Women’s health care in London is one of the most significant areas of the medical world of the UK. There are several organisations like GPs at Harley Street or London Health Science Centre. These medical units look after the health issues of women in London. They treat gynaecological issues including menopause, reproduction and contraception. Besides sexual health, they also offer medical care for female cancerous patients.

Women’s healthcare in London includes a professional team of experienced doctors. They use modern technologies to provide advanced medical testing and diagnosis. One of the most common health issues of women in London is vaginal discomfort or vaginal pain. We will explore the different causes and remedies of vaginal discomfort in this piece.

What is Vaginal Discomfort?

Medical specialists refer vaginal pain or discomfort as vulvodynia. It signifies the sensation of pain in the vaginal opening or vulva. It is much different from pain in the internal vagina or the pelvis. Intense vaginal pain may occur due to tumours or infections. Women’s healthcare in London suggests that vaginal pain can take the form of chronic conditions in severe cases. This may last in some women for several years.

However, the degree of severity of this disease often varies from woman to woman. This heath condition is more common in the absence of visible abnormalities or other physical signs. Extreme vaginal discomfort may become an unwanted interference. This may interrupt the sexual activity of female individuals. This often leads to a painful intercourse also called dyspareunia. However, vaginal pain and discomfort during or after a sexual intercourse may arise from other causes as well.

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Pain

Vaginal pain in women can vary from mild to intense sensation. Extreme vaginal discomfort can be the worst interruption in the daily activities of a woman. It disturbs the sexual life of the female individual at the same time. This condition comes with profound physical as well as emotional discomfort. Women start to feel loss of control over their body due to such intense pain.

Following are some common symptoms of vaginal pain or vulvodynia:

• A stinging pain or burning sensation in the vaginal opening or vulva
• A sharp throbbing pain in the vulvar region
• Pain associated with itching sensation in the vagina
• The pain may occur and dissolve at times; or may continue for a constant period
• The pain gets further stimulated after performing exercise or a sexual intercourse

The symptoms of vaginal discomfort often vary from individual to individual. Some females report a localised pain on a particular area of the vulva. On the other hand, some other females report a widespread generalised pain across the vaginal opening. Not much physical sign is visible around the vagina in case of vaginal pain. However, the skin may become inflamed in case of some female patients.

Causes of Vaginal Discomfort

Scientists have not yet detected the actual cause of vaginal discomfort. Some women infected with vaginal pain may have past records of sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is not clear that STDs can be a cause of vaginal pain in females.

Certain theories suggest the following causes of vaginal pain:

• Irritation and damage of nerves
• Abnormal responses to vaginal inflammation or irritation
• Allergic reactions in the body
• Muscle spasms
• Any medical history concerning sexual abuse
• Frequent consumption of antibiotics

However, private gynaecologists in London suggest different genetic factors to be a major reason. This can be a cause of vaginal pain in many cases. However, the exact cause behind this is yet unclear.

On the other hand, a vaginal pain is quite common during the third trimester of pregnancy. This is mainly due to the increasing pressure on the cervix. Moreover, there are several women who have already experienced vaginal pain before pregnancy. It is common for them to experience this symptom during pregnancy as well.

Risk Factors of Vaginal Pain

It is quite hard to predict the risk factors of vaginal pain and discomfort. This is because its cause is not yet clear. However, medical scientists state that vulvodynia or vaginal pain can affect female individuals from all races and all age groups.

The time of its occurrence is also not certain for all women. It can occur in a female during the period of her adolescence. On the other hand, it can arise both before and after menopause in a female. Vaginal discomfort may arise in a female during her menstrual period. It may also arise independently, apart from her menstrual period.

Treatment for Vaginal Discomfort in Women’s Healthcare in London

Women’s healthcare consultants in London suggest some medical therapies for the treatment of vaginal pain.

• Administration of interferon or nerve blocker injections. These reduce the signalling of nerves to the affected areas of the vagina.
• Pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback training are some helpful methods. These can reduce vaginal discomfort.
• Women with vestibulitis syndrome can go for surgeries. Such surgeries include removal of the affected tissue from the vagina.
• Medications including topical estrogen creams and local anesthetics can be useful. They treat vaginal discomfort. Tricyclic antidepressants and anti-convulsants are other notable medicines for vaginal pain.

Some self-care methods and home remedies can also help in pacifying vaginal discomfort.

• Rinsing the affected area with cold water. This is important mostly after an intercourse or urination.
• Use ice packs on the affected areas for some. Use heating pads for some other cases.
• Wear loose fitting cotton clothes to avoid irritation.

Diagnosis of Vaginal Pain by Women’s Healthcare in London

Women’s healthcare in London is constantly working on to establish the actual cause of vaginal pain or vulvodynia. There are no specific tests till now to confirm vaginal pain. Professional gynaecologists or the patient herself can diagnose this health condition. They diagnose the issue on the basis of characteristic symptoms.

However, it is possible to test vaginal and vulvar infections. Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections can produce itching and burning sensations in the vagina. Considering these, diagnostic tests can detect infections in the vaginal opening.