“Why is my vagina sore?” – It’s one question women hope they’d never have to ask. We don’t blame you. A sudden ache in your private parts truly makes thinking about anything else impossible. And because it’s not really something you can openly ask people around you, it can also make you feel lonely and a bit scared even. Your mind can instantly spin, thinking ‘What if it’s a serious health concern?’ or ‘What if my doctor hasn’t ever seen one like this before?’ and ‘Would I have to carry a bolster pillow to sit on for the rest of my life?’
Before you really lose it, know that while a sore vagina is undeniably unpleasant, it’s most probably not something you should be so scared about. More importantly, it’s actually quite common. In fact, a majority of the women who seek gynecological treatment go for this reason. So no, your vagina is definitely not experiencing a rare condition and it’s not something you should be embarrassed about.
While you are contemplating whether or not you should see a doctor about your problem (which you should, to be sure) here are some of the most common reasons for a vaginal soreness:
- Vaginismus or Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia – Big words, we know. It’s actually that involuntary tightening of your pelvic floor muscles which control your vaginal opening. This problem can make using a tampon an ordeal so you can expect mild to severe pain during sex.
- Vulvodynia – It’s a chronic pain in the vulva, which can feel raw, sore, or even burning. It can be caused by different things, from allergies to your laundry detergent to a past vaginal injury.
- Yeast Infection – Almost every woman gets a yeast infection once or twice. It’s symptoms may be something as simple as an irritation at the vaginal opening to that discharge you probably have heard about.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections – One of the things that probably came to your mind when you’ve first noticed vaginal soreness is that it might be an STI like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or genital herpes. And it’s right for you to worry about it, but also know that most of these kinds of infections can be permanently cured by your doctor. As for the others with no cure, your doctor can give you a prescription that can help control the outbreaks. If you suspect that it is indeed a sexually transmitted infection, do reach out to a professional at once.
