Pain in the genital area · For ages 13–17
Why does it hurt in or around my vagina?
Pain in the genital area can come from the skin, mucous membranes, muscles or organs in the pelvis. There are many possible causes.
What happens?
Genital pain can have many causes
The vulva is the external part of the genital area. The vagina is the passage leading from the vaginal opening into the body.
Pain may be on the outside, at the vaginal opening, inside the vagina or deeper in the pelvis. Irritation, infections, tense muscles and various pain conditions are all possible explanations.
You do not need to know where the pain comes from before asking for help.
Learn more
Which describes what you have noticed?
Choose the option that fits best to see guidance on what you can do next.
Pain at the vaginal opening can have several causes. If it continues or makes touching or insertion difficult, it is worth having it assessed.
Pain here may be linked to the skin, mucous membranes or muscle tension. The area may look normal even when touching it hurts.
Stop what causes the pain and describe when it happens. If symptoms recur, your GP or a youth health clinic can assess the cause and further care. You do not have to force in a tampon or continue sex to investigate the pain.
Deeper pain can come from several places in the pelvis. Explain when it happens and whether it is linked to periods, sex or other things.
Explain whether the pain follows your period or happens with sex, peeing or bowel movements. Pain from different organs can be felt in the same area.
Healthcare professionals can decide which investigations are appropriate. If the pain is suddenly severe or you become acutely unwell, seek urgent help rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
You do not have to identify a particular organ. Describing the area and what the pain feels like is enough.
Words such as 'outside', 'at the opening' or 'low in my tummy' are enough to start. You can point to a drawing and say what you were doing when the pain began.
Healthcare professionals are responsible for helping you understand the symptoms. You do not need a precise explanation before asking for assessment, especially when pain affects ordinary activities.
What can you do now?
Explain where you hurt, when the pain happens and whether you have other symptoms at the same time.
If the pain is sudden and severe, or you also have a fever, feel very unwell or could be pregnant, you need prompt assessment. Call 116 117 if your GP is unavailable and help cannot wait. Call 113 if there is an immediate threat to life or health.
Find the words you need
Create a short message you can say, show or send to someone you trust, a school nurse or a doctor.
Help me explainSources
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