Pain at the vaginal opening can be caused by irritation, infection, skin disease, tense pelvic floor muscles, hormonal dryness or long-term pain sensitivity. Careful examination with consent helps choose appropriate treatment.
- Burning, stabbing, chafing or raw pain at the vaginal opening.
- Pain with touch, a tampon, a finger, examination or penetration.
- Stop a sexual activity if it hurts; consent can always be withdrawn.
- Gently wash the outside with lukewarm water or a suitable unperfumed product, and avoid vaginal douching.
- Make an appointment if pain recurs, lasts more than a few weeks or limits sex, sitting, urination or sport.
- For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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