If you experience pain, itching or burning in the vulva area, talk to your doctor. They can run tests and help you figure out the cause of the problem.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading fecal bacteria to your vulva. Daily hygiene and yearly wellness visits are also important.
Inadequate lubrication
Feminine wipes are designed with women’s intimate area in mind, but they also contain chemicals and fragrances that disrupt the vulva’s healthy microbiome. And, if you use them too frequently, they can leave your vulva feeling itchy and dry, causing irritation that may lead to painful intercourse or vaginitis.
The vulva (the canal that connects the uterus to the labia and clitoris) is protected by sweat glands, called apocrine glands, just like the ones in your armpits. These glands produce a thicker sweat that helps to protect the delicate vaginal tissue from bacteria, as well as help with sexual lubrication during penetration. Wiping with feminine wipes can wash away some of this lubrication, which causes friction that can result in pain.
Lubrication is especially important during sexual arousal to prepare the vulva for penile insertion, so that penetration is less likely to cause pain. However, sometimes foreplay and sexual stimulation aren’t enough to alleviate the pain. Using a personal lubricant can reduce the pain and make sex more enjoyable for both partners.
Choose a water-based lubricant that won’t damage latex condoms or diaphragms. Avoid oil-based products, as they can increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis and irritate the vaginal tissue. If you continue to experience painful sex, make an appointment with your gynecologist. They’ll assess the issue and recommend treatments to improve your sex life.
Bacteria
A healthy vagina contains a complex community of bacteria, fungus and other microbes that carry out vital functions. But sometimes, a change in the normal balance of these microorganisms results in an infection called vaginitis. The most common type of vaginitis is bacterial vaginosis (ba-troe-li-NO-sis), caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria. Douching and having multiple or new sex partners can increase your risk for BV, but this infection can occur even if you aren’t sexually active.
A yeast infection is another cause of vaginal pain. This is usually caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which normally lives in small amounts in your vagina. It can also be caused by a variety of factors, including antibiotics, hormonal changes and stress. Yeast infections can produce a thick, white or yellow discharge that looks like cottage cheese and may cause itching and other symptoms.
Other types of infections, both viral and bacterial, can also cause pain, itching or discharge in the vulva. These include genital herpes (HSV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes B, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis (trik-oh-moni-asis). Some of these infections can be diagnosed with an at-home test; others require a medical exam to confirm the diagnosis. Often, these infections are easy to treat with prescription medication or over-the-counter medicines. Your doctor can help you find the right medicine for you.
Overwiping
The skin in the anal area is thin and delicate, so excessive wiping with traditional toilet paper (which can feel like sandpaper) or scented wipes may cause friction. This friction can lead to a sore bum, which can be very uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help prevent soreness. First, make sure to use unscented or fragrance-free toilet paper or wipes. The chemicals in scented products can irritate the skin. You can also try using a soft cloth or an aloe vera ointment to soothe the skin after wiping.
Another thing to avoid is wiping from back to front. This can bring bacteria from the anus into the urethra, which can contribute to a urinary tract infection. Instead, always wipe from front to back, whether you’ve urinated or had a bowel movement.
If you’re constantly having to use half a roll of toilet paper after every bowel movement, this can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as hemorrhoids or fecal incontinence. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing this.
While it can be tempting to use scented wipes and washes, this can actually disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance. This can cause irritation, rashes, and itching. Instead, ob-gyns recommend putting a little bit of lubrication on after you wipe.
Stress
During times of high stress, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. This hormone can affect many things, including our vaginal health. High levels of cortisol can cause a disruption in the pH balance of our vulva and genitals, making it easier for yeast infections like Thrush and bacteria like bacterial vaginosis to develop. It also makes it more difficult for our immune systems to protect our vulva from these infections.
Other symptoms of stress include changes in vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse and itching of the external vulva. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. The doctor may also order tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound or blood test to assess your health status.
If you’re experiencing pain in your vulva or vagina during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is likely due to increased stress and anxiety. It’s important to manage your stress levels and eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and use holistic feminine health products. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid using unapproved home remedies for vaginal pain and discomfort, as they can be dangerous. Your gynecologist will be able to provide you with the best advice on how to manage your stress and pain in your vulva and vagina. They can help you find the root cause of your pain and help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
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