Why Does My Vagina Hurt? Possible Causes

Vaginal pain can manifest differently depending on the cause. You may feel an uncomfortable itching or burning sensation, or a sharper, throbbing pain. Pain may persist, or it can flare up during certain activities like penetrative sex.

So, before you ask, “Why does my vagina hurt,” it’s helpful to ask yourself how it hurts.

The type of pain you experience, along with other symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, can indicate the root issue—and tell you when it’s time to seek care.

Continue reading to discover the common conditions that may be causing your vaginal pain, with insights and potential solutions from Everlywell.

Common Causes of Vaginal Pain

There are several potential culprits of your vaginal pain; fortunately, many of them are non-threatening and respond well to treatment, and some may even clear up with simple lifestyle changes.

That said, it’s important to take vaginal pain seriously and to always seek medical care if pain persists or worsens. Learning about the following different vaginal conditions is the first step; for a formal diagnosis and plan of action, schedule an appointment with a medical professional.

Infections

Three common (and often painful) types of vaginal infections include:

• Yeast infection
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

Vaginal yeast infections, sometimes known as thrush, affect nearly 75% of women and people with vaginas at least one time during their lives. [1]

A yeast infection often occurs when conditions within the vagina change due to hormonal contraceptives, antibiotic use, pregnancy, and other factors. [1] These changes promote the fungus Candida to thrive on the skin and cause an infection, which can lead to [1]:

• A sore, itchy vagina
• Uncomfortable or painful urination
• Painful penetrative sex
• Irregular vaginal discharge (often odorless, thick, white, and chunky) or bleeding

Another common culprit of vaginal pain is bacterial vaginosis, or BV. BV occurs when certain factors promote bacteria to multiply in the vagina beyond normal levels, and can lead to symptoms such as [2]:

• Sore, tender or itchy vagina
• Burning when urinating
• Unusual vaginal discharge (often foul or fishy smelling, and thin or foamy)

Because symptoms of yeast infections and BV can be mistaken for each other, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to ensure that you get the right kind of treatment for what may be ailing you. If you’re unable to see your regular provider, Everlywell also offers telehealth consults for BV and yeast infection symptoms, with no appointment required in many states.

Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) encompass a wide variety of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections spread via sexual contact. [3] Some STIs produce noticeable symptoms, but many don’t. [2] The STIs that can cause vaginal pain include:

• Chlamydia – In the U.S., chlamydia is the highest reported bacterial infection; U.S. women and people with vaginas are two times more likely to develop chlamydia than men. [4] Many people infected remain symptomless, but you may experience pelvic or vaginal pain that makes it difficult to urinate or have sex. [4]
• Gonorrhea – In terms of bacterial STIs, gonorrhea is second only to chlamydia, with over 500,000 cases reported in the U.S each year. [5] For women and people with vaginas, gonorrhea most often impacts the cervix, part of the upper reproductive system, and the labia, the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. If you’re symptomatic, you may experience pelvic pain, labial swelling or abscesses, and pain when urinating. [5]
• Trichomoniasis – This STI is also incredibly widespread. It affects both men and women, but typically, women and people with vaginas are more likely to display symptoms. [6] Trichomoniasis symptoms include inflamed, itchy, and swollen genitals, painful sex and urination, and vaginal discharge that’s abnormal in texture and odor. [6]

If you believe your vaginal pain may be linked to an STI, you can opt for discreet, at-home lab testing with the STD Test for Women from Everlywell. Our STD Test screens for six prevalent STIs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis C

Collect your sample from the comfort of your home, use the prepaid shipping label to mail it to one of our CLIA-certified partner labs, and receive secure, physician-reviewed test results within days.

If your results are positive or abnormal, you’ll receive outreach from a representative of our independent physician network, and can schedule a consult at no charge where you may be offered treatment, if applicable.

Injuries

Your vaginal pain may also be caused by an injury. Vaginal injuries, also known as genital trauma, most often occur during childbirth.

During a vaginal birth, the vagina stretches to accommodate the baby’s head. The vagina can only stretch so much, however. Vaginal births can tear your vaginal tissue or perineal muscles (located between the vagina and anus), which may require stitches or surgery to correct. [6]

Vaginal tears can vary in severity, from small, surface-level tears to deeper tears that split the anal sphincter muscles. Recovery can range anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks or more. [6] If you sustained vaginal tears during birth that your physician didn’t catch, be sure to see a healthcare provider who can fully assess and treat your injury.

Vaginal pain may also occur from blunt trauma and penetration. Sexual assault is one of the main causes of genital trauma for women and people with vaginas. [7] If your vaginal pain is a result of sexual assault, please seek care for both physical and psychological symptoms.

Allergies

You’re likely familiar with food and pollen allergies—skin allergies are just as pervasive. Skin allergies can affect all areas of your body, including your vulva, which is the outer area of skin surrounding the vagina.

