How Vaginal Pain can be caused by STIs

One consequence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women is that they can cause vaginal pain and other connected issues. Here to tell us all about this is leading consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology clinic, Dr Priyanka Patel, alongside her colleagues Dr Ayanthi Gunasekera, Senior Obs and Gynae Registrar and Medical Information Lead and Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist.

What are some of the symptoms of STIs in women?

“STIs in women can cause itching, burning on urination or vaginal pain. They can also cause an abnormal discharge, abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. They don’t always cause symptoms and can often be silent.

“Small blisters or sores around the genitals are potential symptoms of genital herpes and syphilis. Blisters/sores of herpes are often painful and could cause pain felt around the vagina. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system which includes the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. PID can cause deep pain with sex.” Dr Priyanka Patel, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology

“In women STIs are largely asymptomatic. Common symptoms include vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine and skin lesions. Vaginal pain is not a commonly recognised symptom of STIs but can be a consequence of vaginal itching. Lower abdominal pain is a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is caused by STIs such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia.” Dr Ayanthi Gunasekera, Senior Obs and Gynae Registrar and Medical Information Lead at London Gynaecology

What are the most common STIs?

“The most common STIs that sexually active women (and men) would test for is chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts. Many women will often have no symptoms from STIs. All infections can exist without symptoms, but particularly chlamydia is often asymptomatic. This just highlights the importance of safe sex and routine checks when you enter a new relationship.

Symptoms to look out for, however small, are:

1. Any vaginal discharge that is not ‘normal’ for you, this can mean change in colour, amount, odour.
2. Vaginal or vulval irritation or soreness
3. Ulcers or blisters on the vulval area (outside)
4. Genital warts
5. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
6. Any unusual discharge, lumps, ulcers, warts on your partner’s genital area
7. Bleeding after sex
8. When infection spreads to the pelvis (PID: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), women can get severe lower abdominal pain.

What should I do if I experience any of the symptoms mentioned?

“If you have any of the above symptoms, you should get checked with your GP or any sexual health clinic. Most sexual health clinics offer urgent or walk in appointments. Please search online for your nearest sexual health clinic. It is also important to have a routine check for both partners when you start a new relationship.

What can happen if an STI isn’t treated?

“Infections if not diagnosed and treated promptly can spread to the fallopian tubes and the pelvis. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is often characterised by severe pelvic pain and raised temperature. Admission to the hospital and intravenous antibiotics are sometimes needed.

“PID can lead to blocked fallopian tubes and infertility. If the fallopian tubes are partially blocked or affected, there is also a risk of tubal ectopic pregnancy. PID can also lead to scar tissue and chronic pelvic pain which can be difficult to treat.

“Infections are often treated by simple antibiotics. It is necessary to treat your partner as well as sexual contacts in the recent past. Sometimes, a test of cure is necessary to ensure that the infection has been satisfactorily treated.” Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology

If you’re experiencing vaginal pain and concerned it could be related to an STI, arrange a consultation with Dr Patel via her Top Doctors profile.