Vaginal Pain

Vaginal Pain  

Pain in the vagina could have many different causes, some mild and non concerning while others severe needing immediate treatment.  Some women may experience pain on the outside of the vagina (labia, clitoris, vulva, vagina entrance, ..) while others deep inside the vaginal canal. 

Possible causes of vaginal pain according to western medicine are:

• Chlamydia
• Bacterial Vaginosis
•  Herpes- Sexually Transmitted Infection
• Genital Warts- Sexually Transmitted Infection
• Menopause - ie - vaginal dryness and irritation
• Sjogren's Syndrome
• Vaginal Pain (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome - VVS)
• Inflamation of the Vagina
• Yeast Infection - Vaginal Discharge

Chinese Medicine Differentiation and Treatment of Vaginal Pain or VVS

Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency

This pattern is common in older women who have experienced vaginal dryness.  This vaginal dryness leads to discomfort and pain which can be burning in nature.  There will be local area dryness and redness and possible shrunken labia.   This pattern will occur with such symptoms as night sweats, hot palms and soles of the feet, dry skin, dry eyes, weak or peeling nails, ...

Herbal Medicine Formula: Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan

Liver Fire

This pattern has more severe pain than the above with a burning uncormfortable pain which may become severe.  There will be accompanied breast tenderness, pain which radiates upwards to the abdomen area, insomnia, red eyes, discomfort under the ribs, ...

Herbal Medicine Formula: Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Spleen Qi sinking

This type of vainal pain will have a heavy pulling pain as if the vagina is beeing pulled downwards. The pain in the vagina will be generally less severe but become worse after exertion or when tired or fatigued.  There will also be possible vaginal discharge which is thin and minimal odor, lethargy, digestive problems such as bloating or diarrhea, poor memory, mild persistant head aches, heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting, ...

Herbal Medicine Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or Ju Yuan Jian

Damp Heat

Vaginal pain caused by damp heat will give rise to a very swollen, burning vagina. There will be a thick yellow discharge from the vagina which has a bad odour, genital eruptions, rashes or acne, mucusy or loose stool which also has a bad odour, ...

Herbal Medicine Formula: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang or Yi Huang Tang

Acupuncture Treatment of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome 

Acupuncture has been successfully treating syndromes like Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS) for a very long time.  Common points that are used are along the Liver Channel as well as Electro Acupuncture of the sacrum (Ba Liao Points).  Treatment often involves the use of Chinese Herbal Formulas, lifestyle changes and acupuncture.