Vaginal pain can have various causes. One of the main reasons for this is an infection in the vaginal area. First, the infection can come from bacteria. Some examples of bacterial infections include gonorrhea (caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae), chlamydia (caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis), both sexually transmitted infections (STDs).
Viral infections in the vagina can also lead to vaginal pain. Some viral infections, such as genital herpes (caused by the Herpes simplex virus – HSV), can cause blisters (fluid-filled bumps) on the genitals that can be painful. Yeast/fungal infections, also called vaginal candidiasis, can cause pain in the vagina, along with itching and vaginal discharge.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) can cause pain in the urethra that can spread to surrounding areas, including vulva and vagina. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can also cause vaginal pain. This condition results from an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacterial flora in the vagina. When the number of bad bacteria in the vagina increases and the good bacteria in the vagina decrease, bacterial vaginosis occurs. In addition to infections and BV, vaginal pain can occur due to irritation in the vagina from the use of certain hygiene products, certain soaps, or rashes or eruptions in the vagina. Other reasons for vaginal pain may include an inflamed vagina (vaginitis), an injury/trauma to the vagina, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), Bartholin’s cyst, and a Bartholin’s duct abscess.
Bartholin glands in the vagina, responsible for fluid production and lubrication, can become clogged and a Bartholin cyst may form due to fluid retention. If an infection occurs in this fluid, an abscess (pus-filled) can form, the Bartholin duct abscess. In both cases, a lump is formed in the vagina that causes pain.
Vaginal dryness (which can develop after menopause or after using oral contraceptive pills) can also be one of the causes of vaginal pain. Another reason may be vaginal atrophy due to decreased estrogen levels. Vaginal pain can also indicate vulvodynia. Vulvodynia refers to prolonged pain in the vagina, vulva, or both without any identifiable cause. Some theories suggest that vulvodynia occurs due to damage/irritation of the nerves around the vulva or muscle spasms in the pelvic floor.
Finally, it can occur in cases of Lichen Sclerosus (it is a condition that involves discolored patches of skin along with thinning of the skin that affects the genital and anal areas). Depending on the cause of the pain, other symptoms may occur, including vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, burning sensation, vaginal tenderness (pain when touched), eruptions in the vagina, foul odor and pain during intercourse.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy appears to be very effective for several gynecological health complaints. It also has many capabilities to treat cases of vaginal pain. Homeopathy works wonders in controlling vaginal pain that can occur due to various reasons. Homeopathic medicines aim to treat the basic cause of vaginal pain. Once the primary cause is treated, great relief from vaginal pain occurs. These are natural remedies that treat vaginal pain without side effects. These also treat any associated symptoms, along with pain such as itching, vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, burning sensation and painful intercourse. The homeopathic prescription for vaginal pain varies from case to case, depending on the cause and characteristic individual symptoms. Therefore, one should take homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for vaginal pain
1. Sepia – Most recommended medicine
Sepia is the best homeopathic medicine to treat vaginal pain. In cases where sepia is required, the vagina may be painful to the touch. The pain is usually stabbing in nature. The vagina looks red and inflamed. Vaginal discharge may occur. The discharge is excessive and may be yellow or greenish with a bad odor. There is itching in the vagina. A burning sensation is also felt in the vagina. The pain in the vagina may be worse during intercourse. In some cases there may be dryness in the vagina. Sepia is a prominent drug for treating various infections that affect the female genital organs.
2. Natrum Mur – For pain during intercourse
Like the above-mentioned medicine, Natrum Mur is also an effective medicine for controlling vaginal pain during intercourse. Burning is felt in the vagina along with pain. The reason behind pain here is dryness in the vagina. The vagina is very painful (painful with light touch). It is accompanied by itching in the vagina. After urination, burning and pain may occur in the vagina where this medicine is needed. This medicine is then indicated for a burning sensation in the vagina before menstruation. In some cases, thick white vaginal discharge may be present, accompanied by abdominal pain and weakness.
3. Merc Sol – With a burning sensation
Merc Sol is a suitable medicine for vaginal pain and burning sensation. The burning becomes worse when urine touches the affected areas of the vagina. There is vaginal inflammation in cases where this medicine is required. A throbbing pain is felt in the vagina. A yellow or green vaginal discharge may be associated with this. In some cases, the discharge may be bloody. The discharge is sticky. It causes itching in the vagina. Scratching the vagina is followed by a burning sensation. The itching is especially worse at night. There may be an increased urge to urinate due to pressing pain in the genitals.
4. Kreosote – Along with vaginal itching
Kreosote is a very useful medicine for controlling vaginal pain and vaginal itching. Sharp pain occurs in the vagina where this medicine is needed. The itching is quite severe. A burning sensation may also be felt. Yellow vaginal discharge may appear. Pain in the vagina can also occur during urination. Kreosote is also a leading medicine for controlling pain during intercourse along with burning sensation. Bleeding from the vagina may occur the next day. In cases where this is necessary, vaginal inflammation (vaginitis) may occur. The external genitalia may also be swollen and feel warm. Finally, this medicine is indicated for electric-like stitching pain in the vagina that seems to come from the abdomen.
5. Calcarea Carb – With Vaginal Discharge (Leucorrhea)
This medicine is very valuable in treating cases of vaginal pain and vaginal discharge. In cases where this medicine is required, the vaginal discharge is of the white, milky type. The discharge causes vaginal itching and burning sensation, apart from pain. The itching is quite intense in the evening or after going to bed. The discharge is more before and after menstruation. There is excessive weakness. This medicine is also well indicated for vaginal pain associated with uterine displacements. Polyps (non-cancerous growths) may occur in the vagina if you need Calacarea Carb.
6. Nitric acid – With itching and burning sensation
Nitric acid is recommended in cases of vaginal pain accompanied by itching and burning sensation in the vagina. The pain is stabbing in most cases. Swelling in the vagina is also present. There is vaginal inflammation, along with tears in the labia minora. Vaginal discharges may occur that are viscous and may be green or brown. The discharges have an unpleasant odor. In some cases where this medicine is required, growths such as warts may be present in the vagina.
7. Berberis Vulgaris – With vaginal tenderness (pain when touched)
This medicine is suitable if there is vaginal pain and tenderness, i.e. pain when touching the vagina. It is accompanied by a burning sensation. Pain and burning may extend to the labia. The vagina is red. Itching can also occur in the vagina. It gets worse when sitting and walking. It gets better when you lie down.