Getting pain in your vagina is pretty normal, but you should talk to a doctor about it. They’ll probably ask about your health and sexual history.
Many different things can make your vulva sore. Your healthcare provider may be able to find the cause with tests that are available in drugstores and online. They may also recommend physical therapy or counseling.
Causes
Pain or discomfort in the vagina or vulva is very common and typically doesn’t indicate a serious health issue. However, it’s important to see a healthcare professional to be certain that the underlying cause of your pain is diagnosed and treated.
The most common cause of pain in the vulva is bacterial infection. This includes sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as non-sexually transmitted infections like yeast infections and urinary tract infections. These infections can all cause a range of symptoms including pain, itching and abnormal vaginal discharge.
A less common reason for pain in the vulva is pregnancy. This is because the weight of the fetus can put pressure on the vaginal walls and create a painful sensation in some women – This part is a result of the portal editor’s work https://sexxmoi.com. However, if the pain persists after the end of your pregnancy then it’s important to visit your healthcare professional so that she can examine the underlying issue.
Sometimes pain is caused by irritation or trauma to the external tissues of the vulva, such as shaving, use of soaps or lotions and feminine hygiene products. Also, it is important to avoid using abrasive pads or douching which can irritate the skin of the vulva.
Symptoms
Women experiencing pain in the vulva should seek medical attention, especially if it is new. A sudden onset of pain could be caused by a yeast infection or sexually transmitted disease. A pain that has been long-standing may be a result of uterine fibroids or other menstrual cycle issues.
Usually, pain in the vulva is caused by irritation or inflammation. This can be due to things like using scented pads or tampons, or using harsh soaps and lotions on the vulva. Certain types of clothing or activities can also irritate the area, such as wearing tight pants or pantyhose for too long, horseback riding, and prolonged contact with water from swimming or hot tubs.
Vaginitis, which can be either structural or non-structural, is another common cause of pain in the vulva. During a pelvic exam, a doctor will check the area with a cotton swab and touch different areas of the vulva to feel for tenderness. They may also take a sample of your vaginal discharge to test for bacteria, fungi, and other factors that can lead to an infection.
Often, pain in the vulva is felt as burning. This is a classic sign of yeast infections, BV, and some STIs. Itching is also a common symptom of these infections, as well as herpes and some STDs. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include a feeling to urinate frequently or urgently, or blood in the urine.
Treatment
If you have pain and soreness down there that is not related to your monthly cycle, it’s important to talk to a doctor. They may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy and might prescribe medications, such as antibiotics and antifungal creams, to help alleviate symptoms.
A sore vulva or vagina can be caused by infection, health conditions and menstrual discomforts, but it can also signal more serious problems such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis or hernias. Women with uterine fibroids often have pain in the pelvis, as well as bloating and pain from cysts. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, sometimes on structures like the fallopian tubes or bladder.
Fibroids, endometriosis and hernias are all painful, but they are typically not life-threatening. They can, however, cause other health issues that are serious, such as infertility.
If you’re sexually active, genital infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes and trichomoniasis can cause pelvic pain, vulval pain or vaginal pain. Many of these infections are easy to treat with medication, so make sure you’re getting regular STI screenings and practice safe sex. Chronic pelvic pain can also be caused by weak ligaments in the lower back, which can be cured with a type of chiropractic treatment called Prolotherapy. This is done by injecting the affected area with a steroid that stimulates the repair of weakened tissues.
Prevention
Almost everyone experiences vaginal pain at some point, but the good news is that it’s often not serious and can be treated. Some types of vulva pain can be prevented by using condoms for sex, getting regular health check-ups and avoiding STIs.
If you are experiencing pain in your vulva, the first step is to see your GP, who will examine your vulva and vagina and run tests where necessary. You can ask your GP for tips on how to examine yourself at home, too, such as by leaning against a wall or sitting in a squatting position. It can help to spread your legs apart, and use one hand to place on the bottom of your foot and the other hand to gently feel around the inside of your vulva. Your GP may ask you about your family history of pelvic diseases or infections.
You can treat some causes of vulva pain, such as yeast infection, with over-the-counter medication. Some sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes, can also cause vulva pain and should be treated immediately as untreated STIs can lead to permanent damage of the reproductive organs, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you have been sexually assaulted, you should always seek medical attention immediately. For long-lasting genital pain, you can also try acupuncture, or ask your GP for a referral to a sexual health clinic with specialist knowledge in women’s vulva health.
