Vulval Pain

Pain may feel sore, raw, burning, sharp, throbbing or tender to touch. It can affect the outer genital skin, the vaginal entrance or one side near the opening. Sitting, walking, urination, clothing, examinations or sex may trigger symptoms, and the skin may look normal even when pain is substantial.

Get prompt medical help for rapidly increasing swelling, severe one-sided pain, fever, pus, spreading redness, inability to pass urine, extensive blisters or open sores. New pain with pregnancy, significant bleeding or a painful lump also deserves timely assessment.

These causes are alphabetical, not ordered by likelihood. A Bartholin Cyst can cause a tender lump near the vaginal entrance, especially if infected. Genital Herpes can cause painful blisters or ulcers and burning. Lichen Sclerosus can make vulval skin fragile, itchy and sore. Vaginal Thrush can inflame the vulva and cause soreness with itching or discharge. Vulvodynia describes vulval pain lasting or recurring without a single visible cause. Contact irritation, friction and pelvic-floor muscle tension can also contribute.

Assessment starts with questions about location, timing, triggers, discharge, urinary symptoms, skin changes, sexual exposure and previous treatments. The clinician may inspect the vulva, gently check tender areas and examine a lump. Swabs, urine tests or tests for sexually transmitted infections may be offered when symptoms suggest infection. Persistent pain with little visible change may lead to assessment of nerve sensitivity or pelvic-floor muscles.

Infection needs the specific antimicrobial or antiviral plan recommended after assessment. A painful or infected Bartholin Cyst may need drainage; Bartholin Cyst Marsupialisation is one procedure a specialist may discuss for selected cysts. Lichen Sclerosus may need prescribed topical treatment and follow-up. Vulvodynia care can combine pain-focused medicines, pelvic-floor therapy, skin-care changes and support for sexual comfort. Stop irritating products and use simple pain relief only if suitable for you.

Clean the vulva gently, avoid fragranced products and do not douche. Wear breathable underwear and change after swimming or exercise. Use lubricant to reduce friction during sex, and pause activities that provoke pain while seeking advice. Do not squeeze a lump or apply unprescribed creams to broken skin.

Notice itching, discharge, odour, a lump, blisters, ulcers, urinary burning, bleeding or pain with penetration. These clues can point toward different causes, but pain intensity alone does not identify the underlying problem.

Write down where the pain is, what touches or worsens it, and whether a lump or skin change appeared. A clinician can check treatable causes before considering longer-term pain support. Read about Vulvodynia, Bartholin Cyst and Genital Herpes to understand possible pathways.