Just so you all know who are wondering how you may have gotten tears & irritation on your pereneum, I KNOW FOR A FACT that I my reason, is from pads, tampons, & sex/oral. Friction, moisture, & coarseness of a constant (such as a pad being on 12+ hours during sleep) can cause irritation such as redness, swelling, bumps, & just all around irritation. Many symptoms are that of a rash. Yet, after being checked for STD's/STI's (not worried about my marriage, hospitals always "just want to check") I have been told & come to the conclusion it is definitely from pads & tampons. Plastic applicators can poke/scratch you & cause the tears as well as many other things. Perineum skin (just like all skin in that area) is very sensitive. Be careful!