Reasons You Might Be Facing Vaginal Pain Before or During Periods

As if the period cramps weren’t bad enough, period pain can also cause you pain in the vulva!

Now some of our girlies might be scratching their heads at the word ‘vulva’. So, let’s take it from the top, shall we?

What is the Vulva?

The vulva is the name of the external genitalia in females. It includes the outer labia, inner labia, clit and the skin around the vagina or the urethra (opening to let pee out of the body).

Vulvar pain usually occurs when you are on your periods. Vulvar pain can be annoying to deal with, but usually it’s nothing to worry about. But there are some conditions that you should be on the lookout for because vulvar pain can be a result of anything from long bike rides to cancer.

Symptoms of Vulvar Pain on Periods

Some common symptoms of vulva pain during period are:

• Increased sensitivity and tenderness
• Itching and swelling in the vulvar region
• Throbbing or aching pain and discomfort in the vulvar area
• A burning or stinging sensation in the vulvar region
• Painful Intercourse
• Pain or discomfort whioe urinating especially if the vulvar area is inflamed

Causes of vulvar pain during period include:

1. Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is the term given to chronic vulvar pain, burning and other irritation in the vulvar area that has lasted at least three months. Sometimes the symptoms might surge out of nowhere or provoked at touch, sometimes the discomfort can last for months!

But if your vulvar pain only pulls up during your periods, you might be dealing with cyclic vulvodynia, or cyclic vulvitis. But what causes vulvodynia you ask? That’s the thing with Vulvodynia, it’s idiopathic – meaning, vulvodynia causes are still unclear.

Vulvodynia treatments recommended by your doctor might include local anesthetics, low dose steroids, pelvic floor exercises, etc.

2. Yeast infection

Yeast infections are very common – about 75% of women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection during their life. Some potential causes of yeast infection are:

• Hormonal changes
• Tight undies
• Unmanaged diabetes
• Antibiotics or topical antimicrobial creams

It can cause intense irritation and itchiness during urination, intercourse or when you try to insert a tampon along with vulvar pain. It can also involve a thick, white and smelly discharge.

3. Vaginal Infections

Changing partners and hormonal imbalance are the most common causes of you being hit with a bacterial infection down there. This is why it is always important to practice safe sex. While research shows that most people with bacterial infections don’t have any symptoms, it can cause burning during urination and foul-smelling discharge along with vulvar pain.

4. Bacterial infection

Changing partners and hormonal imbalance are the most common causes of you being hit with a bacterial infection down there. This is why it is always important to practice safe sex. While research shows that most people with bacterial infection don’t have any symptoms, it can cause burning during urination and foul-smelling discharge along with vulvar pain.

5. Folliculitis

The inflammation or infection of the hair follicles. You might notice small red bumps that look like rashes and most of the time they stem from shaving or wearing tight clothes.

6. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite and about 85% of the folks with Trichomoniasis don’t experience any symptoms at all! But sometimes symptoms might appear and can include abnormal foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse and while inserting tampons, and painful urination.

7. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is the body’s involuntary response to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. Some potential causes are anxiety or a history of sexual abuse or trauma. This fear is so strong that it can cause you actual pain down there!

8. Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a precancerous condition in which abnormal cells are found on the surface layer of the vulva. VIN is not cancer itself but has the potential to progress to vulvar cancer if left untreated.

This is why it is extremely important to keep getting yourself checked regularly so if things seem a little suspicious down there, timely medical intervention can save the day!

9. Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is rare and isn’t a common cause of vulvar pain, but just letting ya’ll know. Vulvar cancer also has other notable symptoms like lumps in your genitals, changes in skin color or thickness, and bleeding outside your periods.

Home Remedies for Vulvar Pain

Here are six simple, at-home vulvar pain treatments that you can try out for temporary relief from mild discomfort:

• Warm baths can help relax pelvic muscles and ease vulvar pain.
• Wearing breathable, cotton underwear allows air circulation in the genital area and prevent irritation and discomfort.
• Avoid irritants such as scented soaps, perfumes, lotions, certain fabrics and laundry detergents from getting in touch with your genital area.
• Applying a cool, damp cloth to the vulvar area may help reduce inflammation.
• Ensure proper lubrication during sexual activities to prevent friction and irritation. Use water-based or hypoallergenic lubricants.
• Reducing foods and beverages that can irritate the bladder (such as caffeine, spicy foods, and acidic fruits) can help alleviate vulvar pain, especially if there is a connection to conditions like interstitial cystitis.

When to see a doctor

Chat with your doctor if the vulvar pain becomes chronic or pops up every time during your periods, especially if you notice any other symptoms along with it. Your doctor can diagnose the cause for you and work out a solid treatment plan with you.

FAQs Related to Vulvar Pain

1. What infections cause vulvar pain?

Chronic yeast infections and bacterial infection can both cause vulvar pain ranging from mild discomfort and itching to severe pain.

2. When should I be concerned about vulvar pain?

You should be concerned when the vulvar pain is chronic or pops up every month during your periods. Also keep track of every other symptom that accompanies your vulvar pain. If you think something is amiss, hit up a chat with your doctor.