Navigating Pregnancy with Vulva/Vagina Pain
As a Vulva Specialist will tell you: “Vaginal pain during pregnancy is a common symptom experienced by many women, and is usually the result of the baby’s growth and development. However, pain in the vagina that emerges with other symptoms can also be a sign of a more serious problem like a UTI, STI, or vaginismus. As the baby continues to grow within the uterus, his or her increasing size can put pressure on nearby vaginal tissue. This can block blood flow to the area, leading to vaginal cramps, discomfort or pain” [1]
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned, or have other symptoms such as: burning, itchiness, vaginal discharge, bleeding, or sharp uterine cramps, contact your Vulva Doctor as soon as possible. – This way, you will ensure that you will receive an accurate diagnosis, and a state-of-the-art Personalised Treatment Plan, that you can get started on right away.
Some of the Reasons Why You May Be Experiencing Vaginal Pain
Vaginal cramps or pain can take hold during pregnancy, for the following reasons:
• The Normal Development of the Baby: as your baby grows and becomes heavier inside the uterus, it also raises pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, (these muscles support the vagina and the uterus). This pressure can generate intense pain or discomfort in the vagina. Of note: this situation is more common when you are in your third trimester. Furthermore, due to the pressure from your growing baby, blood flow to your pelvic region could decrease, thereby causing your vagina to become swollen and more painful
• Vaginal Dryness: this comes about due to the automatic rise in progesterone. Moreover, your natural anxiety could also play a role in the dryness. As a consequence, you can experience pain whilst having sexual intercourse
• Intense Vaginal Sex: this can cause pain, swelling and irritation, as a result of the friction that is generated by a lack of lubrication, or penetration
• Vaginismus: this describes a condition in which the vaginal muscles contract, and cannot naturally relax, thus making penetration difficult, and causing pain in the vagina
• Rash: some expectant mothers find that they have a rash in their genital region when they use personal products which contain irritants. These can bring on redness, itchiness, swelling, and pain in the vagina
• UTI: this refers to a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is common at the time of pregnancy. It occurs due to changes in vagina flora (which comprises both healthy and unhealthy bacteria
• STIs: this describes sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause vaginal pain during pregnancy. This is particularly the case with genital herpes and chlamydia
• Bartholin’s cyst: this is another reason for experiencing vaginal pain during pregnancy. Cysts in the Bartholin’s glands can obstruct the gland’s functioning, thus causing vaginal pain and swelling, particularly when the glands are inflamed [1]
Booking a Consultation With a Vulva Specialist
Having a consultation with an experienced Vulva Doctor (a general practitioner who has undergone extensive additional studies in the fields of pain diagnosis, pain management, and effective treatments, is crucial. – This is because, not only have they had years of expertise in the area, they are also sensitive to women’s health issues. They automatically put patients at ease, and are very mindful of the fact that many have been too embarrassed to discuss their issues with their GP, someone who, in the majority of cases, does not have the necessary high grade experience to offer optimal solutions.
Reference
[1]. Tuasaude (2023). “Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy: 8 Causes (& What To Do).”
https://www.tuasaude.com/en/vaginal-pain-during-pregnancy/