A 22-year-old woman, Ms. T., was hospitalized after a tragic accident where her toilet bowl shattered while she was using the restroom, causing severe perineal injury. This incident serves as a stark reminder of unforeseen accidents that can occur in daily life, particularly the potential hazards lurking within the bathroom.
Dr. Lê Đức Hùng, a specialist at the HCM City Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, reported that upon examination, the patient sustained a 3cm tear in her vulva, accompanied by bleeding and embedded fragments of shattered ceramic.
The treatment team meticulously cleaned the wound, performed 4 sutures to control the bleeding, and addressed the damage. Thankfully, Dr. Hùng confirmed that the accident did not affect the patient’s reproductive function. The patient received tetanus shots, antibiotics to prevent infection, and was discharged on the same day. Dr. Hùng provided detailed instructions on hygiene, dressing changes, and proper rest to expedite healing.
Doctors surgically treat the patient's perineal injury. (Photo: Hospital).
Causes and Prevention of Perineal Injuries
According to Dr. Hùng, various factors can contribute to perineal injuries:
- Everyday accidents: Falls and forceful impacts with hard objects during physical activity.
- Sexual activity: Rough sex or the use of unsafe sex toys.
- Physiological factors: Vaginal dryness or childbirth with large-sized babies.
- Cosmetic procedures: Improper hair removal techniques.
Ms. T.’s incident was a rare accident caused by the weight of her body shattering the toilet bowl while squatting.
Handling Perineal Injuries
Dr. Hùng advises that if you experience bleeding, intense pain, or any unusual symptoms in the perineal area, you should immediately seek professional medical attention at a specialized clinic. While waiting for treatment, you can temporarily control bleeding with a clean cloth, but absolutely avoid self-treating with medication, which could worsen the injury.
Many women delay seeking treatment due to embarrassment or fear. This can delay treatment and increase the risk of complications such as infection, chronic pain, vaginal stenosis, or even damage to reproductive organs leading to infertility.
Preventing Accidents and Protecting Perineal Health
To prevent such unfortunate incidents, doctors recommend:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet.
- Wearing protective gear during work or sports activities.
- Avoid squatting on toilet bowls, particularly old or poorly-made ones.
- Do not perform excessive vaginal douching.
- Practice safe sex.
- Undergo regular gynecological checkups to detect and treat potential conditions that could increase the risk of perineal injuries.
Choosing and using high-quality hygiene products is also essential for preventing accidents.
Ms. T.’s accident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive safety measures and health awareness, especially for sensitive areas of the body.
