I think I broke my vagina.

January 11, 2007 2:11 PM

[FemaleMasturbationFilter] Is it possible for a healthy twentysomething to hurt herself while masturbating, but not actually hurt-hurt? Boys don't read, you'll get heebed. Somewhat gross

I should be posting this anonymously, but you know what? Screw it. I'm brave.

Here's the deal. I'm a sexual-but-seldom-sexually-active twentysomething. I've been single for a few years now, and I only have sex inside a relationship... which means I get sex maaaaaaaybe a couple of times a year if I'm dating someone exclusively. I masturbate often (i'm usually a "rubber", not a "fucker", if that makes any sense) and everything is somewhat kosher. No, I don't like having sex so rarely. But that's not the reason for this question.

THE QUESTION.

Over the last week, I've been having more.... penetrative self-fucking than I usually do - as I said before, I rarely insert a toy while playing, and just stick with rubbing. I've noticed that after almost every single time, there is a bit of blood on the dildo. Not a lot at all... just a few smudges. And I don't hurt at all - like, not even a little. I wouldn't even be writing this had I not seen the blood. And the kicker? The orgasms have been of the very intense, very awesome, tears-coming-out-of-my-eyes-because-it-feels-so-good variety. WTF?

Some extra info: I'm using an average sized dildo - about 5 and a half, 6 inches, proportionate girth. Actually one of the smallest I own, truth be told. This is totally freaking me out. I've never bled just from (self)fucking! I mean, maybe if I was close to my period, but I'm definitely not right now.

For the record: yes, I'd call my gyno and ask. However I've been told that it's a 3 week wait just to see a NURSE to ask the question, and they won't answer it on the phone.

So, AskMeFi.... am I broken???

posted by damnjezebel to Health & Fitness (35 answers total)

My first thought was that your bruised your cervix and it was probably nothing to worry about. But this site mentions 10 possibilities, all of which should be checked out by a doctor.
posted by saffry at 2:25 PM on January 11, 2007

Are you ovulating? Some women spot very slightly when they are ovulating, and sometimes it's such a small amount of blood that it's not even noticeable unless you insert... something.
posted by bedhead at 2:31 PM on January 11, 2007

Response by poster: I've NEVER had this issue before. Ever. My periods are always fairly light (yes, yes, hate me - but they last for about 9 days, so you still win). And even when I lost my virginity, I didn't bleed.
posted by damnjezebel at 2:33 PM on January 11, 2007

Where are you in your cycle? Is your period due any day? Seconding the maybe ovulating. Especially with the excellent orgasms.

It's also a possibility that you may have scraped yourself a bit, especially if it's just a little blood and stops immediately. Maybe lay off the toy for a few and see what happens once you've had a bit of time to heal.

Thirdly, maybe call and/or make an appointment at Planned Parenthood or somewhere similar. Three weeks just to talk to a nurse? Better be the best gyno EVER.

(Not a medical person at all, but I do have a vagina.)
posted by lilywing13 at 2:39 PM on January 11, 2007

Even if you don't have a history of spotting, things change over time. I didn't use to either but I do now. Your period will likely change a lot over the years. So I do think it could be something totally benign like spotting. You say it doesn't hurt; that's good. Still possible that it could be a lot of things but unless it starts to hurt, bleeds a LOT, or you develop other unpleasant symptoms, I think you can wait the 3 weeks. Of course if any of those things happen, call the doctor back and insist on a appointment sooner. They have space on the calender, they just haven't offered it to you since you havn't presented a convincing set of symptoms to warrant it.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:41 PM on January 11, 2007

You have unexplained bleeding (well, kinda) and you have to wait three weeks to talk to a nurse? You need to find a new gyno. Seriously.

I've had light, unexplained bleeding before but never from sex or a dildo. Are you on birth control? Sometimes I get a little bit of blood coming out - not enough to stain my underwear, just a litle bit that I notice after using the toilet. My doctor told me it's somewhat normal for women on birth control to have occassional breakthrough bleeding.
posted by sutel at 2:46 PM on January 11, 2007

I second saffry's link and advice. There are also non-dangerous reasons for what you describe, but it is certainly worth making sure with a trained professional rather than trying to guess at home.
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:47 PM on January 11, 2007

There's a possibility that a cyst burst. That happened to me once, confirmed by a doctor's visit.
posted by digitalis at 2:53 PM on January 11, 2007

(I'm sort of amazed no one has screamed "GO TO THE ER IMMEDIATELY YOU ARE PROBABLY DYING OF SOMETHING RARE!!!!" and/or "GO GET A LAWYER!!!! SUE THE MAKER OF THE TOY!!!!!" yet.)

"A few smudges" of blood, after penetration? I suspect you accidentally "nicked" (Sorry. I didn't know what else to call it.) yourself. Vaginas are sturdy and elastic, but also very soft. You know how you can brush your teeth a little vigorously and end up with traces of blood when you spit out the toothpaste? There's a lot of, er, wet stuff around-- even a smidgen of blood would look like more than it is.

