A sore vagina, vaginal pain or pain in the vagina can occur due to many different causes and under different circumstances. A painful vagina can occur during sex, during menstruation and during urination. Although vaginal pain or discomfort in the vaginal area can occur without sexual activity, it often occurs during intercourse, and the reasons for vaginal pain are often sexually related. A painful vagina can manifest itself in different ways. You may suffer from cramping, stabbing, aching or burning pain in the vagina. There are many possible causes of a painful vagina and it is therefore important to consult your doctor if complaints persist so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be initiated accordingly. Vaginal pain can often be easily remedied. Make sure you go to the doctor on time.

• A painful vagina
• Symptoms: cramping, stabbing or aching vaginal pain
• Causes of a painful vagina

• Possible causes
• Dyspareunia
• Unknown cause

• Who is at risk for vaginal pain?
• Examination and diagnosis
• Treatment of a painful vagina

• Medicines
• Surgery
• Self-care

• Forecast and prospects

 Sore vagina / Source: Ruigsantos/Shutterstock.com

A painful vagina

The vagina or vagina connects the uterus to the outside of the body. A feeling of pain or discomfort in your vagina is often the result of a medical or psychological problem. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide relief from symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Symptoms: cramping, stabbing or aching vaginal pain

The specific symptoms of a sore vagina vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, focal vulvitis (vulvar vestibulitis) is a condition that only causes pain when pressure is applied to your vagina. On the other hand, vulvodynia is a condition in which you suffer from a chronic complaint of burning, stabbing pain, irritation or tightness at the vulva. Depending on the specific condition, you may experience the following symptoms associated with vaginal pain:

• burning vagina
• itching (vaginal itching)
• cramping, stabbing, aching or throbbing pain (vaginal pain)
• stimulating sensations
• poor feeling
• pain during sexual intercourse

Vaginal pain may be limited to the vaginal area, but it can also radiate to your pelvis (pelvic pain) or cervix. If the vaginal pain is caused by an infection, you may develop abnormal vaginal discharge. For example, it may look or smell different than normal. This may indicate a fungal or bacterial infection.

Causes of a painful vagina

Possible causes

A painful vagina has several possible causes, such as:

• bacterial infection
• fungal infection
• STDs: gonorrhea and chlamydia
• vaginal dryness

Normal and ectopic pregnancy / Source: BruceBlaus, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-4.0)

• infections or other problems with the digestive system, especially the intestines or bladder
• fibromyalgia, a chronic widespread pain syndrome
• ovarian cyst
• an ectopic pregnancy
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• trauma or injury caused by sex, childbirth, surgery, or other medical procedures
• vulvovaginal atrophy due to a drop in estrogen after menopause
• Focal vulvitis (vulvar vestibulitis)
• cervical inflammation
• cervical cancer
• sexual abuse
• vaginitis: an inflammation of the inner walls of the vagina, the labia and the tissue surrounding the vagina
• Muscle problems: Conditions such as vaginismus, where the pelvic floor muscles contract involuntarily, can cause pain and discomfort
• Neuropathic pain: This is pain caused by damaged nerves in the area of the vagina.

Dyspareunia

Vaginal pain can also result from a condition called dyspareunia. This is a medical term for painful sexual intercourse. It can be caused by inadequate lubrication or moistening during sex due to hormonal changes or lack of sexual arousal.

Unknown cause

In some cases, the doctor may not be able to determine the cause of a painful vagina.

Who is at risk for vaginal pain?

Women of all ages can suffer from a painful vagina, occasionally or structurally. In some cases, your medical history can increase your risk of vaginal soreness. For example, hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, menopause, or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can increase the risk of vaginal pain. If you have had breast cancer in the past, you are also at higher risk.Certain medications can also increase the risk of a sore vagina. For example, statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, are known to cause vaginal dryness. This can lead to vaginal pain.The advancing years are also a risk factor. Menopause causes changes in your hormone levels and thinning of the vaginal tissue. This can result in vaginal dryness, which can lead to vaginal pain.Consult your doctor if you have a painful vagina / Source: Michaeljung/Shutterstock.com

Examination and diagnosis

If you experience persistent or recurring vaginal pain, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can determine the possible cause of your complaints. If necessary, your GP can also refer you to a gynecologist for further examination.

Treatment of a painful vagina

To relieve a painful vagina, the doctor will try to treat the underlying cause. The action plan may consist of several components. For example, the doctor may recommend local anesthetics or oral medications. In rare cases, surgical intervention will be necessary.

Medicines

In case of a bacterial or fungal infection, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics or antifungals, respectively, to treat it. Adhere to the instructions and complete the treatment, even if your symptoms disappear before you complete the treatment. This reduces the chance of the infection returning. The doctor may also recommend topical ointments such as lidocaine gel. This numbs the vaginal area. This can help relieve persistent discomfort or pain during intercourse. Topical steroid creams can also help with irritation, swelling and burning sensations. Tricyclic antidepressants (classic antidepressants, antidepressants) and anticonvulsants (an antiseizure drug) can also help reduce chronic pain.

Surgery

In rare cases, the doctor may recommend anesthetic injections or nerve blocks to numb your vagina. Surgery may also be necessary in case of focal vulvitis or cervical cancer.Witch hazel / Source: Donar Reiskoffer, Wikimedia Commons (GFDL)

Self-care

Some home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help relieve vaginal pain. For example, witch hazel has the ability to inhibit inflammation and can help relieve itching and burning in the vagina. Always read the package leaflet before use and consult your doctor first. To relieve or prevent pain caused by sexual intercourse, it may help to use a lubricant. Antihistamines may be useful to reduce vaginal itching. .

Forecast and prospects

Your outlook depends on the underlying cause of a sore vagina, as well as the treatment you receive. In many cases, following the doctor’s recommended treatment plan can provide lasting relief.

read more

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• Vaginal bleeding: causes abnormal bleeding
• Vaginismus: symptoms, causes, treatment and prognosis
• Vaginitis: symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention
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