Why Does My Vagina Hurt? 12 Vagina Pain Causes, From Doctors
Pain And Itch 'Down There' Can Signal A Vaginal Ulcer — See The Remedies Ob/Gyns Recommend
Swapping tried-and-true health tips with friends is great when you're dealing with a headache or hot flash. If you have a vaginal ulcer, though, you may not want to hop on a group chat discuss it. But there's no need to feel embarrassed. The painful sores are actually more common than you may think. Here's everything you need to know about a vaginal ulcer, including what causes it and the best home remedies to speed relief.
What is a vaginal ulcer?Time for a quick anatomy reminder: The vagina is a small part of your vulva. The vulva is the skin outside of your genitals and includes the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening and urethra opening. A vaginal ulcer is an open sore that's not so much on your vagina, but rather on the vulva skin, says Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN at Northside Women's Specialists in Atlanta, GA.
That isn't to say an ulcer can't pop up near the vagina, though. "Vaginal ulcers are commonly skin-related, but it is possible to have one right at the opening of the vagina where the outside skin meets the inside mucous membrane," says Dr. Purdie. Another area where vaginal ulcers may appear is the perineum, the area between the anus and vulva, adds Kelly Culwell, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN in San Diego, CA.
Related: Is That Bump on Your Vaginal Lips Harmless? A Gynecologist Reveals How To Spot a Boil — And What To Do If You Find One
Symptoms of a vaginal ulcerTypically, you'll feel a vaginal ulcer before you see it. "Vaginal ulcers feel painful and itchy," says Rikki Baldwin, DO, a board-certified OB/GYN at Memorial Hermann Medical Group in Cypress, TX. "Here's how I explain a vaginal ulcer to my patients: Think about the sensation when you scrape your hand a welt and irritation forms after. It's a similar feeling when you have a vaginal ulcer."
Dr. Purdie says other symptoms of vaginal ulcers include:
A raised, eraser-sized bump or blister that may ooze and be painful
Burning after urinating, wiping or sexual intercourse
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area
A rash or raised bumps that may be painless
Fever or other flu-like symptoms
"If you have a vaginal ulcer, it's rarely a single ulcer," adds Dr. Purdie. "It's similar to chicken pox — the pox come up, blister, crust over and then go away. You'll notice a similar pattern happening in the vulva area if you're dealing with vaginal ulcers."
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Common causes of a vaginal ulcerMany folks assume that a vaginal ulcer is caused strictly by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). And while it's true that they're a common culprit, they're far from the only cause. Here's what can trigger an outbreak:
1. Herpes"Herpes is very common sexually transmitted infection," says Dr. Culwell. "Even with condoms, you pass herpes through skin-to-skin contact. If someone has a lesion on an area that's not covered by a condom, the skin-to-skin contact on the outside can spread it."
Even if you aren't currently sexually active, you may have been exposed in the past to herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) without knowing it. "Herpes can stay latent for many years," Dr. Culwell says. "Someone might not know they had herpes exposure because they never had an outbreak. They only discover it after they go through a period of immunosuppression for some reason. This can be from a new medication they're taking, stress or a medical condition that causes a herpes lesion to appear, even though they weren't recently exposed."
Dr. Culwell adds that if you have certain chronic conditions that cause immunosuppression, such as diabetes, it may increase your risk of an outbreak when exposed to HSV-2. (Herpes simplex virus 1, on the other hand, is responsible for cold sores. Find out how to get rid of cold sores fast.)
2. SyphilisWhen it comes to infectious triggers, syphilis is another sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause a vaginal ulcer. Different from herpes simplex virus 2 vaginal ulcers, Dr. Purdie says this can be a single, nickel-sized ulcer and it often starts off painless.
3. Contact dermatitisIt's also possible to develop a rash and ulcers after being exposed to something that irritates the skin. "A woman may have an allergy to latex, and has a reaction after intercourse with a latex condom," says Dr. Baldwin. "Or if you switch soaps or even the detergent that you wash your underwear in, it can cause irritation that results in a vaginal ulcer."
Dr. Purdie adds another common culprit for contact dermatitis is the type of wax used during a bikini wax. This can cause the skin to rash or blister, or may irritate you to the point where you scratch the vulva area enough that it causes the skin to blister. (Contact dermatitis may also be behind your itchy scalp and hair loss — but these tricks can help.)
4. MenopauseThere's no direct link to an increased risk of vaginal ulcers with age or menopause. But a small group of women who are in peri-menopause and post-menopause may deal with chronic itching and irritation, says Dr. Baldwin. In these cases, that can lead to vaginal ulcers.
When to see a doctor for a vaginal ulcer"A vulvar ulcer is never normal," says Dr. Culwell. "It should always be evaluated to treat the root cause. This is the fastest way to get relief."
