Common Causes and When to See a GP
Vaginal redness and itching are very common, and some women live with it for weeks or months before seeking medical advice. We’re here to say – stop doing that! Your quality of life matters, and vaginal discomfort is not normal and not something you should live with.
Why women delay seeking help could be due to embarrassment, uncertainty, or fear that their symptoms are “normal” or something they should simply tolerate. Vaginal redness, itching, burning, soreness, and pain during sex (dyspareunia) can significantly affect quality of life, relationships, confidence, and emotional well-being, and they are not symptoms you should ignore.
These symptoms can occur alone or together and may have multiple possible causes, ranging from simple infections to hormonal changes, skin conditions, or pelvic floor issues. The good news is that most causes are treatable, especially when addressed early.
Vaginal Infections
Thrush (Yeast Infection)
Thrush is one of the most common causes of vaginal itching and redness. Typical symptoms include intense itching or irritation, redness and swelling of the vulva, thick white discharge, and pain or burning during sex or urination. Thrush can occur after antibiotics, during times of stress, pregnancy, or with uncontrolled diabetes. Recurrent thrush should always be assessed by a GP.
Remember: thrush can be passed back and forth between sexual partners. So if you’re experiencing recurring thrush, ensure your partner is assessed and treated.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV is caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria. Symptoms may include grey or white discharge, a strong fishy smell, mild itching, and discomfort during intercourse. BV usually requires prescription treatment. It is easy to diagnose and easy to treat. There is no need to live with this!
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Some STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes, can cause vaginal irritation and pain, sometimes with minimal symptoms. Regular screening is important. The more you live with some STIs, the more they advance and then have longer-term harmful effects, including on fertility. See a doctor asap.
Hormonal Changes & Vaginal Dryness
Falling oestrogen levels, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can cause thinning and dryness of vaginal tissues. Symptoms include dryness, burning, itching, pain during sex, and recurrent urinary infections. These symptoms are highly treatable.
Breastfeeding and post-partum hormonal changes can also cause vaginal dryness and discomfort. Some women experience vaginal dryness or irritation with hormonal contraception.
There is always a treatment available, and you do not have to live with these symptoms.
Skin Conditions Affecting the Vulva
The vulval skin is delicate and can be affected by dermatological conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, and lichen planus. These conditions may cause persistent itching, redness, soreness, cracking, whitening of the skin, or pain during sex.
Because symptoms can overlap, an accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the right treatment and prevent long-term discomfort.
Vulvodynia & Nerve-Related Pain
Vulvodynia refers to ongoing vulval pain without an obvious infection or visible cause. Women may describe burning, stinging, rawness, tenderness, or pain with penetration. The discomfort can be constant or triggered by touch.
Treatment often involves a tailored approach, which may include medication, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and psychological support to help manage chronic pain effectively.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles can contribute to pain during penetration, difficulty with tampon use, or a deep aching sensation during or after sex. This tension is often involuntary and treatable.
Specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy can be highly effective in relieving symptoms and restoring comfort and confidence.
Lack of Arousal or Lubrication
Pain during sex can occur when lubrication is insufficient due to stress, anxiety, fatigue, hormonal changes, or medication. Physical pain is real and should always be assessed.
Vaginal discomfort is common, medical, and treatable. You do not have to live with pain or irritation. Early assessment leads to faster relief and improved quality of life. It’s important as women that we do not live with these symptoms; there are treatment options available, and you deserve to live without itching, redness or pain during sex.
For an appointment, book online or call us. We have female GPs available every day.
