Wounds in the vagina or vulva can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from injuries caused by friction during intimate contact, allergy to clothing or intimate absorbents, or by depilation done without care, however, in many cases it is possible that a sexually transmitted disease transmission, such as genital herpes, syphilis or chancroid, for example, is the cause of the injury.
In some rare cases, it is also possible that the wound in the vagina is caused by an autoimmune disease, such as Behçet's disease or Crohn's disease, or even by genital cancer, so whenever a wound arises, it is important to seek care from the gynecologist, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, pain, discharge or bleeding.
Depending on your cause, the wound in the vagina can manifest in different ways, ranging from small blisters, ulcers or scabs, which can be located internally in the vagina or can extend to the large lips, vulva and perineum. However, it is possible that, instead of a wound, a lump may appear in the vagina, and HPV infection is a cause of concern. Learn more about the causes and what to do in case of lump in the vagina.
What are the causes
The main causes of wounding in the vagina include:
1. Blows and bruises
A wound in the vagina or vulva can arise from the use of tight underwear that causes friction, injury during intimate depilation, as well as allergies to the material of the panties or to the intimate absorbent. Friction during intimate contact can also cause injury in some cases.
It is also possible that the wound in the vagina is caused by an itching in the area, sometimes during sleep, due to infection by candidiasis, other vaginitis or allergies, for example. Learn more about what are the causes of itching in the vagina and how to treat it.
In these cases, the wound usually heals itself after a few days, preferring the use of comfortable clothes and avoiding contact with the region. In some cases, the gynecologist may indicate the use of some ointment to facilitate healing and prevent infections, based on antibiotics, corticosteroids or vitamins.
2. Sexually transmitted disease
Sexually transmitted infections are important causes of vaginal injury, and the most common include:
- Genital Herpes : It is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, and is acquired by contact with the partner's blisters or ulcers. Causes the onset of redness and small blisters that cause pain, burning or itching. Learn more about the symptoms of genital herpes and what to do;
- Syphilis : it is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum which, most of the time, is transmitted through intimate contact without the use of a condom. Usually, the initial stage appears after 3 weeks of contamination, common a single painless ulcer. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to stages and become very severe. Understand this dangerous infection more details;
- Soft cancer : also known as chancroid, is an infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducrey, which causes multiple ulcers, painful and with purulent or bloody discharge. Learn more about how to identify and treat soft cancer;
- Lymphogranuloma venereum : is a rare infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and usually causes small lumps that turn into painful wounds, deep and accompanied by gills. Understand more about the symptoms and treatment of this infection;
- Donovanose : also known as inguinal granuloma, is caused by the bacterium Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, and causes initial lesions that are subcutaneous nodules or small lumps that develop into non-painful ulcers, which grow slowly and can cause great damage to the genital region. Check out more details on what is how to treat donovanose.
In addition, HPV infection, although more commonly forming lumps, can also cause ulcer-like injuries, so it should also be investigated by the gynecologist.
It is important to remember that the presence of genital infections poses a risk for HIV infection, as well as being the gateway to infection by the virus and other microorganisms, so they should be prevented as a condom and properly treated, with the gynecologist or infectologist.
3. Autoimmune diseases
There are certain immunity related diseases that can cause genital wounds, and some include Behçet's Disease, Cröhn's Disease, Reiter's Disease, lichen planus, erythema multiforme, complex aphthosis, pemphigus, pemphigoid, Duhring-Brocq dermatitis herpetiformis or linear IgA dermatitis, for example. These diseases are usually rarer, and may occur in young women, adults or elderly, and may manifest with ulcers also in the oral and anal region, among others.
Wounds caused by autoimmune diseases can also be accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fever, weakness, weight loss or compromising of other organs, such as kidneys and blood circulation, so they can be of concern and should be investigated and treated by the patient. rheumatologist or dermatologist, with medications that help regulate immunity, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, for example.
4. Cancer
Cancer is a rare cause of wounds in the vagina that usually causes itching, foul smelling and discharge, and is more common in older women.
The chance of a wound in the vagina becoming cancer is greater when it is caused by the HPV virus. The cancer is confirmed through the biopsy performed in the gynecologist's office, and treatment should be started as soon as the stage of the disease is confirmed, with surgery and chemotherapy. Check out more details on how to identify cancer in the vagina.
