Causes of sore in the vagina and how to identify

Wounds to the vagina or vulva can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from injuries caused by friction during intimate contact, allergies to intimate clothing or tampons, or hair removal done without care, however, in many cases, it is possible that a sexually transmitted disease transmissible disease, such as genital herpes, syphilis or cancer, for example, is the cause of the injury.

In some rarer cases, it is also possible that the wound in the vagina is caused by an autoimmune disease, such as Behçet's disease or Crohn's disease, or even by genital cancer, so whenever a wound arises, it is important to seek care from the gynecologist, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, pain, discharge or bleeding.

Depending on its cause, the wound in the vagina can manifest itself in different ways, ranging from small blisters, ulcers or crusts, and which can be located internally in the vagina or can extend to the labia majora, vulva and perineum. However, it is possible that, instead of a wound, a lump may appear in the vagina, and HPV infection is a cause for concern. Learn more about the causes and what to do in case of lump in the vagina.

What are the causes

The main causes of sore in the vagina include:

1. Blows and bruises

A wound in the vagina or in the vulva region can arise from the use of tight underwear that causes friction, injury during intimate waxing, as well as allergies to the material of the panties or the intimate pad. Friction during intimate contact can also cause injuries, in some cases.

It is also possible that the wound in the vagina is caused by some itching in the region, sometimes during sleep, due to infection by candidiasis, other vaginitis or allergies, for example. Find out more about what causes itching in the vagina and how to treat it.

In these cases, the wound usually heals on its own after a few days, and comfortable clothing should be preferred and contact with the region avoided. In some cases, the gynecologist may recommend the use of an ointment to facilitate healing and prevent infections, based on antibiotics, corticosteroids or vitamins.

2. Sexually transmitted disease

Sexually transmitted infections are important causes of sores in the vagina, and the most common include:

• Genital herpes: is an infection caused by the Herpes simplex virus, and is acquired by contact with the blisters or ulcers of the partner. It causes the appearance of redness and small bubbles that cause pain, burning or itching. Learn about the symptoms of genital herpes and what to do; Syphilis: is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum which, in most cases, is transmitted through intimate contact without using a condom. Usually, the initial stage appears after 3 weeks of contamination, with a single and painless ulcer. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to stages and become very severe. Understand this dangerous infection in more detail; Soft cancer: also known as cancer, it is an infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducrey , which causes multiple, painful ulcers with purulent or bloody secretion. Learn more about how to identify and treat soft cancer; Venereal lymphogranuloma: it is a rare infection, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis , and it usually causes small lumps that turn into painful, deep wounds and accompanied by water. Understand better about the symptoms and treatment of this infection; Donovanosis: also known as inguinal granuloma, it is caused by the bacterium Calymmatobacterium granulomatis , and causes initial lesions that are subcutaneous nodules or small lumps that develop into non-painful ulcers, which gradually grow and can cause great damage to the genital region. Check out more details on how to treat donovanosis.

In addition, HPV infection, although more commonly forming lumps, can also cause ulcerated wounds, so it should also be investigated by the gynecologist.

It is important to remember that the presence of genital infections represents a risk for HIV infection, in addition to being entry points for infection by the virus and other microorganisms, therefore, they must be prevented as condom use and properly treated, with the gynecologist or infectologist.

3. Autoimmune diseases

There are certain immunity-related diseases that can cause wounds in the genital region, and some of them include Behçet's disease, Cröhn's disease, Reiter's disease, lichen planus, erythema multiforme, complex aphthosis, pemphigus, pemphigoid, Duhring-Brocq herpetiform dermatitis or linear IgA dermatitis, for example. These diseases are usually more rare, and can appear in young, adult or elderly women, and can manifest with ulcers also in the oral, anal, among others.

Wounds caused by autoimmune diseases can also be accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fever, weakness, weight loss or impairment of other organs, such as kidneys and blood circulation, so they can be worrisome and should be investigated and treated by rheumatologist or dermatologist, with drugs that help regulate immunity, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, for example.

4. Cancer

Cancer is a rare cause of sores in the vagina that usually causes itching, stench and discharge, and is more common in older women.

The chance of a wound in the vagina becoming cancer is greater when it is caused by the HPV virus. The cancer is confirmed through a biopsy performed at the gynecologist's office, and treatment should be started as soon as the stage of the disease is confirmed, with surgery and chemotherapy. Check out more details on how to identify cancer in the vagina.