Vaginal Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Pain in the vagina or the female external genital organs (the vulva, which includes the labia, clitoris, and entrance to the vagina) most commonly is a result of infection. Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse is referred to as dyspareunia. Infection of the vagina is referred to as vaginitis.
Yeast infection (Candida) is a particularly common form of vaginitis. Women are at increased risk for yeast vaginitis if they take antibiotics or cortisone medications, during pregnancy, and if their immune systems are suppressed by medications or disease.
Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Vaginal Pain
-
Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are...learn more »
Causes of Vaginal Pain
-
Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »In This ArticleAllergy Article
- Allergy facts
- What does an allergy mean?
- What causes allergies?
- Who is at risk and why?
- What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
- Hay Fever
- Asthma
- Allergic Eyes
- Allergic Eczema
- Hives
- Allergic Shock
- Where are allergens? Everywhere
- In the air we breathe
- In what we ingest
- Touching our skin
- Injected into our body
-
Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of...learn more »In This ArticleBacterial Vaginosis Article
- Bacterial vaginosis facts
- What is bacterial vaginosis?
- What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
- What causes bacterial vaginosis?
- Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?
- How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
- Are there home remedies for bacterial vaginosis?
- What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
- What are complications of bacterial vaginosis?
-
Chlamydia In Women Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia...learn more »In This ArticleChlamydia In Women Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is chlamydia?
- What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
- How is chlamydia diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for chlamydia?
- Chlamydia At A Glance
-
Genital Herpes In Women Genital herpes, a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is transmitted during sexual contact with the mucous-covered...learn more »In This ArticleGenital Herpes In Women Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is genital herpes?
- What causes genital herpes?
- What are genital herpes symptoms and signs?
- How is genital herpes diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for genital herpes?
- How can genital herpes be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for genital herpes?
- Where can people get more information about genital herpes?
- Genital Herpes At A Glance
-
Genital Warts (HPV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted...learn more »In This ArticleGenital Warts (HPV) Article
- Genital warts (HPV) facts
- What are human papillomaviruses (HPVs)?
- How common is HPV infection?
- What are the symptoms of genital warts?
- How is HPV infection diagnosed?
- Is there a DNA test for types of HPV infection?
- How are genital warts diagnosed?
- How is infection with HPV treated?
- External genital warts
- Precancerous changes (dysplasia) of the uterine cervix
- Can HPV infection be prevented?
- What should one do if exposed to a person with genital warts?
-
Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on...learn more »In This ArticleLichen Planus Article
- Lichen planus facts
- What is lichen planus?
- What causes lichen planus?
- How is the rash of lichen planus different from that of most other common rashes?
- What are the symptoms and signs of lichen planus?
- What does lichen planus look like?
- How is lichen planus diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for lichen planus?
- What is the long-term prognosis of lichen planus?
-
Menopause Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause...learn more »In This ArticleMenopause Article
- Menopause facts
- What is menopause?
- At what age does a woman typically reach menopause?
- What conditions can affect the timing of menopause?
- What are the symptoms of menopause?
- What are the complications and effects of menopause on chronic medical conditions?
- Are hormone levels or other blood tests helpful in detecting menopause?
- What are the treatment options for the symptoms of menopause?
- Hormone therapy for menopause
- Other medical therapies for menopause
- Alternative therapies for menopause
- Non-hormone therapies for menopause
- Lifestyle factors in managing menopause symptoms
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs) When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs...learn more »In This ArticleSexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs) Article
- Pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs
- STDs include
- What are the symptoms of STDs?
- How can STDs affect my pregnancy?
- How can I find out if I have an STD?
- How are STDs treated in pregnancy?
- How can I protect myself from STDs?
- How can I prevent spreading a STD?
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »In This ArticleSexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs)?
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Genital Herpes
- Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
- Chancroid
- Ectoparasitic Infections
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Conclusions
-
Sjogren's Syndrome Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and...learn more »In This ArticleSjogren's Syndrome Article
- Sjögren's syndrome facts
- What is Sjögren's syndrome?
- What causes Sjögren's syndrome?
- What are Sjögren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
- How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Will dietary changes improve Sjögren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
- Can Sjögren's syndrome be prevented?
- What is the prognosis for patients with Sjögren's syndrome?
- Conclusion
-
Vaginitis Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast...learn more »
-
Yeast Infection Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and...learn more »In This ArticleYeast Infection Article
- Vaginal yeast infection facts
- What is yeast?
- What is vaginitis?
- What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)?
- What causes yeast infections in men?
- What causes vaginal yeast infections?
- What may increase my risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection?
- What are vulvitis and vaginal yeast infection symptoms and signs?
- What about recurrent yeast infections?
- What other vaginal infections have similar symptoms as a yeast infection?
- When should I see a health care professional if I think I have a yeast infection?
- Can I pass a yeast infection to my sexual partner (male or female)?
- How are vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
- How can a yeast infection be treated if I am pregnant?
- If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated?
Other Causes of Vaginal Pain
- Bartholin's Abscesses or Cysts
- Trauma Injury
Examples of Medications for Vaginal Pain
- conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, Prempro, Premphase
- esterified estrogens, Estratab (discontinued); Menest
- estradiol, Estrace, Climara, Estraderm
- estrogens conjugated synthetic, Cenestin
- estrogens conjugated, Premarin
- estropipate, Ogen
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.