You're fine. Your body would tell you if it were hurt, and instead you're having a Rather Good time. :)
posted by thehmsbeagle at 2:55 PM on January 11, 2007

maybe you're tearing a polyp? my roommate has one on her cervix, and she reports that it makes her spot occasionally, esp. after sex.
posted by twistofrhyme at 3:01 PM on January 11, 2007

Well, this admittedly has happened to me before...no period in sight before or after, but the same red-tinged evidence of relatively intense penetration. Didn't feel unusual pain during or after. The work of a real penis those times in a non-masturbatory environment, though.
posted by Asherah at 3:22 PM on January 11, 2007

Perhaps you can go to the local Planned Parenthood before your doctor's appointment. They should be able to see you without an appointment or at least with an appointment in a reasonable amount of time. Good luck.
posted by terrapin at 3:56 PM on January 11, 2007

Response by poster: to answer a few questions:

- the planned parenthoods in this area are booked up for the month. They take appointments at the beginning of the month and close the books when they're full for the month. Apparently, all the ones in this area do that. I did call to ask how long a walk-in would take. I was told that there's no guarantee that I'll be seen because they're That Busy. Which doesn't really shock me, as I used to go back in Teh Day (like 5 years ago or so) and it was the same sort of deal. Oh, the perils of living in the Dallas area...

- my period is roughly 2 weeks away.

- I have no clue if I'm ovulating or not. Yes, I'm clueless. I know this.

- I am not on birth control, and have not been for over four years.

- I did book the doctor's appointment and I AM going. But since I'm a bit of a hypo(er?)chondriac, I'm already freaking out and assuming that I have Ebola or a 50lb tumor - and I'm going to freak out until I have my appointment.
posted by damnjezebel at 4:21 PM on January 11, 2007

If your period is about 2 weeks away and you have a regular 4-weekish cycle, you very well might be ovulating.

Sometimes some women just get a bit irritated. It might be that. Maybe you're being sensitive to the device - or, if you're using a rubber on it, the latex. I personally feel like unless you think you're at risk for having an STD, it doesn't hurt, and you're not running a fever, I wouldn't freak out. (IANAD, but I work with OB/GYNs.)
posted by cobaltnine at 4:35 PM on January 11, 2007

If your period is about 2 weeks away, you might be ovulating. Usually, ovulation occurs roughly 14 days after the first day of your period, but your uterus may vary. (on preview: yep!)

I occasionally spot when I ovulate - not enough to notice most of the time (i.e., no ruined undies) but sometimes there's a tiny bit of blood during intercourse or self-stimulation. It could also be, like other commenters said, minor irritation or minor tearing.

That said, the other health concerns on saffry's linked page are a possibility - but none of them are going to cause your vagina to burst into flames or anything, so don't panic! It's probably nothing to worry about, but even if it is something on that page, they are all treatable, which is why it is a good idea to see your doctor.

For peace of mind, have you tried checking with your insurance to see if there are any other gynos in your area that you can see before yours is available?
posted by bedhead at 4:38 PM on January 11, 2007

This has happened to me at different times over the years, and it's nothing. It seems to be the result of going at it too vigorously. Vaginal tears occur every time the vagina is penetrated...sometimes, though, it can be too much. So for now, just stop with this particular method, give yourself a week or so to heal, and try not to freak out too much while you're waiting for your appointment. It's probably nothing. Do you use (lots and lots of) lube? That might help prevent this in the future, since a dry vagina = more friction.

I *always* have a hard time getting a gyn appointment quickly, and I'm in New York. It's ridiculous. [/rant]
Also, not to be insensitive, but...eponysterical?
posted by CiaoMela at 4:40 PM on January 11, 2007

Have you looked your toy over closely for any rough spots?
posted by yohko at 4:44 PM on January 11, 2007

I'll definitely put in another two cents for the "don't worry" school -- partly because I see exactly the same thing wth myself, especially after intense orgasms. Personally I agree with the above theory that it may be some degree of deep relaxation in the cervix, letting through the minimal amounts of normal menstrual blood/spotting that's naturally there. I think that is more likely than minor tears or injury.

Also, I think this thread is useful for any guy to read (or maybe just any guy who's sexually interested in women).
posted by lorimer at 4:48 PM on January 11, 2007

I am seconding/thirding etc, etc, the possible tearing/nicking of your vagina. It's happened to other women that I know (me included) and brought on generally by your being a bit rougher with yourself than you think. I would still go to the gyno just to check everything out.