If your vaginal ulcers come from a viral infection, your dotor will likely prescribe an antiviral medication like valacyclovir (Valtrex), says Dr. Purdie. For vaginal ulcers that come from dermatitis, you can find relief by removing the irritant (whether it be latex, soap or something else) and following comfort measures to ease the pain.
How to relieve vaginal ulcer symptomsNo matter the cause of your vaginal ulcers, there are simple things you can do at home to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Our experts' best advice:
1. Wash with mild soapDr. Baldwin suggests using a fragrance-free, mild soap to clean yourself in the shower. (A product like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar should do the trick.) This is less likely to cause irritation, eliminating itching and scratching that can lead to vaginal ulcers.
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2. Take Benadryl"If your vaginal ulcer is a result of an allergic reaction, take a Benadryl tablet to ease symptoms like itching," says Dr. Baldwin. Just be sure to read the label and following dosing instructions: Benadryl may cause drowsiness. It's best to skip topical Benadryl to avoid further vulva irritation. But if you find you want topical relief, Dr. Baldwin says an over-the-counter cream like Vagisil is a safer bet.
3. Draw a sitz bath"Sitting in a warm sitz bath with lukewarm water — by either using a small sitz bath tub or your own bathtub — can be very soothing if you have vaginal ulcers," says Dr. Culwell. Adding Epsom salt can also help with swelling, itching and pain. Soak for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time for natural relief. (Tip: A sitz bath can help with itchy hemorrhoids, too.)
4. Swap your undiesIf you have vaginal ulcers, Dr. Culwell says keeping the area clean and dry will help manage symptoms. Wear breathable underwear (they don't need to be fancy, Fruit of the Loom or Hanes is fine) to avoid irritation. For some, this may still cause discomfort. If so, consider ditching the undies altogether until your vaginal ulcers subside.
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How long does it take for a vaginal ulcer to heal?Vaginal ulcers caused by a non-viral issue like dermatitis will go away in about four to seven days, says Dr. Purdie. The most important thing to do before you treat them on your own is to make sure your vaginal ulcers are an allergic reaction versus a virus or other health issue.
For viral-related vaginal ulcers caused by HSV-2, you're never rid of the virus once you contract it. This means you may have occasional outbreaks, which you need a prescription to treat (the home remedies above can help ease symptoms while the meds get to work). For those who have several outbreaks over the course of a year, Dr. Purdie says your doctor may recommend daily medication to suppress symptoms.
For more ways to relieve common vaginal bothers:
Is That Bump on Your Vaginal Lips Harmless? A Gynecologist Reveals How To Spot a Boil — And What To Do If You Find One
Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedies: Docs Reveal What to Try + What You Absolutely Should Skip
Ob/Gyns on How to Tell If That Lump Is a Vaginal Skin Tag Or Something More Serious
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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Home Remedies To End Vaginal Itching And Dryness Safely, Expert Weighs In
Experiencing vaginal itching can be incredibly bothersome, but it doesn't always indicate an infection. What's even more frustrating is not knowing the root cause of the itching. While vaginal itching can sometimes signal serious issues such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or vulvar cancer, it's often caused by less concerning factors like irritants or hormonal fluctuations. We reached out to Dr. Madhu Juneja, Director of OBGYN and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, Kalyani Nagar, who shared some home remedies for addressing vaginal itching and dryness.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness And ItchingAs per Dr. Madhu Juneja, vaginal dryness and vaginal itchiness can stem from various factors:
Vaginal dryness and itchiness can be uncomfortable but Dr. Madhu Juneja suggests steps you can take at home to address these symptoms and promote vaginal health. Here are some effective home remedies:
It's crucial to recognise that if symptoms persist or worsen despite trying home remedies, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is advisable. Persistent vaginal dryness and itchiness may indicate underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances or infections that necessitate medical attention. Prioritise your health and seek professional advice when needed.
They can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate dryness and enhance vaginal health.
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Itchy Nipples? Here Are 9 Potential Causes
A quick google search for "itchy nipples" or "why does my nipple itch" can quickly send you down an anxiety-inducing medical rabbit hole. Results like "breast cancer" and "early pregnancy" may set off alarm bells in your head, but the reality is that — generally speaking — itchy nipples are nothing to be afraid of. While they aren't always talked about, itchy nipples can be triggered by everything from your new laundry detergent to your old sports bra. If you want to stop your nipples from itching altogether, it's best to identify the root cause.
To get a better sense of itchy nipple causes, we spoke to Nicole Peluso, IBCLC, manager of lactation services and education at Aeroflow Breastpumps. Beyond common causes, she also answered some pressing questions about itchy nipples while breastfeeding, itchy nipples as an early indication of pregnancy, and itchy nipples as a sign of cancer. Read on to find out what may be causing your itchy nipples, learn about some of Peluso's recommended treatments, and see what symptoms may warrant additional medical care.
Why Are My Nipples Itchy?
