Due to its pronounced sensitivity, the clitoris is susceptible to pain. However, this does not mean that it is normal or should be tolerated, since clitoral pain can be a symptom indicating pathology.
The clitoris is an organ of the female reproductive system, located in the upper and anterior part of the vulva, at the junction of the labia minora. Although its visible part may seem small in size, the clitoris is a powerful organ capable of one fundamental function - providing sexual pleasure. The clitoris contains erectile tissue and about 10,000 nerve endings that are sensitive to touch and pressure.
Clitoral pain: how does it manifest?
Within certain limits, clitoral hypersensitivity is a physiological phenomenon and is associated with sexual response. As arousal increases, direct stimulation of the organ can enhance sensations. When arousal reaches a high level, the glans of the clitoris becomes hypersensitive, so less direct, gentle stimulation is more comfortable. After orgasm, there is a sort of refractory period, and touching the clitoris causes discomfort (if not pain) due to blood flow and swelling. Thus, in a certain sense, the clitoris is not always “available” for orgasm.
What are the pathological causes of pain?
Clitoral pain increases in the presence of infection : herpes, trichomoniasis , chlamydia , gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis , candidiasis. Urinary tract infections, especially when there is inflammation of the urethra, can also cause discomfort with clitoral stimulation and worsen existing symptoms.
Besides infections, there are other causes of clitoral pain, such as clitoral adhesions . They can occur when the hood becomes attached to the glans and can no longer retract fully. Why this happens is not fully understood. Risk factors include: genital lesions, yeast infections, lichen sclerosus and urinary tract infections. These adhesions can be either mild or severe. The treatment option is minimally invasive surgery.
Acute pain localized to the clitoral area is sometimes a symptom of skin diseases such as lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis and allergies. Ingredients in laundry detergents, soaps, deodorants, depilatory creams, vaginal lubricants, spermicides or latex condoms can cause contact dermatitis.
Physical trauma : Clitoral pain is also associated with microtrauma and serious trauma, including surgery and childbirth, trauma during intercourse or excessive sexual activity, and chafing from clothing that is too tight. Sometimes clitoral pain indicates problems with the pelvic organs: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypertensive dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, uterine fibroids. In some cases, you have to deal with problems such as tumors, hormonal imbalances, multiple sclerosis or a herniated disc.
How to help? Clitoral pain can make walking, exercise, and sexual activity difficult. For any type of genital pain, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist at Bogolyuby MC , especially if it occurs in combination with itching, burning, unpleasant odor from the vagina, blisters, or ulcers . You should contact your doctor immediately if you have: a fever that lasts more than three days, unusual vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding (not associated with menstruation).
To treat clitoral pain, you must first determine what is causing it. Once the initiating cause is determined, the gynecologist will develop the most appropriate therapeutic plan to eliminate the disorder. In the case of a bacterial infection, therapy includes the use of antibiotics; in the presence of mycosis, the use of antifungal drugs is indicated. If allergic reactions occur, the sensitizing agent should be avoided.
