't able to heal properly.

Is there anything I can do to help stop this tearing and splitting? It sometimes happens during sex, but it mainly is just something as simple as bending over that causes it to re-tear.

Thanks.

[Dr Amanda Tristram]

The skin on the vulva and opening of the vagina can become very sensitive and thin, causing it to split and tear. It is difficult to say now exactly why this has happened, but trauma and delayed healing are certainly possible causes. The skin can become extremely sensitive to anything with detergent in it. This means all soaps, shower gels and bubble baths. Even simple soap has detergent in it which can be extremely irritating. Some moisturisers can also irritate the skin, as do wet wipes. I would recommend using something like Epaderm ointment or emulsifying ointment to wash with and also use as a moisturiser. The effects of these are quite short and you will need to use them long term. There are also some skin conditions that can affect the vulva skin and be set off by trauma. It might be worth asking your gynaecologist or GP to refer you to a specialist vulval clinic, if these simple measures do not help.

[northernlass]

Dear Amanda,

Many thanks for your response and advice. I had been advised to avoid harsh soaps but I had no idea until I read your message just how many products they are in! I certainly use baby wipes a lot in that area, so will stop that immediately.

I will get hold of Epaderm ointment, and I feel better informed now, which helps in itself.

Thanks again.