Stitches in the vagina: what can be and what to do

The pricks in the vagina can be caused by some situations such as the performance of certain physical exercises in excess, which force the pelvic region or it can appear because of the increase in the size of the baby after the third trimester of pregnancy.

Some health problems can lead to the appearance of stitches in the vagina, such as vaginismus and varicose veins in the vulva, and other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period, swelling and vaginal discharge can also be seen, and it is very important to consult a gynecologist to identify the cause and indicate the appropriate treatment.

Thus, the main causes of pricking in the vagina are:

1. Pregnancy

In the last trimester of pregnancy, after the 27th week of gestation, the baby gains a lot of weight, as well as the increase in the volume of circulating fluid occurs and this generates pressure and reduced blood flow in the region of the vagina. Because of this, it is common for pregnant women to feel stitches and swelling in the vagina, as well as a burning sensation in the region.

What to do: this situation is common at the end of pregnancy, but if together with the stitches in the vagina some type of bleeding occurs it is important to consult the obstetrician to assess the symptoms and start the most appropriate treatment.

If the stitches are just because of the baby's weight, a cold compress can be placed on the vagina to relieve pain. It is also important to avoid standing for a long time and staying at rest, as this also helps to decrease symptoms.

2. Physical exercises

Some types of physical exercises can lead to the appearance of stitches in the vagina, especially those in which it is necessary to pick up weight, do squats and which require a lot of efforts from the pelvic muscles, such as lifting the pelvic ball.

Equestrian activities or horse riding, which are activities that require a person to ride a horse and cycling can also cause stitches in the vagina region, because of the pressure these exercises put on the vulvar region.

What to do: the stitches in the vagina caused by physical exercises can be relieved with rest and cold compress in place. It is also important to wear cotton clothes and less tight so as not to make the symptoms worse.

3. Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia, also called vulvar vestibulitis, is characterized by an increase in the sensitivity of nerves in the region for at least three months, leading to the appearance of discomfort, pain, burning, irritation and stinging in this location.

These symptoms appear simply when touching the internal or external parts of the vulva and, therefore, women with vulvodynia feel stitches and pain during or after sexual intercourse, during the insertion of tampons or tampons, when wearing very tight clothes, during gynecological exams, when cycling or even when they sit 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 it with a cotton swab or other medical device in the vulvar region.

What to do: Treatment for vulvodynia is indicated by a gynecologist in conjunction with other specialists such as a neurologist and dermatologist, as the exact cause is not always known and a broader investigation is necessary. However, treatment usually consists of using medications to take 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.

4. Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), formerly known as STDs, are diseases caused by microorganisms that are transmitted by unprotected intimate contact and that can lead to the appearance of various symptoms such as yellowish or greenish discharge, burning, burning, swelling, pain and stinging in the skin. vagina.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is one of the main infections that lead to pain and stitches in the vagina. When this infection is not treated, bacteria can remain in the woman's genital system and cause inflammation of the pelvic region, characterizing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can also happen due to untreated gonorrhea, which is also an STI.

Some viruses can also be transmitted sexually and cause pain and stinging in the vagina, especially during sexual intercourse, such as infection with the herpes virus and HPV.

What to do: when symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek a gynecologist to do gynecological and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and then make recommendations on treatment according to the identified disease, which can be done with antibiotic drugs. However, these infections can be prevented with the use of condoms, both male and female.

See more ways to prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections:

5. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition that occurs because of involuntary contractions of the muscles of the pelvic region and vagina, leading to the woman's difficulty in having sex, as they cause severe pain and stitches in the vaginal canal. Generally, vaginismus is related to psychological problems, such as sexual aversion, but it can also arise due to complicated births, surgeries and fibromyalgia.

What to do: After the diagnosis is confirmed by a gynecologist, the indicated treatment can be based on the use of drugs to reduce muscle spasms in the vagina, use of dilators, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy. See better how the treatment for vaginismus is done.

6. Varicose veins in the vulva

Varicose veins in the vulva, also known as vulvar varicosity, are characterized by the presence of dilated veins in the regions of the large and small lips. The emergence of this health problem is associated with increased pressure caused by the baby's weight 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 in the vagina visible, but in some women, burning, pain and stitches may appear in the vagina or inside the thigh, which gets worse when standing for a long time during menstruation or after an intimate relationship.

Women with varicose veins in the vulva, may also have other health problems such as endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse or urinary incontinence, so the diagnosis must be made by a gynecologist after tests.

What 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, embolization of the varicose veins or surgery to remove the affected veins may also be recommended by the doctor.

7. Bartholin's cysts

Pricks in the vagina can arise because of cysts in the Bartholin gland, which is responsible for lubricating the vagina canal during intimate contact. The cysts obstruct this gland and this causes there to be 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 abscess, which are lumps with pus, which is why it is recommended to seek assistance from a gynecologist to make the diagnosis and indicate the most appropriate treatment. Know the causes of Bartholin's cysts.

What to do: the treatment is indicated by the gynecologist and depends on the size of the Bartholin cysts identified, however the use of antibiotics may be recommended if there is an associated infection, drainage, cauterization or surgical removal of the cyst.

When to go to the doctor

It is important to seek medical attention when, in addition to the stitches in the vagina, other signs and symptoms such as:

• Pain and burning to urinate; Bleeding outside the menstrual period; Fever; Greenish or yellowish discharge; Vaginal itching; Presence of blisters in the vagina.

These symptoms can indicate other diseases, such as genital herpes, urinary tract infection and vulvovaginitis, and these are conditions that are often sexually transmitted and that is why it is important to have the habit of using condoms. Check out what are vulvovaginitis and what is the treatment.