Vaginal or vulvar problems
Most women have minor vaginal or vulvar (the vulva is the opening to the vagina) problems at various times. Vaginal/vulvar changes are often related to:
- Menstrual cycles
- Sex
- Birth control methods
- Aging
- Post-pregnancy changes
- Infection
- Certain medications
Causes of vaginal/vulvar problems
There are a number of reasons you might experience a vaginal or vulvar problem, including:
- Vaginal infection
- Infection of the cervix
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Vaginal prolapse
- Vaginal injury
- Forgotten tampon or foreign object
- Sex practices including anal-to-vaginal contact or oral-to-vaginal contact
- Allergy/sensitivity to soap
- Tight-fitting clothes
- Antibiotics and other medications
- Hormone changes related to menopause
- Skin changes of the vulva
Symptoms of vaginal/vulvar problems
Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation when urinating or frequent urination
- Pain or bleeding with sex
- Rashes, sores, blisters or lumps in vaginal or vulvar area
- Itching or burning of the vulvar skin
Diagnosing vaginal/vulvar problems
Your doctor has a number of ways to determine what is causing your vaginal/vulvar problems. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam and order tests to check for infection or other vaginal condition.
Treating vaginal/vulvar problems
Home treatments such as over-the-counter creams and lubricants may work to relieve your symptoms of itching or dryness. Avoiding sex might help; so might a cool bath or loose-fitting clothing. If your symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.
Young girls with vaginal problems should be seen by a doctor to determine the cause. In some cases, vaginal symptoms in a young girl can be caused by sexual abuse.
