Causes of Vaginal Pain and its Homeopathic Remedies

Vaginal pain may arise from several reasons. One of the main reasons for this is an infection in the vaginal area.  Firstly, the infection could be from bacteria. Some examples of bacterial infections are gonorrhoea (caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae), chlamydia (caused by bacteria chlamydia trachomatis), both of which are sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Viral infections in vagina can also lead to vaginal pain. In some viral infections like genital herpes (caused by Herpes simplex virus – HSV), blisters (fluid-filled bumps) occur in the genitals that can be painful. Fungal/yeast infections, also called vaginal candidiasis, can cause pain in the vagina along with itching and vaginal discharge.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) may cause pain in the urethra that may spread to the surrounding parts, including vulva and vagina. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can also cause vaginal pain. This condition arises from an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacterial flora in the vagina. When the number of bad bacteria in the vagina increases and good bacteria in the vagina drop down, it results in bacterial vaginosis. Besides infections and BV, vaginal pain may occur due to irritation in the vagina from the use of some hygiene products, certain soaps, or any rash or eruptions in the vagina. Other reasons for vaginal pain can be from an inflamed vagina (vaginitis), an injury/trauma to vagina, pain from intercourse (dyspareunia), bartholin’s cyst and bartholin duct abscess.

Bartholin glands in vagina, responsible for fluid production and for lubrication, might get blocked and a bartholin cyst may form due to fluid accumulation. If an infection occurs in this fluid, an abscess (pus-filled) lump can form called bartholin duct abscess. In both these cases, a lump is formed in the vagina that causes pain.

Vaginal dryness (it can arise after menopause, or use of oral contraceptive pills) could also be one of the causes of vaginal pain. Another reason can be vaginal atrophy from reduced estrogen levels. Vaginal pain can also indicate vulvodynia. Vulvodynia refers to long-term pain in vagina, vulva or both without any identifiable cause. Some theories suggest vulvodynia occurs due to damage/irritation of the nerves surrounding the vulva or muscle spasm in the pelvic floor.

Lastly, it can arise in cases of Lichen Sclerosus (It is a condition in which discolored patches occur in skin along with skin thinning that affects the genital and anal areas). Depending on the cause behind pain, other symptoms can occur including vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, burning sensation, vaginal tenderness (pain on touch), eruptions in the vagina, foul smell and pain during intercourse.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy proves highly effective in multiple gynecological health complaints. It also carries a great deal of scope to manage cases of vaginal pain. Homeopathy does wonders in managing vaginal pain occurring from different reasons. Homeopathic medicines aim to treat the fundamental cause of vaginal pain. Once the primary cause is treated, there occurs great relief in vaginal pain. These are natural remedies that treat vaginal pain with zero side effects. These also manage any associated symptoms present along with pain like itching, vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, burning and painful intercourse. Homeopathic prescription for vaginal pain differs from case to case based on the cause and characteristic individual symptoms, so one should take homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self–medication.

Homeopathic Medicines for Vaginal Pain

1. Sepia – Top Recommended Medicine

Sepia is the topmost homeopathic medicine to manage vaginal pain. In cases requiring Sepia, the vagina may be painful to touch. The pain is mostly stitching in nature. The vagina appears red and   inflamed. Vaginal discharge may appear. The discharge is excessive and can be yellow or greenish with bad smell. There is itching in the vagina. Burning sensation is also felt in the vagina. The pain in the vagina can be worse during intercourse. In some cases, dryness may be marked in the vagina. Sepia is a prominent medicine to manage various infections affecting female genitals.

 2. Natrum Mur – For Pain During Intercourse

Like the above medicine, Natrum Mur is also an effective medicine for managing vaginal pain during intercourse. Burning is felt in vagina along with pain. The reason behind pain here is dryness in the vagina. The vagina is very sore (painful on slight touching). It is accompanied with itching in the vagina. After urination, burning and pain can occur in the vagina where this medicine is required. This medicine is next indicated for burning sensation felt in the vagina before periods. In some cases, thick white vaginal discharge may be present attended with abdomen pain and weakness.

3. Merc Sol – With Burning Sensation

Merc Sol is a suitable medicine for vaginal pain along with burning sensation. The burning gets worse when the urine touches the affected parts of the vagina. Vaginal inflammation is present in cases needing this medicine. A throbbing pain is felt in the vagina. A yellow or green vaginal discharge may accompany it. The discharge can be blood-stained in some cases. The discharge is sticky. It causes itching in the vagina. Scratching the vagina is followed by a burning sensation. Itching is especially worse at night. There may be an increased urge to pass urine due to pressing pain in the genital organs.

4. Kreosote – Along With Vaginal Itching

Kreosote is a very helpful medicine for managing vaginal pain along with vaginal itching. There occurs sharp pain in the vagina where this medicine is needed. The itching is quite intense. Burning sensation may also be felt. Yellow vaginal discharge may appear. Pain in the vagina may also occur during urination. Kreosote is also a prominent medicine for managing pain during intercourse along with burning sensation. Bleeding may occur from the vagina the next day. In cases needing it, there may be vaginal inflammation (vaginitis). The external genitals can also be swollen along with heated sensation. Lastly, this medicine is indicated for electric-like stitching pain in the vagina that seems to be originating from the abdomen.

5. Calcarea Carb – With Vaginal Discharge (Leucorrhea)

This medicine is highly valuable to manage cases of vaginal pain along with vaginal discharge. In cases needing this medicine, the vaginal discharge is white milky type. The discharge causes vaginal itching and burning apart from pain. The itching is quite intense in the evening or after going to bed. The discharge is more before and after menstrual period. There is excessive weakness. This medicine is also well-indicated for vaginal pain in cases of uterine displacements. There can be polyps (non – cancerous growths) in vagina in cases needing Calacarea Carb.

6. Nitric Acid – With Itching And Burning

Nitric Acid is recommended for cases of vaginal pain accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina. The pain is stitching type in most cases. Swelling in the vagina is also present. Vaginal inflammation is there along with cracks on the labia minora. Vaginal discharges may occur that are ropy and can be green or brown.  The discharges have an offensive smell. In some cases needing this medicine growths like warts can be present in the vagina.

7. Berberis Vulgaris – With Vaginal Tenderness (pain on touch)

This medicine is suitable when there is vaginal pain along with tenderness, means pain on touching vagina. It is accompanied by burning sensation. Soreness and burning can extend to labia. The vagina is reddened. Itching can also occur in vagina. It gets worse while sitting and walking. It gets better on lying down.