Punctures in the vagina can be caused by performing some excessive physical activities, which strain the pelvic region, by pregnancy, vaginismus, varicose veins in the vulva and even sexually transmitted infections.
Depending on the cause, punctures or stitches in the vagina may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period, swelling, discharge, pain during or after sexual intercourse, for example.
In all cases, the gynecologist should be consulted to order diagnostic tests to identify the cause of the vaginal twinges and indicate the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Stitches in the private parts during pregnancy
In the last trimester of pregnancy, from the 27th week of gestation, the baby begins to gain considerable weight, which causes its growth and movement within the uterus to exert pressure on the intimate area, generating pain.
This weight gain adds to the increase in the volume of circulating fluid, which creates greater pressure on the blood vessels in the vaginal region and reduces blood flow. As a result, it is common for expectant mothers to experience discomfort and twinges in that area.
In addition, Braxton Hicks contractions, which prepare the body for childbirth, can intensify these uncomfortable sensations in the vagina, contributing to the appearance of such discomfort as the pregnancy progresses.
To do: This situation is common at the end of pregnancy. However, if the twinges are accompanied by bleeding, abnormal discharge or other additional symptoms, it is essential to consult the obstetrician, as it could be an infection or complication.
If the twinges are only a consequence of the baby’s weight, applying a cold compress to the vaginal region can relieve the pain. It is also recommended to avoid standing for long periods and get enough rest, as this helps reduce discomfort.
7 causes of stitches in the vagina
The main causes of stitches in the vagina are:
1. Physical exercises
Some types of physical exercises can lead to the appearance of pain in the vagina, mainly those where you have to lift weight, bend over and that require a lot of effort from the pelvic muscles, such as pelvic lifting with the ball.
Horse riding, which are activities that require a person to ride a horse, and cycling, can also cause pain in the vaginal region, due to the pressure that these exercises place on the vulvar region.
To do: Punctures in the vagina caused by physical exercise can be relieved with rest and the application of a cold compress to the site. In addition, it is important to wear cotton and less tight clothing, so as not to worsen the symptoms.
2. Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia, also called vulvar vestibulitis, is characterized by increased sensitivity of the nerves in the region, which lasts at least three months, causing discomfort, pain, irritation and shooting in this area.
These symptoms arise simply by touching the internal or external parts of the vulva and for this reason, women with vulvodynia feel stitches and pain during and after sexual intercourse, during the insertion of plugs or internal absorbent pads, when wearing very tight clothing, during gynecological exams, when riding a bicycle or even when sitting for a long time.
The diagnosis of vulvodynia is made by a gynecologist, through the woman’s complaints and through a test in which the sensitivity of the place is evaluated, when the doctor touches the vulvar region with a swab or other medical material.
To do: Treatment for vulvodynia is indicated by a gynecologist along with other specialists such as a neurologist and dermatologist, since the exact cause is not always known and further investigation is necessary.
However, treatment generally consists of the use of oral medications or ointments to relieve pain, as well as pelvic floor exercises and transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation, also called TENS, which must be guided by a physical therapist. See what vulvodynia is, symptoms and treatment.
3. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously known as STDs, are infections caused by microorganisms that are transmitted through unprotected intimate contact and that can lead to the appearance of various symptoms such as yellowish or greenish discharge, burning, itching, swelling, pain and throbbing in the vagina
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and it is one of the main infections that cause pain and stitches in the vagina. When this infection is not treated, the bacteria can remain in the woman’s genital tract and cause inflammation of the pelvic region, characterizing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). It can also originate due to untreated gonorrhea, which is an STI.
Some viruses can also be transmitted sexually and cause pain and stinging in the vagina mainly during sexual intercourse, such as herpes virus and HPV infection.
To do: In the presence of symptoms, you should go to a gynecologist to do gynecological and blood tests, to confirm the diagnosis and indicate treatment according to the identified disease, which can be done with the use of antibiotics. However, these infections can be prevented with the use of a condom, whether male or female.
4. Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition that occurs due to involuntary contractions of the muscles of the pelvic region and vagina, leading to difficulty for women in having sexual relations, as they cause intense pain and stitches in the vaginal canal. Generally, vaginismus is related to psychological problems, such as sexual aversion, although it can also arise due to complicated births, surgeries, and fibromyalgia.
To do: After the diagnosis is confirmed by a gynecologist, the indicated treatment may be based on the use of medications to reduce vaginal muscle spasms, use of dilators, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy. See in more detail what vaginismus consists of and how it is treated.
5. Varicose veins in the vulva
Varicose veins in the vulva are characterized by the presence of dilated veins in the region of the large and small labia. The appearance of these health problems is associated with the increase in pressure caused by the weight of the baby during pregnancy, venous thrombosis in other parts of the body and vulvodynia.
Varicose veins in the vulva do not always cause symptoms, with only the thickest veins being visible in the vagina, although in some women burning, pain and stitches may appear in the vagina or the inner part of the thigh, which worsens for a long time. standing, during menstruation and after an intimate relationship.
Women with varicose veins in the vulva may also present other health problems such as endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse or urinary incontinence, which is why the diagnosis must be made by a gynecologist after performing examinations.
To do: Treatment for varicose veins in the vulva includes the use of medications to relieve pain and reduce blood clots and contraceptives to regulate female hormones. Depending on the severity of this condition, the doctor may recommend embolization of the varicose veins or surgery to remove the affected veins.
6. Bartholin’s cysts
Stitches in the vagina can arise due to cysts in the Bartholin gland, which is responsible for lubricating the vaginal canal during intimate contact. Cysts block this gland and this causes no lubrication in the vagina, causing pain and stitches in the vagina during and after sexual intercourse.
Bartholin’s cysts are benign tumors and can also lead to the appearance of abscesses, which are lumps with pus, and that is why it is recommended to seek the attention of a gynecologist to make the diagnosis and indicate the most appropriate treatment. Learn about the causes of Bartholin’s cyst.
To do: The treatment is indicated by the gynecologist and depends on the size of the Bartholin’s cysts identified, although the use of antibiotics may be recommended in case of associated infection, drainage, cauterization or surgical removal of the cyst.
7. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted infection, caused by the virus Herpes simplexwhich can be transmitted through contact with a partner’s blisters through unprotected sex.
Infection with this virus can cause stitches, stinging or tingling sensations a few days before blisters appear in the vagina or vulva, which are itchy and painful and can break and form sores.
To do: Genital herpes is treated with antiviral medications prescribed by the gynecologist, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, for about 7 days, as they prevent the virus from multiplying, allowing the skin to heal, in addition to avoiding controlling the appearance of other blisters and wounds. See how to treat genital herpes.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to seek medical attention when, in addition to stitches in the vagina, other signs and symptoms appear, such as:
- Pain and burning when urinating;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Fever;
- Greenish or yellow discharge;
- Vaginal itching;
- Presence of blisters in the vagina.
These symptoms may indicate diseases, such as: genital herpes, urinary infection and vulvovaginitis, these are conditions that in many cases are sexually transmitted and, for this reason, it is important to get into the habit of using a condom. Learn what vulvovaginitis is and what the treatment is.