Sore area inside the lips of my vagina

Frequent vaginal yeast infections

Terrible smell coming from my vagina

Unpleasant odour in the private areas

Vaginal discharge and soreness: is it hormonal?

What can be done about a dry vagina?

White discharge coming from the vagina

Yellow discharge instead of a period

Question
After foreplay I have a sore area inside the lips of my vagina, which is extremely uncomfortable. I also feel sore after sex.

Please advise if I should put any cream to stop soreness. I have had a salt bath and am using Vaseline at moment.

Answer
Is there any rash or any spots in the area of the irritation. If you have not looked, then you should do so - use a mirror if necessary.

If you have got, or do develop spots or sores in this area, you should see your GP in case it is something infectious.

If you just have soreness and no other signs, it could be due to vaginal dryness. This can sometimes be associated with a lack of oestrogen, but at 39 you are too young to be having that sort of problem.

Sometimes the vagina can become sore because it is irritated by, or allergic to particular things. Examples would be being allergic to dyes in clothes, biological washing powders, vaginal deodorants and douches, or bath additives, so it is worth thinking about these.

This problem can be helped by additional lubrication, but I would not use Vaseline for this. A water-based lubricant such as KY jelly is best.

Also, the soreness could be helped by a hydrocortisone cream. One per cent hydrocortisone cream is available from a chemist over the counter, and you might like to try this, but don't persist if it doesn't work.

You don't mention any vaginal discharge, so thrush is unlikely, although the discomfort you get on contact with urine raises the possibility.

If you continue to have problems, again you should visit your GP.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team