Why do I feel stinging in my vulva during arousal?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been experiencing a stinging sensation in my vulva, similar to the feeling of being dry before lubrication, even without any insertion. I can feel my vulva transitioning from being dry to wet, and once I am fully lubricated, the stinging discomfort disappears.

I am 26 years old,, and still a virgin, and this sensation started about two years ago. It only occurs when I am becoming aroused and does not happen at any other time.

Additionally, about two months ago, I noticed an abrasion on my inner labia, near the vulva, which does not seem to be healing. What could be causing these issues, and how can I treat them?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You may have localized vestibulodynia with a chronic fissure on the inner labia. This occurs when the nerve endings in the vulva become over-sensitive, and the skin becomes fragile.

During arousal, blood flow increases, the tissue stretches, and dry tissue can become sensitive, leading to stinging or burning. Once you become wet, lubrication protects the nerves, and the pain stops.

The non-healing abrasion is likely a vulvar fissure caused by fragile skin, hormonal sensitivity, or chronic micro-trauma, even without sexual activity. This helps explain the pain only during arousal, the one-sided discomfort, and the wound-like pain that comes and goes without healing for months. Importantly, this is not an infection or STI (sexually transmitted infection).

Some common causes of this include estrogen imbalance at the vulva, pelvic floor muscle tension, nerve sensitization, and vulvar skin thinning, which can occur even in young women. This condition is also common among women who have never had sex.

Here is what you should do now:

Stop all irritation by avoiding soap on the vulva, pantyliners, tight underwear, shaving or waxing, and scented products.
Use only water to wash and opt for cotton underwear.
Second, to heal the fissure, apply petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, or pure coconut oil two to three times daily. This protects the tear so it can heal. To reduce stinging before arousal or masturbation, apply water-based vaginal lubricant to the vulva to prevent nerve firing.
Lastly, it is important to see a gynecologist for a vulvar exam to rule out conditions such as lichen sclerosus, estrogen deficiency, or chronic vestibulitis.
Treatment may include estrogen cream, anti-inflammatory ointment, or pelvic floor therapy, all of which are very effective.

You should seek urgent care if you experience bleeding, spreading redness, severe pain, or an ulcer that grows. The good news is that this condition is highly treatable and not permanent when managed correctly.

I hope this information will be helpful to you.

Thank you.