Understanding Vaginal Pain During Periods: What’s Normal & What’s Not

Let’s be real — period pain is incredibly common. In fact, it’s the most frequent gynecologic complaint, affecting anywhere from 50% to 90% of women.

Most of the time, this pain is caused by primary dysmenorrhea — crampy, lower abdominal pain that comes with your period but isn’t linked to any underlying condition. For about half of those who experience it, the pain can be moderate to severe.

When there is an underlying cause — like endometriosis or fibroids — it’s known as secondary dysmenorrhea. In those cases, treatment usually begins with identifying what’s happening beneath the surface⁽¹⁾.

But what about vaginal pain that shows up before your period starts, or sharp discomfort in the vagina or vulva during your period? That’s different from the typical menstrual cramps caused by uterine contractions. Pain in the vaginal area during your cycle may signal a separate issue that deserves closer attention.

Keep reading to learn how to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your discomfort. We’ll help you understand what’s normal, what isn’t, and when it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider. 

Where Are You Experiencing Pain During Your Period?

Understanding exactly where your pain is located is crucial, as different types of pain can point to very different causes. Let’s break down the three main areas where you might experience discomfort during your period: 

Lower Abdomen Pain

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) typically cause throbbing or cramping pains in your lower abdomen. These cramps usually start just before or during your period and can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, loose stools, headache, or dizziness. While common, severe pain might signal underlying conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or cervical stenosis⁽²⁾.

Vaginal Pain

If you feel vaginal pain during your period, it’s important to know that it’s likely different from typical menstrual cramps. This pain often feels sharp, burning, or shooting, and may occur inside the vaginal canal or around the opening.

While your period might be when you notice it most — especially with tampon use or increased sensitivity — the underlying cause isn’t always tied to menstruation itself. Several conditions could be responsible for this type of pain, including:

• Vestibulodynia:  A localized form of vulvodynia, vestibulodynia affects the entrance of the vagina (vestibule) and causes long-term vulvar pain, especially when pressure is applied — like during tampon use or sex⁽³⁾. While symptoms can be persistent or come and go, many people find their pain worsens around their period. Hormonal shifts or irritation from menstrual hygiene products may contribute to these flares⁽⁴⁾.
• Vaginismus: This condition involves involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles, often triggered by attempts to insert something into the vagina, such as a tampon or during a pelvic exam. For some, symptoms become more noticeable during their period, especially if they use tampons or menstrual cups, making period care physically and emotionally challenging. Treatment typically focuses on relaxing the muscles and reducing the body’s pain response over time⁽⁵⁾. 

Vulvar Pain

Some people notice vulvar pain — the burning, stinging, or raw sensations around the external genital area — around the time of their period. While your menstrual cycle might heighten sensitivity or make existing issues more noticeable, vulvar pain itself often stems from other underlying causes. These can include:

• Vulvodynia: This chronic condition causes long-term pain or discomfort around the vulva without a clear cause, lasting at least three months⁽⁶⁾. In a study of women aged 18 to 40, 47% of those diagnosed reported changes in vulvar pain across their menstrual cycle. Among them, most experienced increased pain just before (62%) and during (58%) their period⁽⁷⁾. Women with vulvodynia were also more likely to have had heavier periods and severe cramps in the past. Tampon use was significantly lower among participants with vulvodynia, while pad use was more common — likely to avoid worsening their pain⁽⁷⁾.
• Vulvitis: This inflammation of your vulva can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, or irritation. Triggers may include scented pads or tampons, perfumed toilet paper, harsh soaps or douches, and staying in wet swimsuits or sweaty clothes too long. Chlorinated pool water, synthetic underwear, or certain laundry products can also lead to irritation. Other causes include friction from activities like cycling, allergic reactions to spermicides, skin conditions like eczema, infections such as yeast or herpes, and vaginal atrophy during menopause⁽⁸⁾. Some people experience cyclical vulvitis, where burning, itching, or stinging flares just before or during their period. Symptoms often ease between periods but can worsen after sex⁽⁹⁾.

