Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Mar 7, 2024
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Vulva or vagina hurts
Genital area hurts
Genital pain
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About the Symptom
The vagina is part of the female genitalia. It is below the urethra (opening where urine comes from). The vagina is the genital opening that allows for menstrual flow and sexual intercourse, and childbirth. The skin folds outside the vagina are called the labia minor and majora and are part of the vulva. Vaginal pain describes pain or discomfort felt in the vagina or the outer part of female genitalia around the vaginal opening.
When to see a doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Pain around the vulva or vagina
Possible Causes
Generally, Vaginal pain can be related to:
This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It causes small, painful blisters on the private parts.
Bartholin's glands are small organs in the labia (vaginal lips) that secrete fluid to lubricate the vaginal opening. Occasionally these glands may get blocked, and swell and develop into a cyst. These cysts can sometimes become infected when bacteria invade and overgrow, causing symptoms of pain and swelling, resulting in an abscess. They are rarely caused by sexually transmitted infections (STI's).
A rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. Symptoms may include mouth and genital sores, as well as eye inflammation. As the disease progresses, joints and internal organs could also be affected.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Related serious diseases
Sometimes, Vaginal pain may be related to these serious diseases:
Genital trauma meaning injury to the genitals, can occur for a variety of reasons. Most often caused by sports injuries, accidents such as on a bicycle, or vigorous intercourse. Tears or injuries can also occur with childbirth. Sexual assault should also be considered.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Do you have genital pain?
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Developed by doctors.
Find Similar Symptoms
References
Tayyeb M, Gupta V. Dyspareunia. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562159/
ACOG Practice Bulletin - Female Sexual Dysfunction
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2019/07/female-sexual-dysfunction
Vaginitis in Nonpregnant Patients: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 215. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;135(1):e1-e17. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003604. PMID: 31856123.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31856123/
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
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