Pain in the vagina bothers many women; it occurs for various reasons and in some cases goes away on its own. However, pain may indicate serious illnesses that require treatment, so alarming symptoms should not be ignored.
As a rule, diagnosing the cause of pain in the vagina is not difficult for an experienced doctor, but there is such a thing as vulvodynia: the presence of pain in the labia and vagina, the cause of which cannot be determined. It is believed that if after a full examination the cause of such pain is not found, its origin is associated with a neurogenic factor, as well as immune and genetic factors.
Pain is a protective reaction of the body in response to any irritants.
Having pain in your vagina?
If you have unpleasant, painful sensations in the vagina, diagnosing yourself, let alone taking measures, prescribing treatment is very dangerous. You need to urgently undergo examination by a gynecologist. Often, all sorts of folk remedies will not only not improve the situation, but will even worsen it .
Only a doctor can carry out the necessary tests and, based on them, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Before being examined by a doctor, you should not douche, use suppositories or other medications. After using them, the test results will be incorrect and it will be difficult to choose the right treatment.
Irritation of the mucous membrane
Sometimes it stings in the vagina due to poor intimate hygiene. In this case, irritation of the mucous membrane develops, accompanied by itching, swelling and redness. The same symptoms can be observed when using synthetic underwear. In any case, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene and use antiseptic solutions as therapy.
Causes of pain, itching, burning in the vagina
There are three groups of reasons
that cause discomfort in the vagina:
- Gynecological diseases;
- Non-gynecological diseases;
- External and internal factors;
Inflammation of the mucous membrane is caused by the development of pathogenic microflora in the genitals, which causes itching in the vagina. The most common infections include gardnerellosis, candidiasis (thrush), etc. This condition is called bacterial vaginosis, and it often becomes a consequence of intestinal dysbiosis.
Pain, itching, burning may be symptoms of an STI
(sexually transmitted infections):
- chlamydia (yellowish discharge with a fishy odor);
- trichomoniasis (excessive foamy greenish discharge);
- genital herpes, etc.
Itching in the vagina can be caused by allergies, for example to contraceptives or sanitary pads. Lack of genital hygiene, tight underwear, and unnecessary douching disrupt the balance of vaginal microflora and cause itching.
External factors
that can cause itching:
- overheating or hypothermia;
- mechanical impact (friction against laundry);
- mechanical damage to the mucous membrane (for example, during rough sexual intercourse);
- emotional stress;
- stress, feeling of fear.
In any case, whatever the reason, if you have these symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist.
Symptoms and signs
The nature of the pain may vary. The pain can feel like needle pricks and sometimes gets worse over time. Severe pain causes discomfort and forces you to change your body position. There may be a feeling of the presence of a foreign body and heaviness in the groin area. Also, discomfort may be accompanied by other symptoms:
- Pathological discharge. They may have an unpleasant odor and a yellow, brown or green tint.
- Heaviness in the abdominal area.
- Weakness and increased fatigue.
- Increase in body temperature.
- Development of bleeding.
If any of the signs appear, it is recommended to get a free consultation with a gynecologist by phone, or it is best to go to a medical facility in person.
How is a gynecologist examined?
At the Alan Clinic medical center, gynecological examinations are performed in comfortable conditions, using disposable sterile instruments. The initial appointment takes 40 minutes.
The initial examination by a gynecologist includes a standard gynecological examination, including:
- conversation with a doctor
- smear of vaginal discharge to determine the degree of purity
Depending on the clinical symptoms and complaints, the gynecologist may prescribe additional examination methods.