Your vulvar skin is very delicate, making it more susceptible to vaginal irritation and dryness, also known as vulvar dermatitis. [8] You may have this condition if you’re experiencing [8]:

• Vulvar dryness, itching, or burning
• Thicker, redder, or darker skin on the vulva
• Vulvar “weeping,” or abnormal wetness due to skin damage
• Pain with penetration (from sex or inserting a tampon, for example)

Vulvar dermatitis can be triggered by several common skin irritants and allergens, including [8]:

• Harsh or scented soaps
• Deodorants and perfumes
• Scented laundry detergent
• Douches
• Spermicides (often coated on condoms)
• Period products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups, etc.)
• Dyed or synthetic fabrics

Many people are also allergic to latex, which is commonly used in condoms. Latex allergies can produce itchiness, redness, and swelling, as well as hives, rash, and more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing. [9]

If your vaginal pain is linked to an allergen or irritant, your symptoms should disappear once you stop using it. If you’re not sure what’s irritating your skin, you can receive a patch test from your healthcare provider, which will identify the specific substances causing you pain. [8]

Vaginal Cysts and Abscesses

Surrounding your vaginal opening are two small glands, known as Bartholin glands, that secrete fluid to lubricate your vagina. [10] When these glands become blocked, they can form cysts or abscesses, which often cause vaginal discomfort and pain. [10]

Bartholin cysts are most common in pre-menopausal women and people with vaginas. While these cysts and abscesses can feel swollen and tender and may leak fluid, they’re almost always benign (non-cancerous). [10]

You can encourage a Bartholin cyst to drain at home by soaking the vaginal area in a warm, shallow bath. Alternatively, a physician can drain the cyst manually with a small incision (if needed). Fortunately, these cysts will often drain on their own. [10]

Hormonal Changes

Estrogen, one of the main reproductive hormones for women and people with vaginas, controls many essential functions, including your vagina’s ability to lubricate itself. [11] Vaginal lubrication is necessary for your overall vaginal health, and it’s especially important during penetrative sex.

If your estrogen levels decrease, it can cause a condition known as vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is characterized by [11]:

• Vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation
• Painful sex or urination
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly after sex
• Increased risk of vaginal infection

Estrogen fluctuates naturally during your monthly menstrual cycle, but other factors can lower your estrogen levels, resulting in vaginal dryness and pain. These can include [11]:

• Reaching menopause (or perimenopause)
• Breastfeeding
• Taking anti-estrogen medication

By far, the most widespread cause of vaginal atrophy is menopause, when estrogen production drops by 95%. [11] Despite this dramatic shift, you can treat vaginal atrophy easily with non-hormonal lubricants, as well as local estrogen and hormonal therapies. [11]

Of the women who experience symptoms related to vaginal atrophy, though, many don’t know their options, and only about 30% will seek care from a healthcare provider. [11] To that end, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and relief.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Many causes of vaginal pain can be treated at home without the help of a healthcare provider. However, it’s recommended that you seek professional care if [12]:

• Your vaginal pain is severe, persistent, or becomes worse
• You have a new sex partner (or partners), who you could have contracted an STI from
• Vaginal pain accompanies abnormal discharge, bleeding, fever, or chills

You may choose to see one of several types of physicians, including but not limited to a(n) [13]:

• Primary care physician – Treats general conditions, including vaginal health
• Gynecologist – Treats reproductive conditions for women and people with vaginas, which may also include hormones
• Endocrinologist – Treats hormone-related conditions, which may include low estrogen
• Emergency medicine specialist – Treats conditions that require more immediate care

In many cases, you can also decide to schedule either an in-person or telehealth appointment. Virtual visits can minimize any anxiety or embarrassment you may feel about your vaginal pain. You’ll receive expert care from an experienced clinician, all from the convenience and comfort of your home.

Uncover Vaginal Pain on Your Terms with Everlywell

Everlywell widens your options for identifying and addressing your vaginal pain with at-home lab testing and access to virtual care visits.

We make it safe and easy to connect with knowledgeable healthcare providers via secure video calls. In a short 20 to 30-minute consultation, your provider can review your symptoms and design an actionable care plan that addresses your individual needs, which may include testing, prescriptions, and lifestyle recommendations. If you're looking for advice on how to improve vaginal health, our healthcare providers can offer personalized guidance through an online appointment.

Join the over 1 million people who have managed their health and wellness with comfort and confidence thanks to Everlywell. Learn more about our affordable, transparent pricing, and schedule your virtual visit today.

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References

1. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 16, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
2. Bacterial vaginosis. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed September 26, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
3. About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 14, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
4. Chlamydia. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 14, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
5. Gonorrhea. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 14, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
6. Trichomoniasis. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 14, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
7. Vaginal tears in childbirth. Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 14, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
8. Lower Genitourinary Trauma. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
9. Vulvar Dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
10. Latex Allergy. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
11. “Bartholin Gland Cyst.” National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
12. “Vaginal Atrophy.” National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 14, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
13. “Vaginitis.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
14. “30 Types of Doctors and What They Do.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 15, 2024. Medical Citation URL.