From infection to endometriosis…8 reasons you might get cramps in your vagina
WOMEN are no strangers to cramps, they roll around once a month like clockwork and we grin and bear it until they're over.
But did you know you can also suffer cramps in your vagina?
Not to be confused with uterine cramps that you feel higher up, these are cramps that send a dull pain through your private parts.
The spasms may feel like muscle contractions, sometimes they may be mild but other times they can be fairly painful.
It's not unusual for a woman to experience this type of cramp, but it's important to know why you might feel them.
Here's what can cause vaginal cramps...
1. Infections
A sexually transmitted infection (STI), or any kind of infection down there, can cause cramping.
The reason for this is infections can cause inflammation and discomfort, leading to pain and cramping.
There are several types of infections that can cause this, the main ones being bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas - a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite that leaves you swollen and itchy - a urinary tract infection and thrush.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection that causes a strong fishy smell down there.
The infection occurs when the bacteria inside the vagina becomes disrupted.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition which occurs when tissue which behaves like the lining of the womb is found outside of the womb - in areas of the body including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, the abdomen and the bladder.
Symptoms of endometriosis can vary, but the most common include painful or heavy periods, pain during and following sex, bleeding between periods, pain in the lower abdomen and difficulty conceiving.
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It can cause cramping at all times of the menstrual cycle, including in the vagina.
Endometriosis can sometimes cause damage to the Fallopian tubes or ovaries, leading to fertility problems.
Other complications can include painful ovarian cysts and adhesions - areas of tissue which can fuse organs together.
Speak to your doctor about ways to manage the condition.
3. Your period
It goes without saying that your period can cause cramps - after all, you are shedding the lining of your uterus.
Vaginal cramps can also occur as your uterus contracts during your period.
It's caused by a hormone called prostaglandin, which is what encourages the uterus and other areas down their to contract to push out the lining of the womb.
Some cramping and heavy bleeding is normal during your period, but if the cramps become unbearable or the bleeding too much you should see a doctor.
4. Painful sex
There's a condition called dyspareunia, the medical term for painful sex.
It may cause pain during or immediately after getting down and dirty.
Some women may also find it hard to use tampons if they have this condition.
It can feel like menstrual cramps, but further down into the vagina.
It may also cause a burning sensation in the pelvis.
Speak to your doctor about the treatments available to make sex enjoyable again.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease
You can strength your pelvic floor muscles by doing a
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs.
Symptoms can include cramps and pain in the lower abdomen, fever, unusual discharge, pain or bleed while having sex, pain urinating and bleeding between periods.
The infection is difficult to diagnose and can cause infertility if left untreated.
The risks of developing the disease increase if you have had more than one sexual partner, have sex with someone who has other sexual partners, or have had it before.
You will need to see a doctor for proper medical treatment.
6. Uterine fibroids
A fibroid is a non-cancerous growth that can occur anywhere in the uterus.
Symptoms vary depending on their size - the bigger they are the worse the symptoms can be.
Most women experience irregular bleeding, heavy periods, pain and cramps in the pelvis and vagina.
In some cases, if they are left untreated, they can cause infertility so if you have any symptoms speak to a GP.
7. Miscarriage
Miscarriage occurs when a woman loses a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
As well as bleeding, uterine cramps and spotting it can also cause vaginal cramps.
If you are pregnant and start experiencing vaginal cramps you should speak to your GP or midwife, even if there are no other symptoms.
It's not uncommon for a woman to experience shooting pain in the vagina while pregnant, but it's always better to be on the safe side.
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8. Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome of the vulva affects roughly 16 per cent of women for three months or more.
The pain often includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and entrance to the vagina and can be characterised as burning, irritation, stinging or sharp pain.
Most cases of vulvodynia are defined by a pain lasting for years, though some cases report intermittent pain.
It can occur after using tampons, having sex, or when pressure is applied to the vagina through long periods of sitting or bike riding, for example.
There is not yet a determined cause for vulvodynia and studies are still underway.
If you have this type of pain speak to you GP about ways you can manage it.
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