Non-obstetric vulvovaginal lacerations: Conservative versus surgical management

Women with minor injuries can be conservatively treated in the ED with proper analgesia, suturing, antibiotics, antitetanic prophylaxis in the case of foreign body penetration, and broad spectrum antibiotics for victims of sexual assault to help mitigate possible sexually transmitted infections (STI) [2]. In cases of rape and abuse, screening for STI and pregnancy is best practice with support from psychologists and social workers to reduce the incidence of long-term psychological problems [1,2]. No. of patients Alcohol intoxication 32 (26.9%) “Rough or aggressive” intercourse 20 (16.8%) Preexisting vaginal infection 11 (9.2%) Awkward positioning during intercourse 10 (8.4%) Atrophic vagina in postmenopausal women 10 (8.4%) First coitus 8 (6.7%) Insertion of foreign bodies 8 (6.7%) Previous surgery 5 (4.2%) Disproportion of male and female genitalia 4 (3.3%) Penile ornamentation Hx of pelvic radiation therapy 2 (1.7%) 1 (0.8%) Table 1 Predisposing factors for vaginal laceration after consensual intercourse (n = 119).