Vaginal Discomfort/Pain

A mom with her baby

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. 

Patient sitting in the office

Specialists 

Vaginal Discomfort Specialists 

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 680W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

1301 20th St., Suite 270, Santa Monica, CA 90404

12555 West Jefferson Blvd., Suite 303, Los Angeles, CA 90066

1301 20th St., Suite 270, Santa Monica, CA 90404

1301 20th St., Suite 270, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

12555 West Jefferson Blvd., Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90066

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 970W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404