Pain in clitoris especially right before climax

[CuriousPixie]

I have an odd issue that I've been trying to Google about, since whenever I go to a gynecologist, they just ignore my concerns and it's frustrating, and I haven't been able to find proper answer from the web either. I've had this since at least around 20 years old, so for closer to 15 years now. When I tell the GP or gynecologist that I have pain in the vulva area, they only ask if it's outside or inside and when I say it's outside, they just ignore it and move on. This has made me think I'm just being sensitive or it's not an actual issue.

Whenever I have any sexual activity, touching myself, using a toy/vibrator, partner touching me, having intercourse... When I'm about to climax I get a super sharp pain in my clitoris and depending on the case, the pain either dulls down soon after or it stays for hours/until next day. It makes me sad, because I like having sex but the older I've gotten, the more I've noticed I'm not looking forward to it anymore because it really brings my mood down and I end up just trying to do my best to satisfy the other, or if I'm solo playing, I just have to stop.

But now semi-recently I've also noticed that if I'm on the very perfectly right mood, actually take enough time, don't pressure it, don't think about it too much, the pain does not come as sharp or doesn't stay as long. So this makes me think that maybe it's actually psychological?

Is there anyone else that has had similar issues or knows how to treat this? I want to get my spark back and be able to enjoy without constantly being in the fear of getting pain.

[Tree_Tops Moderator]

Hi CuriousPixie ,

I'm sorry to hear you're in pain. Pain in the clitoris can be caused by a multitude of reasons. If your doctor has ruled out skin diseases and infections, you may have clitorodynia. Here is a link about the condition: vulvodynia.com/conditions/c...

Do you experience pain anywhere else? Is there anything that precipitated the pain?

If you've never had a scan, I would ask your doctor about ruling out a herniated disc or cyst in the sacral or lumbar spine, injury of the pudendal nerve or the dorsal clitoral branch of the pudendal nerve.

I would also like to add that some have found relief from a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor disorders.

I hope this information helps 🙂

[CuriousPixie in reply to Tree_Tops]

Thank you for this! I've been checked for infections for multiple times, so those it's not for sure. Skin deseases I can't say for sure, but I'd reckon that's something that would be visible?

I don't think I've had a scan of that type - I've been to IV treatments with my previous spouse and I was checked for a lot of things just precausious, but not a scan. They checked for endometriosis and that my tubes are fully open. STD's I've gotten checked every now and then.

I read about the pudendal nerve and that actually sounds some what fitting. I don't necessarily have other pain, but I often have a feeling like I need to sqeeze my buttocks together - I'm trying to think if it almost feels like having something in your anus (like one of the symptoms mentioned for pudendal nerve injury). I've had these for so long that I can't even say on a scale how much they affect my life because it's hard to think life without them (if it makes sense). But sitting on a bike or hard bench or anything that gives pressure to that area is horrible and I'm always half numb and in pain when standing up. I think I'll try to start with this and ask to rule out all the things you mentioned.

Why I initially thought it might be psychological was because it's not as present or bad when I'm very relaxed and when I'm able to not think about reaching an orgasm for example. But when I'm more stressed or I'm not able to relax enough, my clitoris gets super sensitive and it's painful when it's being touched. This happens especially with toys. Intercourse is sometimes painful too, especially on certain positions. I think that this is issue is also the reason why I'm unable to orgasm very often and I was quite old when it did happen for the first time, everything before that was just painful and I just wanted it to be over.

Btw apologies for any grammar issues, English is not my first language so there might be some odd phrasing.

Thanks again for enlightening me with all this new information!

[Tree_Tops Moderator in reply to CuriousPixie]

You're very welcome!

A biopsy may be recommended if there are any suspicious lumps, sores, or skin changes on the vulva that need to be evaluated further. If you have any concerns, it's best to consult with a gynaecologist or dermatologist who specialises in genital skin disorders.

The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery performed by a gynecologist who specialises in endometriosis, and a biopsy should be taken. Scans, blood tests, and medical examinations alone cannot rule out this condition. I know this from personal experience, as my fallopian tubes were found to be open.

When pain occurs in a specific area, the surrounding muscles may contract or tense up involuntarily in an effort to protect and stabilise the affected region. This response from the muscles can lead to spasms, as well as dysfunction in the pelvic floor. Seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you address these issues.

May I ask if you were struggling with your mental health before you developed the pain? Chronic pain itself can affect you psychologically. It is not normal to experience pain during masturbation, sex, or sitting down, or to constantly feel half numb and in pain when standing up. As mentioned in my previous post, I encourage you to ask your doctor about getting a scan.

No need to apologise for your English; I couldn't tell that you were a non-native speaker lol.

Please keep us updated 🙂

[Red1974]

I have the same problem that you do.

[Tree_Tops Moderator in reply to Red1974]

Hi Red1974 ,

I'm sorry to hear that. Have you ever had a scan?