Why Does My Vagina Hurt on My Period? Common Causes and When to Get Checked

You expect cramps in your lower belly. Pain inside or around the vagina is harder to talk about, and easier to worry about. This guide sticks to what U.S. government health sources say about period pain, vaginal irritation and the conditions that can cause pain during a period. We also say plainly where those sources are silent.

Is it normal for your vagina to hurt on your period?

The pages we reviewed do not answer that exact question, and none has a section on vaginal pain during periods. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says many women have painful periods, and that the pain is most often a throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen. It can come with lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea and headaches.

So period pain itself is common, while pain felt specifically in the vagina is less clearly described. That is why it helps to notice where the pain is, what it feels like and when it started.

Cramps: the most common type of period pain

MedlinePlus describes two types of painful periods, known as dysmenorrhea.

• Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind and is not caused by another condition. The cause is usually too many prostaglandins, chemicals your uterus makes that tighten and relax its muscles. The pain can start a day or two before your period and normally lasts a few days.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea often starts later in life. It is caused by conditions that affect the uterus or other reproductive organs, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. This pain often gets worse over time, and it may begin before your period and continue after it ends.

Our guide to period cramps goes deeper on the everyday side of this topic.

What can be behind vaginal pain during your period?

The table below matches what you may be noticing with what each source says. It is a starting point for a conversation with your provider, not a way to diagnose yourself.

Could your tampon be part of it?

The sources we reviewed do not say that tampons routinely cause vaginal pain, but they do offer some relevant points. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) says provoked vulvodynia is pain triggered by contact with the area, and using a tampon is one of its examples. If inserting a tampon hurts every time, mention that to your provider rather than pushing through it.

The U.S. Office on Women’s Health advises using a product that fits your bleeding in size and absorbency. It says a tampon should not be worn for more than 8 hours because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes deadly condition. If you have symptoms such as a sudden high fever, muscle aches, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or a rash, it says to take out the tampon or cup and call 911 or go to the hospital right away.

When endometriosis or vulvodynia may be involved

The Office on Women’s Health estimates that endometriosis affects at least 11% of women in the United States. It names pain as the most common symptom, including very painful cramps and chronic lower back and pelvic pain.

Vulvodynia is different. NICHD defines it as chronic pain of the vulva, lasting at least 3 months, without a clear cause such as an infection or cancer. The vulva is the external genital area, including the labia, the clitoris and the vaginal opening. Muscles matter in this region too, and our explainer on the pelvic floor covers the basics.

What you can try at home

For period cramps, MedlinePlus suggests a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen, some exercise, a hot bath, and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen are another option it lists. These tips are written for period pain generally, and the page does not test them against vaginal pain specifically.

If you have irritation, the MedlinePlus page on vaginal itching and discharge suggests skipping soap and rinsing with water, avoiding douches, avoiding hygiene sprays, fragrances and powders in the genital area, and wearing cotton underwear and loose clothing. It also says to use pads and not tampons while you have an infection. If yeast symptoms keep returning, our post on recurring yeast issues may be useful, and the vaginal and intimate health hub gathers our related guides.

When to see a doctor

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers and self-care do not help, and the pain interferes with your life.
• Your cramps suddenly get worse.
• You are over 25 and have severe cramps for the first time.
• You have a fever along with your period pain.
• You have pain even when you are not on your period.
• You have unusual discharge, itching, redness, swelling, blisters or sores, burning when you urinate, or you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.

Where Quixao fits

A probiotic will not stop period pain, and it is not a substitute for an exam. Some women add one to a daily routine to support the balance of their vaginal flora once their provider has ruled out a problem. The Quixao Vaginal Probiotic provides 60 billion CFU from four Lactobacillus strains (L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri and L. fermentum), paired with XOS and inulin prebiotic fiber, taken as 2 capsules daily with water, preferably after a meal. It is designed to support vaginal health and balanced pH. Our guide to vaginal probiotics explains what to look for. If you are pregnant, nursing or under medical supervision, consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

The bottom line

Vaginal pain during your period can have more than one explanation, from ordinary cramps to irritation, infection, endometriosis or vulvodynia. Common does not mean you have to put up with it. Pay attention to where and when it hurts, try the simple comfort steps, and ask a healthcare provider about pain that is severe, new, getting worse or not tied to your period.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for advice from your healthcare provider.

More on this topic: Hormones & Menopause — 27 articles, each sourced.