From uncomfortable dryness to itching that just doesn’t stop, vaginal discomfort is something many of us silently deal with. It’s been normalised for so long that we’re often told to brush it off, to move on, to live with it like it’s no big deal.
But the truth is that any kind of vaginal discomfort is your body’s way of telling you something’s not right. It might be something simple, like a reaction to a product or a change in your hormones. Or it could be something that needs medical attention, like an infection or a chronic condition.
This International Women’s Health Day, we need to make space for honest conversations about our vaginal health. Ignoring discomfort doesn’t make it go away. It only delays treatment, which could make things worse over time. So, here are some possible reasons behind vaginal discomfort, why they shouldn’t be ignored, and how the right products can help.
Could your vaginal discomfort mean an infection?
Your vagina naturally has a mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria, and they usually live in harmony. But things like antibiotics, unprotected sex, a change in diet, or even stress can throw that balance off. When that happens, you might experience vaginal discomfort in the form of unusual discharge, a lingering smell, or a dampness.
These could be early signs of common infections like bacterial vaginosis or vulvovaginal candidiasis. Research shows that more than 56% of women suffer from at least one of these infections in their lifetime. That’s why it’s important to take these signs seriously.
A gentle, pH-balanced wash like Nua’s Gentle Intimate Wash can help maintain your vaginal environment and eliminate infection-causing bacteria. The best part? It has soothing Aloe vera to ease discomfort and is perfectly safe for daily use.
Maybe your current period products aren’t right for you?
If you have vaginal discomfort around your period, your pad or liner might be part of the problem. As per the Royal Society of Chemistry, many pads nowadays contain synthetic materials or plastic layers that trap heat and moisture. This can create the perfect environment for irritation or even chafing.
Over time, this constant rubbing and trapped sweat can damage your skin barrier and lead to increased sensitivity, rashes, or even infections.
That’s why switching to rash-free, breathable period products is a must. Nua’s Complete Comfort Pads and Ultra-Soft Panty Liners are made to be gentle on your skin, keeping you rash and irritation-free all day.
Could hormonal fluctuations cause vaginal discomfort?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, your vaginal health is closely tied to your hormones. Estrogen, in particular, helps keep the vaginal tissues soft, elastic, and well-lubricated. But when estrogen levels drop, like right before your period, during breastfeeding, or in the lead-up to menopause, your intimate area can start to feel different. You might notice dryness with slight burning or itching.
Ignoring this dryness can lead to tiny tears in the vaginal skin, increasing sensitivity and putting you at a higher risk for UTIs. And if you’re sexually active, it can also make intimacy uncomfortable.
That’s why it helps to be kind and consistent with your intimate care. Nua’s Gentle Intimate Wipes cleanse and hydrate your vulva with zero harsh ingredients. They help ease any dryness or irritation.
Could vaginal discomfort be a sign of something more chronic?
Sometimes, vaginal discomfort goes a little deeper than the surface. If you’ve been feeling a burning, stinging, or throbbing pain around your vagina or a sense of tightness that doesn’t go away, it might be conditions like vulvodynia or vaginismus. These affect the nerves and muscles around the vagina and can make even everyday things, like sitting or wearing tight clothes, feel uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, research shows that these conditions are on the rise, with an 87% increase in recent years. If they’re left unaddressed, they can become harder to manage over time. Living with daily pain also takes an emotional toll, leading to stress, anxiety, or even relationship strain.
But don’t worry, they are 100% treatable. You just have to speak to your doctor for the right treatment plan.
Could it be that your pelvic muscles are causing vaginal discomfort?
Your vagina doesn’t work alone. It’s supported by a group of muscles called the pelvic floor. These muscles help you pee, poop, and even enjoy sex. But when they get too tight, weak, or uncoordinated, they can cause all kinds of discomfort from sharp pain to spasms.
And you shouldn’t brush it off. Tense pelvic floor muscles can lead to chronic inflammation, according to UCLA Health. They can cause bladder or bowel troubles, and even change how you walk or sit.
The good news? It is very treatable. A good physiotherapist can guide you through gentle exercises and breathing techniques that slowly help your body relax and recover.
Also, switching to gentle, pressure-free period products can help. Try pads with a cloud-soft top layer or lightweight period panties for everyday comfort. Nua has you covered!
Could vaginal discomfort hint at an abnormal uterine growth?
If your period cramps don’t stop even after your period ends, it could be something more like endometriosis or adenomyosis. These happen when the tissue that normally lines your uterus starts growing outside it, or deep into its muscle walls, causing inflammation and pain.
Over time, they can lead to chronic pelvic pain, extreme fatigue, bloating, digestive issues, and even trouble getting pregnant. If left unchecked, the scarring can spread and start affecting other organs too, making things harder to treat later.
You’ll need the right support from a doctor, whether that’s medication, lifestyle changes, or sometimes surgery.
Maybe a cyst or fibroid is behind your vaginal discomfort?
Sometimes the discomfort isn’t muscular or hormone-related. It’s something structural. Growths like Bartholin’s cysts (which form near the vaginal opening) or fibroids (which grow inside or around the uterus) can cause pressure, swelling, and pain.
As per research, cysts can get infected and turn into painful abscesses. Fibroids, on the other hand, can grow larger and start pressing on nearby organs like the bladder or bowel. Over time, they can also affect your fertility or cause complications if you’re pregnant.
A quick visit to your gynaecologist and a simple ultrasound is usually all it takes to find out what’s going on. And the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat.
Could it be that your vaginal discomfort is from poor mental health?
We often don’t realize how much our mental health affects our body, especially reproductive health. When you’re stressed, your body releases more cortisol (the stress hormone), which can weaken your immune system and make inflammation worse.
You might not see obvious signs, but you could notice slight sensitivity, changes in discharge, or mild swelling around your vulva. If ignored, it can cause poor sleep, mood swings, or even chronic pain that wears you down.
That’s why having a gentle, calming self-care routine is so important. It helps your body feel safe and balanced. You might also want to try Nua’s Balance Essential Oil Roll-On, which can soothe mood swings and bring calm.
You don’t have to wait and see
Discomfort doesn’t always mean danger, but it’s still your body’s way of telling you that something is off. Whether it’s a small itch or a deeper ache, taking it seriously can save you weeks, months, or even years of avoidable pain.
This International Women’s Health Day, prioritize your vaginal health and talk to a doctor for any type of discomfort. And with that, give your vagina the consistent, thoughtful care it deserves.
Be it the right intimate care routine or trusted period products. You’re not overreacting. You’re just doing the best for yourself.
