DESCRIPTION:
Pain in the vaginal canal, also called vulvodynia, which literally means “pain in the vagina,” is usually experienced during vaginal manipulation, such as a pelvic exam, or sexual intercourse. Fifty to 85 percent of the causes appear to be due to organic, or medical, conditions. However, it is not uncommon for the medical condition to be compounded by psychological issues such as depression and problems associated with sexual identity.
How does vaginal pain develop?
Vaginal pain may be caused by an inflammation of the vagina, known as vaginitis, which could be due to a bacterial or yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted disease. It can also be caused by vaginismus, which is pain that occurs when anything enters the vagina, including tampons or even a pelvic examination. Irritation from douches, spermicides or latex in condoms, infections, scars from an injury, childbirth or surgery, or psychological problems from a sexual trauma or abuse may also be involved. Pain felt deep in the vagina, and often accompanied by pain in the lower back, pelvic area, uterus or bladder, may be caused by medical problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease; endometriosis; a pelvic tumor; bowel or bladder disease, such as interstitial cystitis; scar tissue; or ovarian cysts.
While many of the above conditions usually respond to modern medical treatment, if vaginal pain lingers and no known source is found, injured, loose or weak ligaments may be the cause. The most commonly affected areas are the ligaments around the sacrococcygeal junction, as well as the iliolumbar ligament.
What are the symptoms of vaginal pain?
Vaginal pain can take many forms, from an intermittent, dull ache to a cramping sensation to a chronic burning or sharp, knifelike pain that occurs in the absence of an infection or vaginal disease. Unexplained pain may result in the inability to exercise, have sexual intercourse and, in extreme cases, can cause women to be bedridden. Additional symptoms may include a vaginal discharge, itching and burning of the vagina and vulva.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of vaginal pain, but they do not address the root of the problem. By strengthening structural weaknesses in the body, as natural medicine treatments like Prolotherapy do, vaginal pain may be alleviated permanently.
Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat vaginal pain.