- scraping from the cervix for oncocytology
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs
- extended colposcopy
- study for tumor markers CA-125, CA-15-3
Sources
- Hou C., Zheng J., Li Z., Qi X., Tian Y., Zhang M., Zhang J., Huang X. Printing 3D vagina tissue analogues with vagina decellularized extracellular matrix bioink. // Int J Biol Macromol - 2021 - Vol180 - NNULL - p.177-186; PMID:33737175
- Tchuenkam LW., Mbonda AN., Tochie JN., Mbem-Ngos PP., Noah-Ndzie HG., Bang GA. Transvaginal strangulated bowel evisceration through uterine perforation due to unsafe abortion: a case report and literature review. // BMC Womens Health - 2021 - Vol21 - N1 - p.98; PMID:33663467
- Park SY., Lee ES., Lee SR., Kim SH., Chae HD. Vaginal Microbiome Is Associated With Vulvodynia, Vulvar Pain Syndrome: A Case-Control Study. // Sex Med - 2021 - Vol9 - N2 - p.100314; PMID:33652201
- Aldrich ER., Pauls RN. Benign Cysts of the Vulva and Vagina: A Comprehensive Review for the Gynecologic Surgeon. // Obstet Gynecol Surv - 2021 - Vol76 - N2 - p.101-107; PMID:33625519
- Wang J., Wang L. The therapeutic effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on vulvovaginal atrophy. // Pharmacol Res - 2021 - Vol166 - NNULL - p.105509; PMID:33610719
- Pokhrel D., Bhattarai S., Emgård M., von Schickfus M., Forsberg BC., Biermann O. Acceptability and feasibility of using vaginal menstrual cups among schoolgirls in rural Nepal: a qualitative pilot study. // Reprod Health - 2021 - Vol18 - N1 - p.20; PMID:33487171
- Elbaz M., Qadiry RE., Fouraiji K., Jalal H., Elhoudzi J. Yolk sac tumor of vagina: a rare cause of vaginal bleeding in adolescents—a case report. // Pan Afr Med J - 2021 - Vol37 - NNULL - p.169; PMID:33425202
- Kamal E.M., Lakhdar A., Baidada A. Management of a transverse vaginal septum complicated with hematocolpos in an adolescent girl: Case report. // Int J Surg Case Rep - 2021 - Vol77 - NNULL - p.748-752; PMID:33395888
- Wang J., Yang Z., Li W. Deciphering the Role of Human Gastrointestinal Microbiota in the Pathogenesis of Vaginal Infection and Cervical Cancer. // J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol - 2020 - Vol39 - N4 - p.365-373; PMID:33389908
- Mat E., Kale A., Yıldız G., Başol G., Gündogdu EC. Alternative method for the diagnosis of acid cases of unknown cause: Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. // J Obstet Gynaecol Res - 2021 - Vol47 - N2 - p.645-652; PMID:33197989
Gynecologists in Kazan use the following methods of treating gynecological diseases:
- Drug treatment . Prescribed in accordance with test results.
- Local treatment . Sanitation of the vagina followed by application of a tampon with a medicinal drug, incl. Ultrasonic sanitation with the Gineton apparatus.
- Physiotherapy . Modern Androgyn and Mustang equipment is used, which are successfully used in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders, as well as recovery in the postoperative period.
- Pharmacopuncture . Introduction to acupuncture points of medicinal substances that are indicated for various diseases (inflammatory, hormonal disorders, etc.).
- Ozone therapy
. Intravaginal and intravenous administration of drugs enriched with ozone contributes to the development of a powerful antioxidant effect, which can successfully cure inflammatory diseases, improve the immune system and reactive capabilities of the body. - Hirudotherapy . Widely used in the treatment of diseases such as endometriosis of the uterus and ovaries, inflammatory diseases, hormonal dysfunctions, infertility, etc.
Neoplasms
Sometimes women may develop a cyst on the ovary. This neoplasm often occurs as a result of blockage of the gland that synthesizes lubricant. In this case, surgery is performed.
In some cases, polyps appear in the uterus; the reasons for this phenomenon may be different, but most often this is facilitated by a violation of the hormonal system. Doctors include the development of adnexitis and endometritis, as well as abortion, as predisposing factors.
The main cause of polyps in the uterus is the synthesis of large amounts of estrogen, which stimulates the enlargement of the endometrium. As a result, growths appear, which are called polyps.
Such pathologies are often accompanied by pain, bleeding, bleeding, and infertility. Treatment is expected to be surgical.
Expert opinion
The diagnosis of colpitis “gets younger” every year. The reason is not only the early onset of sexual activity in girls, but also the modern fashion for underwear. A patient comes to see a doctor with characteristic complaints, and we immediately pay attention to her clothing. Beautiful, lacy synthetic underwear, fashionable thongs do not allow air to pass through and cause a local increase in temperature. This is an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. If constant wearing of such underwear is accompanied by insufficient intimate hygiene, the girl is almost guaranteed to get bacterial colpitis. You can wear thongs and lace, but only for a short time and on special occasions. The rest of the time, you should take care of your health and choose cotton underwear that will not rub the perineum and will not cause overheating.
