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Learn how to heal your sore vagina—and what caused it in the first place
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A sore vagina can be caused by sex, childbirth, or infections. If you're experiencing vaginal soreness, there are many home treatments available to alleviate symptoms. If there is not an obvious cause of your sore vagina, see a medical professional. You want to rule out medical conditions like sexually transmitted infections and certain cancers. In the future, there are steps you can take to prevent your vagina from becoming sore. Practicing safe sex and using lubricants can prevent a sore vagina from occurring.
Things You Should Know
- Soothe your sore vagina immediately with an ice pack or a warm sitz bath. Don't irritate the area with sex or touching.
- Call your doctor if you notice other worrisome symptoms, like unusual discharge, redness, itching, blisters, or a mass in your vaginal region.
- Go on antibiotics to kick soreness caused by an STD. In the future, prevent STDs and soreness by using condoms during intercourse.
Steps
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Apply an ice pack to numb the area. If you are dealing with a sore vagina, place an ice pack on the area to help lessen the pain. The cold temperature of the ice pack can help numb the nerve endings in the area, making the soreness more bearable. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To use the ice pack:
- Wrap the ice pack in cloth. Do not put the ice pack directly on your skin, as it can burn.
- Leave the ice pack on the area for 15 to 30 minutes.
- If you do not have an ice pack, use a plastic bag filled with ice or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth.
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Soak in a warm sitz bath. A sitz bath is a small, shallow tub specifically designed to clean and reduce inflammation of the genitals. You can purchase a sitz bath at your local pharmacy. Fill the bath with warm water and soak your sore vagina in the water. Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- A cool bath can also be helpful.
- Talk to your doctor before adding things like salt, baking soda, or vinegar to your bath.
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Avoid scented products. Scented soaps, moisturizers, tampons, and pads can further irritate your vagina, as the chemicals used to create the scent can aggravate the skin. Avoid using any scented products around your vagina while soreness persists. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Stick to unscented products when you can, including unscented toilet paper.
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Avoid sex and touching your vagina. Physically touching your vagina can worsen the pain when it’s sore. It may be tempting to touch your vagina to examine it while it’s sore, but leave the examination to the medical professionals. Along with this, avoid having sex when your vagina is sore, as intimacy could cause further discomfort or pain. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Make an appointment with your gynecologist if you're concerned about vaginal soreness.
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Wear comfortable, 100% cotton underwear. Cotton is a very breathable fabric and can help ease vagina soreness. The fabric allows airflow, which can help your vagina heal faster. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- If possible, do not wear any underwear at night. This will give your vagina maximum airflow.
- Put on loose clothing. Tight clothing might be very uncomfortable. Skip the nylon leggings for the day and wear a loose skirt, dress, or pants instead. Try to wear breathable, cotton clothing to allow your skin maximum airflow.
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Try doing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises, which exercise the pelvic muscles, may help ease pain. Here are some tips to get started: [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Tighten your pelvic muscles and hold for 5 seconds. Then, relax for 5 seconds. Repeat this process 4 times. Do a set like this 3 times a day.
- Work up to tightening the muscles for 10-second intervals. This may take a few weeks of practice.
- Concentrate while doing Kegel exercises. Make sure you are tightening your pelvic muscles and not the muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
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Know when to call the doctor. Sometimes, a sore vagina is caused by something obvious. If you've recently given birth or had rough sexual intercourse, that may be the cause. However, vaginal pain with no clear cause should be evaluated by a medical professional. This is especially important if you notice any of the following symptoms: [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Vaginal discharge with an unusual color or odor
- Redness, itching, or irritation
- Bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
- Any kind of unusual mass or bulge in your vagina
- Any blisters in or on the outside of the vagina
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Ask your doctor about medication. Over-the-counter pain medications might not lessen vaginal pain, so talk to your doctor about prescription medications you can try. For instance: [10] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- The antidepressants amitriptyline and nortriptyline may soothe vaginal pain. Your doctor may prescribe these medications if they believe it would help with your vaginal pain, but only as a last resort, as the medications may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain.