And maybe see if you can get a new one, I know gynos are busy, but mine always answer a question over the phone. Or at least a call back the same day.
posted by Attackpanda at 4:49 PM on January 11, 2007

Basic troubleshooting might be useful here; consider swapping out hardware and see if the problem persists. And I'm not being snide or insensitive, I promise; if it's just a little blood (and diluted blood spreads far, a la the vigorous tooth-brushing example above) and it doesn't hurt before, during, or after, perhaps it's the toy itself (rough spot on the toy per yohko) or your choice of angle / speed / whatever. Just my $.02.
posted by ZakDaddy at 5:19 PM on January 11, 2007

Oh, and I promise that with an intro like [FemaleMasturbationFilter] there are lots and lots of heterosexual men looking at this thread. :)
posted by ZakDaddy at 5:20 PM on January 11, 2007

I had a little bleeding after sex recently and didn't feel any pain before, during or after. I third (fourth? fifth?) the opinion that this is probably nothing to worry about, though it is good that you are going to be checked out by a gynocologist.
posted by amileighs at 5:31 PM on January 11, 2007

Whether and how much I spot at what point in my cycle and after which activities fluctuated immensely from my mid-twenties through my early-thirties. Hormones are funny things.
posted by desuetude at 6:13 PM on January 11, 2007

Response by poster: ZakDaddy, wemayfreeze.... I know how some guys are. "OMFG BLUD ON TEH PEEN O NOOOOOOOOOEZ!" I didn't want to be "whatever" about it and then have you guys open the question and have your eyes burn.

I'm not THAT cruel, c'mon.
posted by damnjezebel at 6:40 PM on January 11, 2007 [1 favorite]

Damnjezebel, you've just unknowingly opened the door to the torrent of "guys with a good attitude about menstruation" to enter the thread and tell us what a good attitude about menstuation they have. RUN.
posted by nathancaswell at 6:53 PM on January 11, 2007 [3 favorites]

Lil bit of blood, nothing to freak over. I swear, every intense orgasm I have I end up bleeding just a little. Spazzes my gf out to no end but I never feel even the smallest amount of pain.
posted by CwgrlUp at 6:58 PM on January 11, 2007

No one's suggested more lube yet. That's my contribution to the conversation. Too much lube is almost enough. You could have rubbed something raw, hence the smudges of blood too...
posted by susanbeeswax at 7:07 PM on January 11, 2007

I second the more lube. Quality of lube also counts for something - Wet lube is awful. Astroglide is tolerable.

My favorite is Liquid Silk, which is expensive, but worth every penny and a ginormous bottle will last you a really long time.

I'm sure you do this anyway, but give the toy a good cleaning with warm water (don't soak it if it's a vibrator, obviously, but wipe it down well) before using it next to be absolutely SURE that it's nothing ON the toy itself.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 7:35 PM on January 11, 2007

No clue what is going on with the blood on the toy, but I wanted to weigh in and say that you don't need to go to the gyno or PP tp get checked out. Just call your family/general doctor and they'll probably be able to see you tomorrow. Don't waste your day in the Planned Parenthood waiting room, most family doctors are able to do your annual exam, pap, etc. and they'll be able to sort you out.
posted by necessitas at 7:42 PM on January 11, 2007

From DrDrew.com (so IANAD, but he is)

"It is not uncommon for women to have some bleeding associated with sexual activity. Usually, it occurs with intercourse, however, orgasm itself has the potential to cause some bleeding. During orgasm, there are contractions of the uterus that can potentially cause the expulsion of a small amount of blood.

I wouldn't worry, but it might be good for you to see your gynecologist, just in case. Your doctor would be able to evaluate whether there is something predisposing you to irregular bleeding. An appropriate evaluation would include routine laboratory tests, to check for endocrine abnormalities, and a pelvic exam or bimanual examination of the reproductive organs to rule out ovarian cysts or endometriosis."
posted by nursegracer at 8:43 PM on January 11, 2007

"Oh, the perils of living in the Dallas area..."

As in, Texas? I live in Richardson and I walk into the Plano PP all the time. The longest I've waited on a walk in is 30 minutes, and the shortest I've waited on an appt. is 60.

(Or I did up until a few months when I got insurance). The only PP's that are that booked ahead around here are the surgery centers. I think you may have called the wrong ones... Call the Plano PP if you really want to go to one.
posted by jesirose at 8:43 PM on January 11, 2007

Link to above answer
posted by nursegracer at 8:45 PM on January 11, 2007

Thirding tons of lube--and get checked too for a UTI.
posted by brujita at 9:32 PM on January 11, 2007

The first thought that pops to my mind is if you have been craving penetrative stimulation in the past week only and are feeling unusually horny, you are most probably due on some time soon, which increases your libido no end as we ladies know. This could also indicate that you are prone to very slight spotting 12 days or so into your cycle but which you have not had cause to notice before. The reason you are now noticing is what with toy loving being so very 'in your face', we are bound to notice everything deposited on the dildo after use.

I would advice abstaining from insertion until your period commences and then making an appointment AFTER it ends at the GUM clinic. Until then I would try and stick to rubbing but if you really crave something more then try something like a bullet?

And lastly, I wouldn't worry Hun, its not that easy to break ;)
posted by mycapaciousbottega at 6:44 AM on January 12, 2007

I don't own a vagina but I have regular access to one.

My girlfriend and I on occasion notice some small amount of blood after vigorous activity, particularly if we've been having less sex in the preceding weeks. The 'smudge' you describe is exactly the form it takes.

Certainly you should see your doctor when something changes, however based on your comment that you don't typically use the poles that would pretty dead-on match the circumstance under which my darling girlfriend and I see the same thing happen. There could also be something related to the notable intensity (congrats on that) since you might get a lot of involuntary muscle contraction there.
posted by phearlez at 8:31 AM on January 12, 2007