Not only does the odd twinge or sudden onslaught of vaginal pain hurt; it can cause you to be concerned for your overall wellbeing. Your vagina is your most intimate space, so it’s really scary when something might be going awry. Therefore, it’s good to know the main conditions that affect vaginal wellness, so that you know what symptoms to look out for. If any of the following sounds familiar, you should talk to your doctor.
1. Vagititus: According to sexual health and wellness writer Natasha Burton, author of The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags, vagititus ‘is a catchall medical term to describe vaginal pain, burning and itching that coincides with an infection or inflammation happening between your legs. The discomfort can be caused by an influx of bacteria, irritation from creams, or a sexual partner.’
2. Dyspareunia: ‘One-fifth of women experience this condition of painful sexual intercourse, which can happen before, during, or even after sex,’ Burton explains. ‘Dyspareunia is most common in menopausal women due to their reduced oestrogen levels, which lead to thinner vaginal walls, lower levels of lubrication and reduced sexual sensation.’ Sara Gottfried, MD, OB/GYN, author of The Hormone Cure, adds, ‘Up to 25% of the Pill users have vaginal dryness and pain with sex, which totally defeats the purpose of going on these puppies. Other causes include infections of the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes or lower urinary tract, scarring from childbirth, a prolapsed womb, endometriosis, radiotherapy, allergies, and stress.’
3. Vaginismus: Burton notes that, similar to dyspareunia, vaginismus ‘is more specific to pain that happens during penetration. Basically, the pubococcygeus muscle reflexes in a way that makes the vagina tense suddenly, making it nearly impossible to have sex or even insert a tampon without your vagina hurting really, really badly. Causes can include stress, fear, partner issues, trauma, childbirth, menopause, and certain medications.’
4. Vulvodynia: Vulvodynia ‘is characterised by burning, stinging or sharp pangs at the vaginal entrance, labia and vulva,’ says Burton. ‘The condition can flare up once in a while or happen constantly, but either way, this condition can last for years.’ Gottfried points out, ‘Women of any age can contract vulvodynia, and scientists are still trying to determine exact causes. Causes may include nerve injuries, trauma, genetic factors, inflammation, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, allergies, history of sexual abuse or frequent antibiotic use.’
5. Dysmenorrhea: Burton notes, ‘This intense pain before and/or during your period can include sharp pain, shooting pain or burning sensations. (Think of this condition as, like, the worst cramps ever.) Typically, this pain will ebb as your period slows down but if the pain is really intense, it could be a symptom of endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis (narrowing of the opening to the uterus), a tumour, or even toxic shock syndrome.’
6. Menorrhagia: ‘This condition sometimes comes along with dysmenorrhea and is characterised by a super heavy—or super long—period, which could be caused by abnormal blood clotting or disruption in how your hormones regulate your cycle,’ Burton details. Gottfriend advises, ‘Any period lasting longer than seven days should be discussed with your friendly neighbourhood gynaecologist.’ While you’re waiting for your appointment, Gottfriend recommends noshing on kale (for the iron).
7. Adenomyosis: Burton outlines, ‘The pelvic pain you’d feel from this condition occurs when the cells that typically line your uterus grow into the muscular tissue of the wall of your uterus. Typically, there are no other symptoms except your cramps getting worse with every period you have (the condition can also cause both dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia)…The cause of this condition is still unknown and while there are treatments available to ease the discomfort, sometimes a full hysterectomy is the only cure.’