- Anti-epilepsy medications can also ease vaginal pain but may cause similar side effects.
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Get screened for sexually transmitted infections. Vaginal pain can be a symptom of a variety of STIs. Getting tested is important. If you have an STI, the sooner you treat it, the better. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Many STIs can be cured with a simple round of antibiotics. If you have an STI, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Some STIs, like herpes and HIV, do not have a cure. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option to keep symptoms and complications in check.
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Undergo further testing. Certain cancers, vaginal cysts, or other medical problems may cause vaginal soreness. However, most causes are yeast infections, an allergy to a laundry detergent, herpes outbreak, or endometriosis. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may want to run a series of tests to rule out such conditions or causes. Explain your symptoms and medical history with your doctor to recieve the best care possible. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Use a lubricant during sex. Vaginal lubricants act like the natural mucus that your vagina secretes and can help ease pain during intercourse. Suppose you frequently experience pain during or after intercourse. In that case, a lubricant may help. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Apply a gel about 10 minutes prior to sexual intercourse. If your pain is constant, apply the lubricant regularly throughout the day.
- If you experience irritation, wash the lubricant off right away.
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Talk to your doctor about hormonal treatments for menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause can cause soreness in the vagina. Estrogen rings, estrogen tablets, and other hormonal treatments may help ease vaginal soreness caused by menopause. [14] X Research source
- Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. They will find a treatment that works for you based on your age, symptoms, and medical history.
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Be sexually responsible. Preventing STIs can help prevent vaginal soreness. If you do not know your partner's status, always use a condom during intercourse. Get tested for STIs regularly so, in the event you have an STI, you can treat it quickly. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Avoid douching or spraying. The vagina contains healthy bacteria that keep it clean and free of infections. Using douches and sprays can remove these bacteria, worsening symptoms or causing soreness. Avoid using such products to help prevent vaginal soreness, infections, and irritation. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- While your vagina keeps itself clean with natural secretions and discharges, it doesn’t mean you should never wash it. Clean the vulva, the area outside your vagina, each day during your regular bathing routine with water. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Expert Q&A
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QuestionMy vagina is stinging like mad and is red raw. I'm only 14 years old, and I haven't had sexual intercourse before. What could be wrong?Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.I recommend you see your doctor as soon as possible. Possible causes for the stinging and pain is a yeast infection or an allergic reaction.
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QuestionWhat should you do if you have a vaginal and anal redness, like a layer of skin is gone?Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.This most probably represents yeast or allergy, but you should get examined.
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QuestionI have recently lost my virginity and have had sex only twice. My vagina stayed sore for almost a week the first time. Now it is hurting equally bad the second time. Is it something to be worried about? We guys used protection and I was wet and ready both the times.Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.This is common. I would recommend a lubricant and starting very slowly and gently. You also need an exam now that you are sexually active, and your physician can rule out congenital anomalies that can cause pain with intercourse.
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Warnings
- Ask your doctor before taking medication to treat a yeast infection if you are taking antibiotics.Thanks
References
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22931394
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24137-sitz-bath
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises/art-20045283
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562?pg=1
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562?pg=1
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/persistence-is-key-to-treating-vaginal-pain/?_r=0
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To soothe your sore vagina, apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the area for 15 to 30 minutes. You can also soak in a warm sitz bath or regular bath for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce inflammation. While your vagina is sore, avoid having sex or touching the area, since this can make your symptoms worse. You should also avoid scented products, which have chemicals that can irritate your vagina. Consider buying 100 percent cotton underwear if you don’t have some already, which is more breathable and comfortable for a sore vagina. If you notice unusual discharge, itching, an unusual lump in your vagina, or bleeding between periods or after intercourse, contact your doctor for treatment. For more tips, including how to soothe your sore vagina with Kegel exercises, read on!
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