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Vaginal Pain: Understanding the Reasons & How to Cope With It

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While dealing with periods cramps can be a task, sometimes we also have to deal with a different kind of problem: painful, sore vagina. Be it while urinating, inserting a tampon or having intercourse, pain in the vaginal area tends to cause severe discomfort. For the most part, sharp pain in the vaginal area is considered to be a sign of infection or external injury. However, in some cases, it could also be a chronic condition. But can one know, “why my vagina is sore?” or “why does my vagina hurt?”. Worry not, we’ve found the possible causes and ways to treat vaginal or vulva pain. So keep on reading to know more!

- [Causes Of Vaginal Pain](#causes-of-vaginal-pain)
- [Symptoms Of Vaginal Pain](#symptoms-of-vaginal-pain)
- [Prevention For Sore Vagina](#prevention-for-sore-vagina)


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Causes Of Vaginal Pain card

While there are many reasons for experiencing sharp pain in the vagina, here are some of the common ones: 

<h3 class="charpcos">1. Yeast Infections</h3>
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One of the most common causes of experiencing sharp pain in the vagina is a yeast infection. It’s noted that most women experience a [yeast infection](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/the-tell-tale-signs-of-vaginal-discharge-with-yeast-Infection) at least once in their lifetime. It’s accompanied by itching, irritation, and a burning sensation. One might also notice a white cottage cheese-like discharge during this time. To combat the discharge, you can use [panty liners](/panty-liners). Try the [ALWAYS Comfort Protect Panty Liners](/panty-liners/always-comfort-protect) which has an odour neutralising technology. It keeps you fresh and confident throughout the day. On the other hand, it's dermatologically tested and safe for the skin. 

Treatment: Over-the-counter medicines can help you. If you are dealing with this infection for the first time, it’s recommended to visit a doctor. He might prescribe you an anti-fungal cream.


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<h2>Causes Of Vaginal Pain</h2>

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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Bacterial vaginosis</h3>
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This infection is another reason that leads to itching and vaginal pain. It’s caused by the overgrowth of ‘bad bacteria’ in the vagina. Here you would experience [watery discharge](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/why-do-i-have-watery-discharge) which may have a fishy odour. People who are sexually active are generally more susceptible to this infection. That being said, anyone with overgrowth of bad bacteria can get this infection.  

Treatment: Antibiotics prescribed by the doctor can help you get rid of its symptoms. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Vaginal Dryness</h3>
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“My vagina is sore” - if this is your complaint then chances are you are dealing with vaginal dryness. It’s caused due to lack of estrogen production which thickens the vaginal wall and lubricates it. In such cases, one experiences a sore vagina especially after having an intercourse.  

Treatment: Consult a doctor and get his/her advice on which lubrication you should opt for.
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<h3 class="charpcos">4. Vulvodynia</h3>
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Vulvodynia is a chronic vulva pain that gets triggered by having intercourse or while inserting a tampon. The cause behind this vulva pain is still unknown. Although, women with this condition have complained about burning sensation and stabbing pain in the vaginal area.

Treatment: It’s imperative to consult a doctor in this condition. He might prescribe you some topical medications. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">5. Bartholin’s cyst</h3>
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This cyst is formed on either side of your vaginal opening and causes sharp pain in the vaginal area when infected. Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea or bacterial infections like Escherichia can often cause these cysts. 

Treatment: Over-the-counter pain medications and antibiotics as suggested by your doctor can help. However, in some cases, surgery can be performed to drain the cyst. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">6. Pelvic inflammatory disease</h3>
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This condition is the result of an infection that spreads in the female reproductive organs. Sometimes, it can cause chronic discomfort, fever, headaches and severe vaginal pain. 

Treatment: First, your doctor would ask you to do a pelvic exam and an ultrasound. Thereon, he would start a course of antibiotics to ease the infection. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">7. Endometriosis</h3>
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In this condition, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. This causes sharp vaginal pain, especially during periods. 

Treatment: Hormone therapy or surgery is performed to get rid of the tissue causing vaginal pain.

Apart from the above-given causes of vaginal pain, past physical trauma can also play a crucial role. Consulting a doctor and getting the problem detected at the earliest can help get rid of the pain faster. 


Symptoms Of Vaginal Pain Card

Depending on the cause of your vulva pain, you would experience some of the following symptoms along with vaginal pain: 
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<h3 class="charpcos">1. Irritation and itching</h3>
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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Burning sensation while urinating </h3>
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Stinging and soreness</h3>
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<h3 class="charpcos">4. Pain while having intercourse</h3>

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<h2>Symptoms Of Vaginal Pain</h2>

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Here are some ways in which you can prevent your vagina from getting sore:
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<h3 class="charpcos">1. If you are sexually active, go for regular STI tests</h3>
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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Change your <a href="/en-za/tampons">tampons</a> and <a href="/en-za/sanitary-pads">sanitary pads</a> at regular intervals</h3>
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Change out of wet clothes immediately to avoid any infections down there</h3>
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<h3 class="charpcos">4. Always use protection while having an intercourse</h3>


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<h2>Prevention For Sore Vagina</h2>

Takeaway

__Takeaway__   
Vaginal pain can be mild or severe, temporary or chronic. Either way, you need to visit a doctor and explain to him the symptoms that you are facing. Don’t hesitate while you talk about your vaginal health. You shouldn’t bear the pain alone! Every woman deserves a happy and healthy vagina.

Now keep a track of your ovulation period with Aways [Safe Days Calculator](/period-calculator).


FAQ 1

During periods, your uterus contracts and sheds the uterine inner lining. This causes vaginal pain or [period cramps](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/types-of-period-pain-what-are-different-type-of-menstrual-cramps).

__FAQs__<br><br>

<h2>1.	What causes vaginal pain during periods?</h2>

FAQ 2

Vulva is a sensitive part of the vaginal region. Experiencing irritation or a little pain around it is common. However, if the vulva pain lasts for a long time, then it becomes imperative to visit a doctor and get it checked.

<h2>2.	Is it normal to have vulva pain?</h2>

FAQ 3

A sore vagina is often linked to conditions like genital herpes or yeast infections which tend to cause vaginal pain.

<h2>3.	What causes the vagina to be sore?</h2>

Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h3>Disclaimer</h3>

Experiencing vaginal pain? Click here at Always <Country_Name> to learn whether your sore vagina is a result of an infection or a chronic condition.