Treatment of colpitis
Therapy is prescribed individually. When drawing up a treatment plan for colpitis, the doctor must take into account the cause of inflammation, the woman’s age, and the presence of other diseases.
The basis of therapy is taking medications: antiviral, antifungal, antibiotics, etc. Properly selected medications help to quickly relieve symptoms, strengthen the immune system, and relieve inflammation. The doctor may prescribe tablets, douching solutions, vaginal suppositories, gels, and baths.
The effectiveness of the diet in the treatment of colpitis in women has been proven. Alcohol, carbonated drinks, salty and fatty foods, and smoked foods are excluded from the diet. You can eat fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality meat and fish dishes.
Often girls feel relief already on the 2-3rd day and stop taking medications, thinking that they have cured the inflammation. This is a very big mistake. You cannot interrupt the assigned course. When treatment is not completed, drug-resistant microflora forms in the vagina. Vaginal colpitis recurs, but no longer responds to usual therapy. The doctor has to completely change the treatment regimen in order to cure the patient.
Other features of the treatment of colpitis:
- if the inflammation is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the partner must also undergo therapy;
- During treatment, complete sexual rest is recommended to restore the mucous membrane;
- intimate hygiene products, underwear and pads must be replaced with safer ones.
Tests for colpitis are taken several times during treatment. Based on the results of the smear, the doctor monitors the effectiveness of the prescribed medications.
Atrophic colpitis in women after 50 years of age is treated only with hormone replacement therapy. It is recommended to use special intimate lubricants to moisturize the vagina.
Colpitis during pregnancy also requires a special approach. The doctor must take into account the risk of drug exposure to the fetus, but cannot allow the development of inflammation, which is a common cause of perinatal mortality. A pregnant woman needs to carefully monitor her condition and nutrition in order to bear a healthy baby.
Physiotherapeutic techniques are actively used in the treatment of colpitis. In the acute course of the disease, the doctor prescribes exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultraviolet irradiation. To combat chronic inflammation, courses of Kellat electrophoresis, ultraphonophoresis, and centimeter wave therapy are carried out.
Important:
do not self-medicate. Douching with herbal decoctions, solutions of medicinal substances, hot compresses and baths without a doctor’s prescription can complicate the course of the disease. Women often come to our clinic with serious burns of the vaginal mucosa and severe allergic swelling - this is the result of using untested recipes. Colpitis, which could easily be cured in a few days, is complicated by purulent processes, vaginosis, and tissue atrophy.
Contributing Factors
Healthy men are recommended to undergo a preventive examination by a urologist once a year. Associated factors require more regular examination - once every 6 months. These factors include:
- sedentary lifestyle with congestion in the pelvis;
- diabetes;
- hypothermia;
- foci of chronic infection in the body, carriage;
- disharmony of sexual activity: unstable relationships, frequent interruption of sexual intercourse, regular change of partners.
Urological diseases in a family history are another indication for regular preventive examination.
Itching in intimate areas, video
is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented in this video clip.
Source - KVD - dermatovenerological dispensary Sources:
- FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF TREATING BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS. Gabdullina L. R., Vorobyova E. P. // Bulletin of modern clinical medicine. – 2012. – No. 1. – P. 40-42.
- COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ESTROGEN-DEPENDENT UROGENITAL DISORDERS: CLINICAL ASPECTS AND PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS. Ledina A.V., Kulikov A.Yu. // Pharmacoeconomics. Modern pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology. – 2009. – No. 1. – P. 13-18.
- Bacterial vaginosis: clinical features, diagnosis and treatment / A.S. Ankirskaya, V.N. Prilepskaya, G.R. Bayramova, V.V. Muravyova // Russian Medical Journal. - 1998. - T. 6, No. 5. - P.276-282.
- Disturbance of vaginal microbiocenosis, ways of its correction. V.N. Prilepskaya, G.R. Bayramova // Gynecology. - 2007. - T. 9, No. 4. - P.25-27.
- Bacterial vaginosis: what's new? I.A. Apolikhina, S.Z. Muslimova // Gynecology. - 2008. - T. 10, No. 6. - P.36-37.
