STDs That Cause Vulvar Pain

“It’s very important to know that some STIs such as chlamydia, can be silent with no symptoms. If left untreated, the infection can develop into a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause vaginal and low pelvic pain and lead to permanent damage of the reproductive system and infertility” [1]. Our highly experienced Vulva Pain Doctors at the London Pain Clinic, regularly diagnose and treat women who are suffering from STDs. Once you have received a diagnosis, you will be given a Personalised Treatment Plan to get started on right away

Did you know that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can induce vulva pain? If you do have a STD, then you could be suffering from:

Genital Herpes

This form of STD is generated by type1 and 2 herpes simplex virus. Symptoms of genital herpes comprise lesions (small vesicles or blisters) around the genitals or rectum. When the blisters burst, painful ulcers will form, and this in combination with the lesions, can result in unbearable pain in your vulva region [2]. Moreover:

“The first outbreak may include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches” [2]

Chlamydia

This type of sexually transmitted disease is brought about by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. Of note: “the majority (up to 70%) of people with chlamydia never notice symptoms of the infection. If you do present with symptoms, you may experience unusual smelly discharge, painful intercourse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful or burning urination, and itching or burning around genital areas” [2]. This research shows that some individuals who are suffering from vulva pain, are not aware of any Chlamydia symptom.

Gonorrhoea

This STD is the result of contracting the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. The majority of women who have gonorrhoea, don’t have symptoms. However, if the latter are present, then they will experience itching and a rash. Moreover, they may contract non-specific symptoms that are on a par with a vaginal infection. In addition, they may also undergo vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and painful urination. Furthermore, the Gonorrhoea could also infect the rectum, thereby causing pain, soreness and itching [2].

The Low Down on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Vulva Doctors frequently describe pain from pelvic inflammatory disease, as: a dull ache in the lower abdomen, and a condition which can flare up during sex, or whilst urinating. Of note: pelvic inflammatory disease is the terminology that is used to describe an infection in various different reproductive organs. These include: the cervix, the uterus, and the fallopian tubes.

The Ovaries

Bacteria can make their way into the pelvic organs via different means, and the three aforementioned STDs (namely, genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea, are the three offenders.
It is crucial to be mindful of the fact that: “if you don’t recognise the existence of any of these STDs and seek treatment, the infection can spread up into your reproductive organs, which is what causes the pelvic pain” [3].

Looking Further Than Pelvic Pain

As your Vulva Specialist will explain, you could encounter other issues. These include:
• Chills
• Fever
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dreadful-smelling vaginal discharge, and/or
• Erratic periods [3]

Sensitivity Towards Patients

All the Pain Doctors and members of the medical team at the London Pain Clinic, have had extensive experience in the fields of Pain and Pain Medicine. This includes treating sufferers at leading hospital and clinics across the UK. They are all very sensitive to issues such as vulva pain, and to that end, put patients at ease.

References

[1]. Halies, J. (2024). “Vaginal and vulval pain: know the different causes and when to seek help.”
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/vaginal-vulval-pain-know-the-different-causes-and-when-to-seek-help

[2]. Yang, S. (2023). “STDs That Cause Vulvar Pain.” Everlywell.
https://www.everlywell.com/blog/virtual-care/stds-that-cause-vulvar-pain/

[3]. WCRGV (2024). “Which STDs Cause Pelvic Pain?”
https://www.wcrgv.com/blog/which-stds-cause-pelvic-pain