Pain in the vagina is common and generally does not mean anything very serious, and may simply be a consequence of wearing very tight clothes or being allergic to condoms or soap, for example.
On the other hand, when pain in the vagina is frequent, does not improve over time or is accompanied by other signs or symptoms, it may indicate sexually transmitted infections or the presence of cysts.
Therefore, if a woman experiences pain or burning when urinating, redness in the intimate region, swollen vagina, presence of wounds, lumps or warts and bleeding outside the menstrual period, it is important that she consult a gynecologist, so that the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started. more appropriate treatment.
1. Wearing tight clothing
Wearing tight clothing is generally the main cause of pain in the vagina. This is because very tight clothing made of synthetic fabric prevents the passage of air to the woman’s intimate region, increasing the temperature and humidity of the area, which favors the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. The consequence of wearing tight clothing is noticed when a woman presents the first symptoms of a urinary or vaginal infection, which are pain and burning when urinating.
What to do: You should go to a gynecologist or urologist to determine the cause and thus establish treatment. It is advisable to wear lighter, well-ventilated clothes that are not made of synthetic fabric, in addition to opting for cotton panties. Sleeping without underwear is a good alternative, as it prevents the area from spending so much time stuffy.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
2. Pregnancy
Pain in the vagina during pregnancy is normal and does not represent a risk for the mother or the baby, and is common to occur from the third trimester of pregnancy, which is when the baby, which is practically formed, begins to put pressure on the mother’s organs, especially in the uterus, causing pain. See what happens in the third trimester of pregnancy.
What to do: As this is a normal change, any type of treatment is not recommended, however, if the pain is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it is important that the obstetrician is consulted so that a general assessment can be carried out.
3. Allergic reactions
Some women have increased sensitivity to some products, such as soap, fabric softener used to wash panties, sanitary pads, toilet paper or some type of condom. Allergic reactions can be noticed by swelling, redness, itching, pain or burning in the vagina. Also find out about other causes of burning in the vagina.
What to do: It is important to identify what causes the allergy and avoid using that product. Furthermore, the gynecologist may recommend the use of some medication, such as anti-inflammatory ointments, which should be used in the area that has been sensitized.
4. Urinary infections
Women have a high chance of having more than one urinary infection during their lifetime. This is because the female urethra is short and the distance between the vagina and the anus is small, which favors the migration and proliferation of fungi and bacteria. Urinary infections generally occur when the intimate area is not properly cleaned or when wearing tight clothing that makes the vagina stuffy.
A woman with a urinary tract infection usually has a strong desire to go to the bathroom, but is unable to eliminate much urine and, in addition, may feel pain, burning or itching in the vagina. Find out what the symptoms of urinary infection are.
What to do: When you notice the first symptoms of urinary infection, you should go to a urologist or gynecologist so that the agent causing the infection can be identified and treatment can begin. Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to cleaning the intimate area. Treatment is usually done with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin, for example.
See the following video for some ways to alleviate and avoid urinary tract infection symptoms:
5. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are diseases caused by microorganisms that can occur through unprotected intimate contact and when you have more than one partner in the same period of time. STIs manifest themselves through redness, small wounds, lumps or warts in the intimate area, burning when urinating, vaginal discharge and pain in the vagina. See how to recognize the main symptoms of STIs in women.
What to do: In the presence of symptoms that are indicative of an STI, you should go to the gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis, by evaluating the symptoms or observing the genitals, and to initiate appropriate treatment. Typically, treatment involves the use of antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals, depending on the microorganism causing the disease.
Although some STDs are curable with treatment, it is important to use condoms during sexual intercourse and avoid intimate contact with more than one partner.
6. Presence of cysts
Some cysts can alter the anatomy of the vagina and lead to pain, such as an ovarian cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or around the ovary. In addition to the ovarian cyst, some cysts in the vagina can also cause pain, such as Bartholin’s cyst and Skene’s cyst, which are cysts formed in glands that are located in the vagina.
What to do: When you notice vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period, pain during intimate contact, difficulty getting pregnant, delayed menstruation or pain in the vagina, you should go to the gynecologist, as it could be a cyst.
The treatment recommended by the doctor varies according to the size of the cyst, and may range from the use of contraceptive pills to surgery to remove the cyst or uterus.
7. Dryness of the vagina
Dryness of the vagina normally occurs due to a decrease in the production of estrogen, which is a female hormone, and is more common during menopause. When there is little mucus production, a woman may feel pain in the vagina, usually during sexual intercourse.
What to do: To reduce the discomfort caused by a dry vagina, you can use lubricants to facilitate sexual intercourse, use vaginal moisturizers or even take hormone replacement therapy according to medical advice.
8. Vaginismus
The pain and extreme difficulty in penetrating the vagina may be vaginismus, a rare disease, but of little public knowledge, which may be caused by physical factors, due to genital diseases, or psychological, which may involve sexual abuse, traumatic birth or surgery. , for example.
What to do: To find out if you really have vaginismus, a woman should go to a gynecologist and seek advice, because there is treatment, which can be done with medicines and therapies that can help improve intimate contact. Check out more information about vaginismus.
9. Cancer of the vulva
Vulvar cancer is more common in women between 65 and 75 years old, with risk factors such as smoking, treatment with immunosuppressants, uterine cancer or HPV infection, for example, causing symptoms such as constant itching, inflammation or even ulcers on the vulva. , bleeding, pain or tenderness in the region.
What to do: In the case of constant itching in elderly women or the presence of symptoms, a gynecologist should be consulted for a clinical examination and, if necessary, a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, and treatment, which is usually done with surgery.
