If something does go wrong down there, it can hurt a lot, incessantly presenting with a sharp pain or a constant unbearable ache. This pain can interfere with your sex life, your ability to socialize, and ultimately your quality of life.
What is vaginal pain?
It is chronic pain and discomfort in the vagina, usually with no known cause. Although the specific form of the condition varies with the underlying condition, it can be severe and excruciating to the point of interfering with your life. That’s why you need to see a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physician for help.
At Advanced Urology Institute in Fort Myers, we have FPMRS physicians who ensure you get a diagnosis and treatment for vaginal pain.
Vaginal pain is characterized by a burning sensation, itching, aching, rawness, soreness, or throbbing. The pain may be on your vulva—the outer lip or outside area of your genitals. It may also be chronic pain that only occurs when there is pressure on your vagina, such as during sexual intercourse or prolonged periods of sitting.
Who can have vaginal pain?
Perhaps you don’t have the condition. And you think that you can’t or won’t. Or maybe, you do have it and are thinking it could be because you are somehow abnormal. Actually, no matter her age, race, background, or religion, any woman can have vaginal pain. It even occurs in adolescents.
Vaginal pain is not a psychological disorder. It is a real medical condition that requires medical attention, not just a minor issue you can wish away by resting and waiting. It is not an emotional issue, but you may become emotional in your response to the pain caused by the condition.
What are the causes of vaginal pain?
Although the exact cause of vaginal pain is unknown, it is not infection or a sexually transmitted disease.
Vaginal pain causes include:
- Irritation or injury of the nerves that control sensation in the vulva
- Spasm or weakness in the pelvic floor muscles
- Localized hypersensitivity to Candida (yeast)
- Genetic abnormality that makes vagina cells overreact to inflammation
- Abnormal response of vulva cells to trauma or infection
- Result of menopause or hormonal contraception
- Pelvic radiation or chemotherapy
What are the symptoms of vaginal pain?
The symptoms of vaginal pain tend to begin suddenly and can last for months to years. If you have the condition, you may also have chronic vaginal pain, genital pain, or vaginal itching.
You may need treatment if you have severe, unwavering:
- Stinging, rawness, burning
- Soreness, aching or throbbing
- Itching
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge with an infection
How is vaginal pain treated?
The treatment for this condition uses the same options for other chronic pain conditions. Your female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physician may begin treatment with oral medication or recommend pelvic floor muscle therapy.
You may also be prescribed anticonvulsants, topical medication, nerve block, Botox injection, or anti-inflammatory agents. If conservative measures fail, you may need to undergo surgery.
Why Advanced Urology Institute?
When you have vaginal pain, the best option is to work with a knowledgeable and experienced urogynecologist who will thoroughly examine and test you for all bacterial, fungal, and skin infections, conduct a detailed medical and sexual history, and determine the cause of the pain.
At Advanced Urology Institute (AUI), we have a team of board-certified female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physicians in Fort Myers. These highly skilled specialists are trained to effectively treat life-altering conditions in women. Our urogynecologists will help you understand the causes of your condition, and they will develop an appropriate treatment plan to eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms.
We deliver the highest standards of patient care and personalized attention in a warm, comfortable environment. If you struggle with vaginal pain, dryness, or painful sexual intercourse, then schedule an appointment with one of our urogynecologists today to learn how you relieve those conditions.
For more information on vaginal pain, vaginal dryness, or pain during intercourse, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.