Vaginal Hematoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment
Maybe your like
- Health Conditions
Health Conditions
All- Breast Cancer
- Cancer Care
- Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Digestive Health
- Eye Health
- Heart Health
- Menopause
- Mental Health
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Sleep Health
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Weight Management
Condition Spotlight
All
Controlling Ulcerative Colitis
Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder
Mastering Geographic Atrophy
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
- Wellness
Wellness Topics
All- CBD
- Fitness
- Healthy Aging
- Hearing
- Mental Well-Being
- Nutrition
- Parenthood
- Recipes
- Sexual Health
- Skin Care
- Sleep Health
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Wellness
Product Reviews
All- At-Home Testing
- Men's Health
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Health
Featured Programs
All
Your Guide to Glucose Health
Inflammation and Aging
Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide
She’s Good for Real
- Tools
Featured
- Video Series
- Pill Identifier
- FindCare
- Drugs A-Z
- Medicare Plans by State
Lessons
All- Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials
- Diabetes Nutrition
- High Cholesterol
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis
Newsletters
All- Anxiety and Depression
- Digestive Health
- Heart Health
- Migraine
- Nutrition Edition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Wellness Wire
Lifestyle Quizzes
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Weight Management
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Are You a Workaholic?
- Featured
Health News
All- Medicare 2026 Changes
- Can 6-6-6 Walking Workout Help You Lose Weight?
- This Couple Lost 118 Pounds Together Without Medication
- 5 Science-Backed Ways to Live a Longer Life
- Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer
This Just In
- 5 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
- How to Disinfect Your House After the Flu
- Best Vegan and Plant-Based Meal Delivery for 2025
- Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots?
- Chromosomes, Genetics, and Your Health
Top Reads
- Best Multivitamins for Women
- Best Multivitamins for Men
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
- Buy Ozempic Online
- Mounjaro Overview
Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- Through an Artist's Eye
- Future of Health
- Connect
Find Your Bezzy Community
Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
All
Breast Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Depression
Migraine
Type 2 Diabetes
Psoriasis
Follow us on social media
Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Donna Christiano — Updated on April 24, 2018- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Outlook
What is a vaginal hematoma?
A vaginal hematoma is a collection of blood that pools in the soft tissues of the vagina or vulva, which is the outer part of the vagina. It happens when nearby blood vessels break, usually due to an injury. Blood from these broken vessels can leak into surrounding tissues. You can think of it as a kind of deep bruise.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of a vaginal hematoma and what kind of treatments are available.
What are the symptoms?
In many cases, a small vaginal hematoma won’t cause any symptoms. Larger hematomas may cause:
- Pain and swelling. You may be able to feel or see a mass covered by purple- or blue-colored skin, similar to a bruise.
- Painful or difficult urination. If the mass puts pressure on your urethra or blocks your vaginal opening, you might have hard time urinating. This pressure can also make it painful.
- Bulging tissue. Very large hematomas sometimes extend outside of the vagina.
What causes it?
Vaginal hematomas, like all hematomas, are usually the result of an injury. The vagina contains a lot of blood vessels, especially in comparison to other areas of the body.
Several things can injure the vagina, including:
- falling
- vigorous sexual intercourse
- high-impact sports
This type of hematoma can also happen during vaginal childbirth, either due to pressure from pushing or injuries from medical instruments, including forceps. Having an episiotomy can also cause a vaginal hematoma. This refers to a surgical cut near the vaginal opening to make it easier for a baby to pass through it. Vaginal hematomas caused by childbirth may not show up until a day or two after giving birth.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a vaginal hematoma, your doctor will start by doing a basic exam of your vulva and vagina to check for any visible signs of a hematoma. Depending on what they find during the exam, your doctor might also order an ultrasound or CT scan to see how big the hematoma is and whether it’s growing.
Vaginal hematomas can sometimes lead to dangerous bleeding, so it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor, even if the hematoma seems minor.
How is it treated?
There are several treatment options for vaginal hematomas, depending on how large they are and whether they’re causing symptoms.
A small hematoma, usually under 5 centimeters in diameter, is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.
If you have a larger vaginal hematoma, your doctor may need to surgically drain it. To do this, they’ll start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Next, they’ll make a small incision in the hematoma and use a small tube to drain the pooled blood. Once the blood is gone, they’ll stitch up the area. You might also be given an antibiotic to prevent an infection.
