Why Does Your Vagina Hurt

Occurrence of pain down-there after zealous sex is normal, and something not to worry much about. But that is not the only pain you experience down there— there are other types of vaginal pain that are a bit more serious. And unlike diagnosing, other problems of the body, identifying the cause of your vagina to hurt isn't always an easy thing to do. Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine, explains six of the most common causes of vaginal pain —and what to do if you experience these 6 symptoms.

  1. Herpes

No one wants to believe they have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Infection, according to the analysis carried by The Center for Disease Control, about one out of every six American adults is prone to this infection in their lifetime. "Patients will call me at 1 in the morning and say, 'I found a lump on my bottom,'" says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstestrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine. "My first question—after I groggily wake up—is, 'Does it hurt like a son of a bitch?' If the answer is yes, it's likely herpes. And if the answer is no, it can't be herpes." 

The STD is accompanied by visible blisters and intense pain. In the case that you spot a bump or blister down below that doesn't belong there, contact your gynecologist immediately. While there's no cure for herpes, your doctor can start you on medications that will reduce the frequency of the outbreaks and help you manage your pain better.

  • Yeast Infections

"While these don't usually give you pain, per se, they can make you feel dry and itchy in the vagina, which some people will interpret as pain," says Minkin. There is a high possibility of experiencing a yeast infection in your lifetime. Yeast infection is the most common vaginal problem in women. While yeast infection can be treated with OTC medications (and may choose to if you've experienced this type of infection before), it is best to seek your doctor's opinion if this is the first time dealing with the condition. Your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam and then after prescribe you an anti-fungal vaginal cream to use until the symptoms of the infection are gone.

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  • Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness is usually related to a problem in post-menopausal women, but that’s not the only reason. Many women experience vaginal dryness because of the use of low-estrogen birth control pills, this can make sex uncomfortable and even very painful. "Estrogen is a moisturizer," says Minkin. "So if a birth control pill is low in estrogen, your vagina's moisture will also be low." If you feel like your va-jay-jay doesn't lubricate the way it used to, it might be time to check in with your doctor. "It's an easy fix because we can treat you with topical estrogen or put you on a higher-estrogen birth control pill," says Minkin.

  • His Penis

Your own anatomy is not to be blames all the time, Minkin encourages you to have a look at your partner, as well. "Is it really pain in your vagina that you're experiencing, or is it pain during penetration—something you feel inside your belly?" asks Minkin. "It can be very hard to differentiate." Larger men can be, err, a little difficult to take in—and you may want to switch positions to something more comfortable. If you are confident that this isn't the issue in your case, simply read on …

  • Endometriosis or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

If you experience pain during penetration and your period, your s

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