Genital and perineal scars
Genital and perineal scars can follow childbirth, surgery, injury or other tissue damage. Some cause no symptoms; others are associated with pulling, tenderness, altered sensation or painful sex. Symptoms may also arise from nearby muscles, nerves or incompletely healed tissue.
What you may notice
- A visible line or changed skin colour
- Tightness or pulling
- Tenderness or altered sensation
- Pain during penetration
- Persistent bleeding or an unhealed area
Why it can happen
Scar formation follows tissue injury. Infection, wound separation, tension and individual healing can affect the result. Pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction, nerve pain or granulation tissue may contribute to symptoms that appear to come from the scar.
What may help
Treatment should follow examination and may include wound care, treatment of infection or granulation tissue, pelvic-floor physiotherapy and pain management. Scar massage should wait until the wound is fully healed and a clinician considers it appropriate. Revision is reserved for selected problems and can cause further scarring. Laser is not an established general solution.
When to consult
Seek assessment for persistent pain, bleeding, discharge or painful sex. A wound that opens, worsening pain, fever or feeling unwell needs urgent review. Urinary or bowel symptoms also warrant assessment.
Evidence and sources
- National Health Service. Labiaplasty (vulval surgery) [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/labiaplasty/ (new tab)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty, and other female genital cosmetic surgery [Internet]. Washington (DC): American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginal-rejuvenation-labiaplasty-and-other-female-genital-cosmetic-surgery (new tab)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Elective female genital cosmetic surgery [Internet]. Washington (DC): American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2020 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/01/elective-female-genital-cosmetic-surgery (new tab)
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Perineal wound breakdown [Internet]. London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/perineal-tears-and-episiotomies-in-childbirth/perineal-wound-breakdown/ (new tab)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Pelvic floor dysfunction: prevention and non-surgical management [Internet]. London: NICE; 2021 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210/chapter/Recommendations (new tab)