Is Vaginal Pain During Periods Normal?

While some discomfort during your period is common, persistent or severe vaginal pain isn’t something you should accept as normal. Any pain that interferes with your daily life or makes it difficult to use menstrual products deserves attention. It’s important to distinguish between typical period symptoms and potential medical issues that need treatment.

When Should You Be Concerned About Vaginal Pain During Periods?

Even if your vaginal pain seems mild or manageable, it’s always worth checking in with a healthcare provider during your period or at any other time. Early identification of underlying issues can prevent complications and help you find relief sooner. Pay particular attention to: 

• Severe or worsening pain
• Pain that disrupts daily life or intimacy
• Accompanying symptoms like fever, change in discharge, or prolonged bleeding

How to Identify and Talk About Your Pain

Being able to describe your pain accurately helps your healthcare provider make the right diagnosis. Here’s how to track and communicate what you’re experiencing: 

• Keep a diary: Track the exact location of your discomfort, how intense it feels, and how long it lasts. Make sure to note any other symptoms like unusual discharge or swelling that happen at the same time. 
• Be specific about sensations: Tell your doctor whether you’re experiencing cramping, stinging, burning, or shooting pain. Different types of pain can point to different underlying causes. 
• Note patterns: Pay attention to when the pain occurs during your menstrual cycle and what activities might make it worse or better.

Vaginal Pain During Period FAQs

Why does tampon use sometimes cause pain?

Tampons are generally comfortable for most people, but sometimes they can cause discomfort — especially during insertion or removal. In a study, 27% of participants said they felt some discomfort at times including insertion, removal, or actual wear time. So for the majority, tampon use is smooth and pain-free⁽⁹⁾.

What should I do if my period pain feels worse than usual?

The best thing you can do for yourself if your period pain feels worse than usual is to speak with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment options. 

How do hormones impact vaginal pain during your period?

At the start of your period, progesterone and estradiol levels drop, triggering the shedding of the uterine lining⁽¹⁰⁾. While the lining of the uterus is shedding, prostaglandins come into play — hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract.

For some, high prostaglandin levels or increased sensitivity to them can lead to stronger cramps, which may cause pain that radiates to the vaginal area. This type of pain, called primary dysmenorrhea, is more common in people under 30 or those with heavy periods. Stress and genetics can also play a role⁽¹¹⁾.

Can birth control help or worsen vaginal pain?

Birth control affects everyone differently. Many people use hormonal contraceptives to reduce period pain. The pill, patch, or ring often helps reduce pain by making your periods lighter and more predictable. They work by regulating hormone levels throughout your cycle, and thin the lining of the uterus where prostaglandins are produced.

This decreases the amount of uterine contractions and menstrual bleeding, which can mean fewer pain symptoms for many people⁽¹²⁾. However, some might experience vaginal dryness as a side effect, which can lead to discomfort⁽¹³⁾.

IUDs work differently depending on the type you choose. Hormonal IUDs typically lighten periods or stop them altogether, which often means less pain, especially for people who started out with heavy bleeding or severe cramps. They release small amounts of hormones directly into the reproductive system, helping reduce cramping over time⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, copper IUDs don’t contain hormones and might actually make periods heavier and more painful, especially in the first few months(. Like hormonal IUDs, they can cause temporary side effects after insertion, such as cramping, spotting, irregular bleeding, mood changes, breast tenderness, and headaches⁽¹⁵⁾.

Remember: What works great for your friend might not work for you. Some people find their vaginal pain improves with hormonal birth control, while others notice increased sensitivity or discomfort.

Listen to Your Body & Get the Care You Deserve

Understanding the source of your vaginal pain during your period is the first step toward finding relief. While some period discomfort is common, vaginal pain isn’t something you should ignore. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, and don’t hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider.

Remember, there are solutions available — whether it’s finding the right menstrual products, exploring pain management techniques, or treating underlying conditions. Your comfort matters, and you deserve periods that don’t disrupt your life with vaginal pain.