What is Vaginal Discomfort and Pain?

If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your vagina or the external vagina such as the vulva, labia, clitoris and entrance, make an appointment with your St. John’s Physician Partners gynecologist in order to find the cause and develop a treatment plan. Common reasons for vaginal pain or vulval pain include:

Vaginitis

Inflammation of the vagina, often caused by a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or vaginal infections. You may have an increased risk for yeast vaginitis if you’re taking antibiotics or cortisone medications.

Injury or trauma

Vaginal pain and discomfort may also be due to injury or trauma to the vagina or vulva.

Bartholin’s abcesses

You may have Bartholin’s abcesses. Bartholin’s glands are small glands located on the side of the vaginal opening that lubricate the vagina. If the glands become blocked, the fluid can be trapped and cause an abscess to form.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomoniasis can also be the cause.

UTI

While not located in the vagina, UTIs can cause pelvic pain and a burning sensation that’s often confused with vaginal pain.

Symptoms

Vaginal Discomfort and Pain Symptoms

Symptoms for vaginal discomfort and pain may include:

Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal itching
Burning
Soreness
Rawness
Stinging in the vulva or labia
Throbbing

Treatments

Vaginal Discomfort Treatments

Effective treatment for vaginal pain depends on identifying the underlying cause. Whether related to infections, hormonal changes, or chronic conditions, early intervention by your gynecologist is key to relief and prevention of long-term issues.

Common vaginal pain treatment options include:

Avoiding irritants: Using fragrance-free soaps and avoid douching.
Medications for infection: Over-the-counter medications for yeast infections.
Antibiotics if your symptoms are from a bacterial infection.
Hormonal therapy: Other medications such as for vaginal dryness
Referral to a specialist according to diagnosis.

Long-term problems can develop if the underlying conditions are not properly treated. That’s why it’s important to see your gynecologist when the symptoms first appear.