The most common cause of vaginal tearing due to sexual intercourse is insufficient lubrication. Water-based lubricants can remedy vaginal dryness and help prevent tears. Oil-based lubricants are inferior because they can cause an allergic reaction or irritation and can degrade latex condoms. Whereas certain sexual positions provide conditions that increase the risk for vaginal tearing, the "woman-on-top" position can help avoid traumatic tears.

For more on gynecologic pain, read here.

Most anal fissures heal after a few days or weeks. Use of stool softeners or laxatives, sitz baths, or nonprescription creams can aid in healing. However, if a fissure does not heal after 8-12 weeks, it is considered a chronic fissure and may require additional treatment. Prescription medications may be required or even surgery, which is most often lateral internal sphincterotomy.

For more on anal fissures, read here.

Friction blisters create localized discomfort and should be appropriately treated. Secondary impetigo may become a serious complication, resulting in cellulitis and sepsis. Proper wound care includes sterile drainage and suitable dressings. If impetigo develops, appropriate systemic antibiotic therapy should be initiated.

For more on the treatment of friction blisters, read here.

The goal of therapy is to minimize hemorrhage and inflammation and to control pain. Limb immobilization with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) should be performed for the first 24 hours in patients with minor contusions and for 48 hours in patients with moderate or severe contusions. Heat, whirlpool therapy, and electrotherapy, although pleasing to the patient, have not been shown to influence the rate of recovery from contusions.

For more on the treatment of contusions, read here.

Signs of a retained object in the vagina include the following:

• Discharge that may be colored or smell foul

• A foul smell with no discharge

• Temperature of 104° F or higher

• Vaginal itching

• Pain when urinating

• Abdominal or pelvic pain

• Redness around the genital area

• Vaginal swelling

• Rash near the vaginal area

For more on toxic shock syndrome, a complication of a retained tampon, read here.

Related Resources Gynecologic Pain Anal Fissure Contusions

 

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this article: Richard H. Sinert. Quiz: Can You Answer These User-Requested Questions About Sexual Intercourse-Related Injuries? Medscape. Aug 05, 2015.