But it may also involve thevulva, the outer part of the genitals.
When both the vagina and vulva are inflamed, it’s referred to as vaginitis.
Verywell / Laura Porter
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Verywell / Laura Porter
Yeast Infection: Ayeast infectionis sparked by a fungus.
It can cause vaginitis, or inflammation, leading to soreness and itching around the vulva and vaginal opening.
UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract.
Symptoms include:
A UTI can make it painful to have sex.
You and your partnershould be testedto reduce the risk of passing it on or having complications.
This pain is usually temporary.
Symptoms can start and stop without warning, or they may occur only when the area is touched.
Genetics, hormones, pelvic floor conditions, nerve irritation or damage, or trauma may raise your risk.
Vulvodynia can also happen after medical procedures such as chemotherapy or surgery involving the nerve supply in the area.
Vaginismusis a condition where vaginal muscles spasm.
It can make it difficult to have sex and can also cause pain.
Symptoms can start at any age and may not always have a clear cause.
When identifiable, causes and triggers may be physical, emotional, or psychological.
People may develop vaginismus in response to physical or emotional trauma.
It can happen because you’re nervous about having sex.
Like vulvodynia, a diagnosis comes with pain that lasts longer than three months.
It can cause symptoms like:
Researchers need to learn more about the causes of vestibulodynia.
However, some causes include thehuman papillomavirus (HPV), frequent yeast infections, and recurrent bacterial vaginosis.
Bartholins Cyst
Bartholin glands are responsible for lubricating the vagina.
ABartholins cystoccurs when the Bartholin glands on thelabiathe skin folds around the vaginal openingbecome blocked.
A cyst thats not infected may show up as a painless lump.
These often resolve on their own.
It may require treatment.
Endometriosis
Endometriosisoccurs when the lining or tissue of theuterus(womb) builds up outside the uterus.
Not everyone has the same symptoms, but some commonsymptoms of endometriosisinclude:
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Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis
Uterine fibroidsandadenomyosisare distinct medical conditions that cause an overgrowth of tissue.
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors made of muscle cells and collagen that can develop in different areas of the uterus.
Adenomyosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue into the walls of the uterus.
Pelvic Floor Issues
Pelvic floor dysfunctionis a health condition where the muscles and tendons in your pelvic area weaken.
It can cause vaginal pain, especially during sex.
You may leak urine or have trouble controlling bowel movements if you have pelvic floor dysfunction.
These issues can be because of:
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Menopause
Vaginal pain can occur because of hormonal changes duringmenopause.
Thevagina may become dry, and tissue may thin and tear more easily.
These changes can make sex painful.
Lichen sclerosusis a rare skin condition that can occur at any age but is most common in postmenopausal women.
It causes itchy and painful patches of thin, white, wrinkled-looking skin on the vulva and/or anus.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition, and currently, the cause is unknown.
Sex can also lead to chafing around the vulva.
If you have beensexually assaulted, reach out for help as soon as you are safe.
One way to get help is to call theNational Sexual Assault (RAINN) Hotlineat 800-656-HOPE (4673).
you’ve got the option to also speak to a healthcare professional you trust.
If you’ve just had a baby, your vagina will be sore for weeks afterward.
Sometimes, pain from childbirth lasts even longer.
If you think you may have an injury inside your vagina, seek medical care.
In rare cases, internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
If you’re pregnant, seeing an obstetrician or gynecologist may be best.
Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you have been sexually assaulted.
Do not clean yourself or change your clothes ahead of your visit.
Diagnosis
It can take time to find out precisely what is behind your pain.
You may be able to confirm some causes with an at-home test; others require a medical evaluation.
For example, atransvaginal ultrasoundcan show endometriosis.
Imaging tests can also detect pelvic floor problems and internal injuries.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the exact cause of your soreness or pain.
In some cases, changing your routines may be all that is needed.
In others, medical intervention may be necessary.
Home Care and Lifestyle
Vaginal pain may decrease if you make some simple changes.
They wont go away on their own and can cause serious health consequences if left untreated.
In some cases, medication can resolve or cure the pain.
Antibiotics or antifungals for infections are a good example.
Surgery
If the pain does not go away with other treatments, you may need surgery.
For example, if you have an infected Bartholin’s cyst, it may need to be drained.
In some cases, surgery to remove scar tissue helps withendometriosis symptoms.
There is a wide range of issues that can cause vulvar/vaginal soreness, and each has a different treatment.
Summary
Pain in or around your vagina can have many possible causes.
Most of the time, vaginal pain will go away on its own or with self-care.
But some types can be severe.
Medication, physical therapy, and even surgery may be needed to restore your health.
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