Vaginal Lesions
It’s estimated that one in three women will experience some form of a vaginal lesion at some point in their lifetime. While most vaginal lesions are benign and cause no symptoms, some can lead to significant discomfort and even pain. In severe cases, vaginal lesions can result in vaginismus.
Vaginal lesions are growths or changes in the appearance of the vulva or vagina. They can be benign or malignant. Benign lesions are much more common than malignant ones, and most don’t cause any symptoms. However, some types of benign vaginal lesions can be quite painful. The most common type of benign vaginal lesion is HPV-related genital warts.
In some women, severe vaginal lesions can result in vaginismus. Women with vaginismus often describe the pain as being similar to a paper cut or getting stung by a bee. The involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles makes penetration extremely difficult and can be so severe that it tears the tissue lining the vagina.
There are treatments available to alleviate vaginismus symptoms caused by vaginal lesions. Besides taking drugs to treat the lesions, women must see their gynecologists to rule out any other conditions that might be causing the pain.
