Vaginal and vulvar pain syndrome

The vulva refers to the external parts of your genitals. 

This includes:

• The mons pubis (the soft, fleshy area above your pubic bone).
• The labia majora and labia minora (the outer and inner “lips”).
• The clitoris.
• The opening to the urethra (where urine comes out).
• And the vaginal opening.

The vagina is the internal canal that connects to your uterus or womb. It’s where menstrual blood flows from, where tampons are inserted, and the passage through which babies are born during vaginal delivery.

Many women use the word vagina when referring to the whole genital area - and that’s totally fine. What matters most is that you feel comfortable when discussing your symptoms with your doctor. Use whatever words feel right for you.

This condition causes ongoing, unexplained pain in the genital area. For some women, the pain is felt throughout the vulva (generalised pain), while for others it’s focused around the entrance of the vagina (focal pain).

It can affect women of any age and be both physically and emotionally distressing. It may impact your relationships, lower your sex drive, and even affect your mood or mental health.

Important to know:

• This condition is not infectious.
• It is not cancer.
• You can’t pass it on to a partner.

Other names for this condition include vulvodynia or chronic vaginal pain.

There’s no single cause, but some known triggers include:

• Nerve damage or irritation (from surgery, childbirth, or recurring thrush or yeast infection).
• Hormonal changes.
• Skin sensitivities or allergic reactions.
• Immune system conditions (where your body mistakenly attacks itself).

• A burning or stinging pain (often triggered by touch—e.g., sex or tampon use).
• Ongoing soreness or discomfort even without any obvious trigger.

Pain and quality of life assessment
You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms, including how they affect your mood, sex life, and daily activities.

Physical examination
Your doctor may ask about your sexual history, past infections, and pain during sex. They’ll gently examine your vulva and surrounding areas to check for any swelling, tenderness, or other signs.

It’s also common for your doctor to ask about past trauma, including sexual abuse, as this can sometimes contribute to pain. This can be very difficult to talk about—only share what you feel comfortable with.

Swab test
Swabs may be taken to check for:

• STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
• Bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of natural bacteria in the vagina).
• Thrush (overgrowth of yeast in the vagina).

These tests may be uncomfortable, especially if you're in pain, but they’re usually very quick.

This chapter contains general information about vaginal and vulvar pain syndrome. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: April 2025