Are you experiencing pain in and around your vagina?
This isn’t usually anything to worry about.
This kind of discomfort is actually experienced by up to 90% of women. However, it should only really occur during your periods in your reproductive years.
But, when you’re experiencing discomfort that isn’t due to your menstrual cycle, this may cause you to stress.
You may instantly be concerned that your pain or discomfort is a sign of something serious. Check out the possible causes of vaginal pain below to get some insight.
1. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
You could have developed an infection around your vulva.
This could be due to sexually transmitted diseases, most commonly yeast infections or genital herpes.
Yeast infections can usually be spotted with symptoms that cause your vulva to swell and itch. This is normally most intense during intercourse or urinating.
Herpes usually causes you to develop sores which are made worse by contact with any urine. However, other examples of sexually transmitted diseases include gonorrhea or chlamydia.
You can purchase medicines either over the counter or with a prescription from your doctor. But, if you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, ensure that you alert any recent sexual partners.
You may also need to have a ureaplasma test to rule out any other sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a serious condition that is caused by the development of the lining beyond your uterus.
This can cause extremely painful periods and sexual intercourse.
While symptoms consist of everything from constipation to fatigue, it’s important to be aware that left untreated, it can even cause infertility.
If you have endometriosis, you’re at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer as well. That’s why it’s important to consult your doctor about treatment.
3. Vulvodynia
This condition could cause you to experience vaginal pain for up to three months.
Your doctor may not be able to tell you the exact cause of the condition. Nevertheless, you’ll probably experience pain, particularly during sexual intercourse. You may have to avoid sex for a while.
Many sufferers of vulvodynia also find that certain items of clothing are uncomfortable to wear.
Sticking to 100% cotton clothing can help ease the pain. It’s also important to keep yourself clean, especially after working out and sex.
4. Bartholin’s Cyst
When the glands in your vagina are blocked, this can cause a cyst to emerge.
They can be quite painful when sitting or moving.
You might be able to find relief in a bath. If the vaginal pain doesn’t subside, you need to speak with your doctor.
There are treatments, including surgical drainage, that could help you recover from the Bartholin’s Cyst.
What to Do About Vaginal Pain
Vaginal pain is a symptom of many conditions and diseases.
In many cases, speaking with your doctor is the best course of action. The sooner you can find out what’s causing the discomfort, the better.
Do you want to know more about how to stay healthy? Keep scrolling our blog for more insight.