Although uncomfortable, some of the most common causes for itchy nipples are relatively benign. Irritation can develop due to your clothes, menstrual cycle, or even the weather. Here are a few other itchy nipple causes, according to Peluso:
The Weather Got Colder.
Changes in temperature can cause irritation, especially when the weather gets cold and dry. If your body tends to get dry in the colder months, this can trigger seasonal itching.
You Have Eczema.
Breast eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common inflammatory skin condition that leads to itchy skin around the breast. It can cause scaliness, bumpiness, discoloration, swelling and dryness, per the Cleveland Clinic. Breast eczema is most common in people with a family history of eczema or environmental allergies, but it's not contagious, and it's highly treatable.
It's Your Soap.
If you just switched to a new soap — be it your body wash or laundry detergent — there's a chance your body may be reacting to the chemicals. This can cause itching, and even lead to a type of rash called contact dermatitis.
You Have Contact Dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis describes inflammation brought on by soaps, detergents, lotions, fragrances, and other chemicals. This may manifest as an itchy rash on or around the nipple, in addition to redness, scaliness, and cracked skin.
You're Experiencing Friction.
Chafing is another major cause of itchy nipples. This kind of friction may occur while exercising, or could even be the result of an ill-fitting bra. Either way, chafing can lead to itchiness and irritation.
It Could Be Your Period.
You may notice itchy nipples right before your period due to hormonal changes, which can even cause your breasts to swell. Increased estrogen, stretching skin, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are all thought to lead to itchy nipples.
It's Menopause.
Similarly, as estrogen goes down during menopause, your body may react to the changing hormones with itchy or irritated nipples.
You Got a Sunburn.
Getting sunburned can cause plenty of skin irritation, but as you heal, you may also experience itching, irritation, and peeling around the nipples (depending on where you were sunburnt).
It's Thrush.
On the more severe side, thrush is a fungal condition caused by a candida infection. It can cause itchy nipples, but also stinging, burning, and intense pain, according to the Royal Women's Hospital.
Can Breastfeeding Cause Itchy Nipples?
Generally speaking, you shouldn't expect to have itchy nipples while breastfeeding, Peluso says. Itchy nipples while breastfeeding may be due to another underlying cause, which you can discuss with your healthcare provider. "Itching could indicate improper latch and positioning, irritants, allergens, or eczema," Peluso says. "If itchy nipples are accompanied by pain, it can also be a sign of a more serious issue such as thrush — an infection that is best identified by a lactation consultant and treated by a doctor."
Are Itchy Nipples a Sign of Pregnancy?
The short answer is that itchy nipples can occur early on in pregnancy, but it's not a sure-fire sign that you're pregnant. Peluso attributes this irritation to the expansion of the breast tissue caused by pregnancy hormones. "This can lead to tight and itchy skin," she says. Still, Peluso wouldn't recommend using itchy nipples as a "definitive sign" of pregnancy. To prevent itchy nipples during pregnancy, she suggests keeping your nipples and breasts well-moisturized.
Are Itchy Nipples a Sign of Cancer?
Rest assured that itchy nipples and breasts are not common signs of cancer. That said, there are a few rare conditions to look out for. "Paget's disease of the breast (develops in the nipple or the areola) appears as a red, scaly rash and might indicate breast cancer behind the nipple," Peluso says. Paget's disease of the breast may darken the area around the nipple (areola) and affects 1 to 4 percent of women, per the National Health Service (NHS). A biopsy or mammogram may be used to test for Paget's disease of the breast.
Aside from Paget's disease, there's another kind of breast cancer that may also cause irritation around the nipples, including itching. "Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of breast cancer that can cause skin changes in the breast," Peluso says. "With this type of cancer, the breast or part of the breast can become red, inflamed, painful and swollen. It can also cause itching of the breast." If you notice any significant changes in or around your nipple, it's a good idea to contact a medical professional.
Itchy Nipple Treatments
"The best way to reduce the itching is to identify the root cause so you can get the appropriate treatment," Peluso says. "If mild, use gentle soaps and moisturizers without added colors or smells, wash your bras often (especially sports bras that have a tendency to get sweaty)." This can reduce your chances of harsh chemicals or fragrances triggering contact dermatitis. For immediate relief, Peluso also suggests applying a cool compress. "Wet a cloth with cool water, squeeze out the excess liquid and place the cloth over your nipples to soothe the area," she says. You can also try wearing loose-fitting clothes to reduce chafing, stay moisturized with non-scented lotions, or sleep with a humidifier in the winter to prevent dry, irritated skin.
When to See a Doctor
"The great news is that itchy nipples are rarely a sign of a more serious condition," Peluso says. "In general, having itchy nipples is something you can manage on your own at home. If the itch is severe and accompanied by pain, fever, chills, swelling, discharge, [you should] seek out care from a health care provider." You may also want to see a provider if your baby's mouth develops white patches (not from milk), or if itching comes within a few weeks of antibiotic treatment, both of which can be signs of thrush.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
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