[1] The fourchette may be torn during delivery due to the sudden stretching of the vulval orifice, or during copulation.

Sometimes this surgical cut may extend to involve the perineal body and thus reduce anal sphincter function.

Thus some obstetricians have opted to perform a posterior-lateral cut in the perineum to prevent this potential complication from occurring.

The fourchette may also be torn in acts of violence wherein forced entry occurs such as rape.

When the fourchette is torn, the bleeding which ensues sometimes requires surgical suturing for containment.