Pain in the genital area · For ages 8–12
Why does it hurt in or around my private parts?
You may have pain, tenderness or stinging somewhere between your legs without knowing exactly what that body part is called.
About what you notice
What is happening?
Perhaps it stings, feels sharp or hurts somewhere between your legs. The pain may be on the skin on the outside, around an opening or feel deeper inside. You can say 'It hurts here' and point, even if you do not know the name of the body part.
The area between your legs is called the genital area. Its outer parts are called the vulva. Here you can find the labia, which are folds of skin around the openings, and the clitoris, a sensitive part near the top where the inner labia meet. Pee leaves through the urethral opening. A little below it is the vaginal opening, which leads to a soft passage called the vagina.
The skin in this area can become sore or irritated, for example by rubbing, soap or washing too much. It may then sting when you walk, sit, wash or pee. Sometimes an infection can cause pain. An infection means that, for example, bacteria have reached a place where they can make the body ill. Bacteria are so tiny that you need a microscope to see them.
You may notice redness, swelling, a sore or a lump. Swelling means that an area has become larger or puffy. Sometimes the skin looks normal even when it hurts. Different things can cause similar symptoms.
Tell an adult you trust what you feel and when it started. A doctor can investigate the cause if needed. If you suddenly have severe pain, fever, bleeding or feel very unwell, tell an adult immediately.
Find what fits best
Which sounds most like what you notice?
Choose the option closest to what you have seen, felt or noticed.
Why does it hurt in or around my private parts?
Forklaringskort
Important to know
The genital area is the area between the legs, towards the bottom of the body. In girls, the external parts are called the vulva. The vulva consists of several different parts, and it is possible to have pain in just one small part of the area.
It can be difficult to know the name of the exact part that hurts. 'On the skin between my legs' or 'near the opening' are useful descriptions. You can also use a drawing. An adult can help you find the words without expecting you to know them already.
It may sting, burn, feel sharp, throb or feel tender. Some notice pain when walking or sitting, while others first notice it when they pee, wash or touch the area.
Explain whether it hurts all the time or only when something touches the skin. Also say if you have stopped cycling, sitting in a particular position or going to the toilet because it hurts. This helps the adult understand what you are experiencing.
The skin in the genital area is sensitive. It can become irritated by rubbing, soap or other products. If the skin is very red, swollen or sore, or hurts a lot, an adult can help you get it assessed.
Ask for help finding out whether a product or rubbing clothes could be irritating the skin. Avoid scrubbing sore skin or trying several creams on your own. If it does not improve or hurts more, an adult can help you get an assessment.
If you notice a lump, swelling or an area that looks different and also hurts, it is a good idea to show or describe it to an adult you trust. A doctor can examine the area if needed.
Explain where you noticed the lump or swelling and whether it hurts when you walk or sit. Try to leave the area alone rather than squeezing or pressing it repeatedly. You deserve help understanding what it is without having to examine it yourself.
It is fine to say 'My private parts hurt' or to point to the area. An adult or healthcare professional can help find out which part of your body the pain comes from.
You could say, 'I need to talk privately about something that hurts.' You can write a message if the words feel difficult. During an examination, you can ask someone to explain what will happen and say if you need a break.
Tell an adult if the pain is severe, does not go away, makes it difficult to walk or sit, or happens with a fever, swelling, sores, bleeding, itching or stinging when you pee.
You do not have to wait until pain becomes severe. Tell an adult if it comes back or worries you. If one adult dismisses you, tell another. You deserve help even if you feel embarrassed, are unsure of the words or worry someone will think the question is strange.
What next?
What can you do next?
You can begin by saying: 'It hurts here', 'It stings', 'It is tender' or 'I have noticed a lump'. That is enough information to start a conversation.
If the pain starts suddenly and is severe, you develop a fever or feel very unwell, tell an adult immediately. An adult can contact the GP or call 116 117 if help is urgent and your GP is unavailable.
Sources
These are the sources used for this article. Some are written for teenagers, adults or healthcare professionals.
- Norsk barnelegeforening: Barne- og ungdomsgynekologiske tilstander (fagtekst) (Norwegian), opens in a new tab
- Helsenorge: Kløe i underlivet (Norwegian), opens in a new tab
- Helsenorge: Urinveisinfeksjon hos barn (Norwegian), opens in a new tab
- Helsenorge: Skolehelsetjenesten (Norwegian), opens in a new tab