Duration of vaginal pain

The duration of vaginal pain depends on the underlying cause. A vaginal mycosis is usually an acute event that develops within a few days. Under an effective therapy with antifungal agents, the symptoms also improve within a few days.

Endometriosis, on the other hand, is a chronic inflammatory disease and the cycle-dependent pain usually persists for several years or decades. Bacterial vaginosis can also last for several weeks or even months. However, this often also proceeds subclinically.

This means that it shows no or only very slight symptoms. A vaginismus also exists over a longer period of time. Many women therefore suffer from pain during sexual intercourse or insertion of a tampon for years. After giving birth, vaginal pain should subside within a few weeks.

Pain at the vaginal entrance

Vaginal pain, which is mainly limited to the vaginal entrance, usually has a local cause. A fungal infection is probably the most common cause of such pain, but endometriosis can also cause pain at the vaginal entrance. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, are more likely to cause vaginal pain that affects the entire vagina and not just the vaginal entrance.

Vaginismus also primarily causes pain at the vaginal entrance. This pain occurs mainly during sexual intercourse and is usually so strong that full penetration is not possible. Other possible causes of pain at the vaginal entrance are injuries, which usually occur during sexual intercourse, and excessive intimate hygiene.

Vaginal pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, some women suffer from more or less severe vaginal pain. Some women describe the pain as a kind of “tearing” pain, similar to overstretching. Usually this is a pain that comes from the loosening of the ligaments of the pelvis.

The pain can occur at the beginning or end of the pregnancy and unfortunately cannot be treated well with painkillers. Many women find that warm water or physical protection helps against the pain. The pain is usually intensified by physical exertion.

They are usually not permanent. However, if you experience pain in the vagina during pregnancy, you should consult a gynecologist as soon as possible to rule out other causes, such as infections. If left untreated, an infection of the vagina can rise and affect the uterus or ovaries. During pregnancy, such an infection is very dangerous and must therefore be prevented early on.