Vaginal Discomfort/Pain
Overview
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. Vaginal discomfort and pain may be due to the following:
Vaginitis
You may have an infection called vaginitis. 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
You may have a urinary tract infection.
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
- Throbbing
Treatments
Vaginal Discomfort Treatments
Treatment for vaginal discomfort and pain will vary depending on the underlying cause, and may include:
- Using fragrance-free soaps and avoid douching.
- Over-the-counter medications for yeast infections.
- Antibiotics if your symptoms are from a bacterial infection.
- 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.
Specialists
