‘Why Does My Vagina Hurt?’ Sneaky Causes of Vaginal Pain and How To Find Relief Fast
Could your symptoms be vulvodynia? A doctor reveals how to tell
Key Takeaways
- Vaginal pain is often benign and temporary, caused by treatable infections or irritation.
- Medications, pelvic floor therapy and simple lifestyle changes can help provide relief.
- Signs you should seek immediate medical attention include fever and abnormal discharge.
When it comes to questions we don’t want to have to ask ourselves, “Why does my vagina hurt?” is up there. But the good news is that the reason for your discomfort is often harmless—and even when it is a sign of something more serious, like pelvic floor dysfunction, it can often be treated with the right care. Keep reading as a top gynecologist explains the main causes of vaginal pain and how to find relief fast.
Why does my vagina hurt? 4 causes of vaginal pain
Vaginal pain has different causes at different life stages, explains Maral Malekzadeh, DO, a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist and co-owner of The Well Westlake. In our reproductive years, infections and hormonal shifts are common culprits. In menopause and beyond, reduced estrogen causes thinning and dryness, making pain—especially during sexual intercourse—more likely.
Here, she shares the main causes of vaginal pain:
Woman's World Answers
-
- Infections: Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes, can all cause vaginal pain and discomfort.
- Irritation or trauma: This can result from sexual activity, tampon use or even tight clothing or synthetic fabrics.
- Dermatologic conditions: Skin issues like contact dermatitis (often from soaps, detergents or feminine products) can affect the vaginal area and potentially cause pain in the vulva.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: When pelvic floor muscles are too tight or weak, they can cause pain during intercourse and other daily activities.
Should you see a doctor about vaginal pain? Here’s how to know
Mild, short-lived vaginal pain with an obvious cause—like irritation from a new soap, detergent or tight clothing—usually isn’t cause for concern, reassures Dr. Malekzadeh. But she urges seeking prompt care if you experience:
- Persistent, recurrent or unexplained pain
- Severe or sudden pain
- Pain during intercourse that doesn’t improve
- Fever
- Abnormal discharge or odor
- Visible sores, lesions or skin changes
- Vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause)
When it could be vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain lasting at least three months without a clear identifiable cause, says Dr. Malekzadeh. According to a study in the journal Case Reports in Women’s Health, it affects at least six percent of women across all ages and backgrounds, yet it’s often misdiagnosed. The same study found that this condition is frequently mistaken for vaginismus, involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles.
Key symptoms of vulvodynia include:
- Burning: A persistent burning sensation in the vulvar area
- Stinging: Sharp or prickling discomfort
- Irritation: Feeling raw, tender or overly sensitive to touch
Treatment options for vulvodynia include:
- Topical medications (like lidocaine or estrogen; lidocaine for pain relief and estrogen to help restore thinning vaginal tissue and ease dryness)
- Oral medications for nerve pain (such as gabapentin)
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Behavioral therapy (stress reduction strategies that may ease symptoms)
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce irritation (such as wearing cotton underwear and avoiding perfumed soaps, douches or feminine products)
The bottom line on why your vagina may hurt
Vaginal pain is common and affects women at every life stage, from infections and hormonal fluctuations during reproductive years to estrogen-related changes during menopause and beyond. The good news: Most causes—including infections, irritation, dermatologic conditions like contact dermatitis and pelvic floor dysfunction—are treatable. Whether it’s a simple infection or a more complex condition like vulvodynia, there are effective treatments available, so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing pain.
Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