Very large hematomas, or hematomas located deep in the vagina, may require heavier sedation and more extensive surgery.
What’s the outlook?
Vaginal hematomas are relatively rare. When they do happen, it’s usually the result of an injury or childbirth. The vagina is rich in blood vessels, so any kind of trauma in this area can cause a hematoma. While small ones often heal on their own, larger ones may need to be drained by your doctor. Regardless of the size, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor to make sure you don’t have any internal bleeding.
How we reviewed this article:
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- Awoleke JO. (2017). Vulvovaginal infralevator haematomamimicking the second stage of labour [Abstract]. DOI:https://www.hindawi.com/journals/criog/2017/8062793/abs/
- Mayo Clinic. (2017). Shock: First aid.https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-shock/basics/art-20056620
- Postpartum hemorrhage. (2017).http://clinicalinnovations.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ACOG_Practice_Bulletin_No_183_Postpartum-Hemorrhage-2017.pdf
- Puerperal genital haematomas. (n.d.).http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/149020804eedac35b186b36a7ac0d6e4/Puerperal-genital-haematomas-WCHN-PPG-22052013.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-149020804eedac35b186b36a7ac0d6e4-lNuWuA-
- Roman AS, et al. (2017). Management of hematomasincurred as a result of obstetrical delivery.https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-hematomas-incurred-as-a-result-of-obstetrical-delivery
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Donna Christiano — Updated on April 24, 2018Read this next
- Vaginal Lumps and Bumps: Causes, Home Remedies, and When to See a Doctor
Vaginal lumps and bumps are common and can be caused by many different conditions. You can manage most vaginal bumps and lumps at home. Learn more.a
READ MORE - What Causes Vaginal Burning, and How Is It Treated?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Vaginal itching and irritation usually aren't cause for concern, but burning may be a sign of an underlying condition. Here are other symptoms to…
READ MORE - From Pubes to Lubes: 8 Ways to Keep Your Vagina HappyMedically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S
Get the facts on your anatomy as well as tips for keeping your vagina happy, safe, and healthy.
READ MORE - Why Do Vaginal Pimples Form?
Vaginal pimples can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition. But they generally aren't cause for concern. Here's what you need to know.
READ MORE - FDA OKs Addyi, a Libido-Enhancing Drug for Women After Menopause
The FDA expanded its approval of Addyi to treat low libido in postmenopausal women up to age 65. The approval will open up new treatment options for…
READ MORE - CBD, THC May Provide New Ovarian Cancer Treatments, Study Finds
A recent study has found that two cannabis derivatives may aid in ovarian cancer treatment. The research indicates that CBD and THC work…
READ MORE - Unused Period Products Unlikely to Contain Mold, Health Experts Say
Some TikTok and other social media users have posted images and videos of dark, spotted patches inside unused period products, sparking concerns…
READ MORE - Nearly 1 in 5 UTIs Linked to Meat Contaminated With E. Coli, Study Finds
A new study finds that nearly one-fifth of urinary tract infections can be linked to E. coli bacteria in chicken, turkey, pork, or beef.
READ MORE
Tag » Why Is My Vagina Purple
-
Types Of Vagina: Shapes, Sizes, Colors, And More
-
Is It A Problem If My Vagina Is Purple? - Go Ask Alice!
-
The Inner Part Of My Vagina Is Getting Darker, And It Wasn’
-
Should I Be Concerned About Discoloration (From Pink To Purple ...
-
Does Your Vagina Change Color During Pregnancy? - Romper
-
What Causes Discoloration Around The Vagina? - Zocdoc Answers
-
7 Ways Your Vagina Changes During Pregnancy - Parents
-
Do You Need To Worry About The Color Of Your Labia? - InStyle
-
The Lip Of My Vagina Is A Purple Color??????????
-
Why Is My Vagina Dark? Labia Color Meaning - Refinery29
-
What Cause Your Vagina Lips To Turn Blueish Purple - HealthTap
-
Is It Normal For My Vagina To Go From Pink To Purple?
-
Is My Vagina Normal? - Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
-
Vaginal And Labia Changes During Pregnancy - What To Expect