Intro:
The vaginal introitus (VIG) is a common finding in women with vulvar vestibulitis or vulvodynia. Vaginas are normally shaped like a pear shape, but some vaginas have been found to be “pear-shaped” vaginas due to trauma during childbirth. Other than these physical differences, there are no other known causes of VAG.
What is the Vaginal Introitus?
The vaginal introitus is a small lump located inside the pelvic cavity. It may be tender, itchy, or painful. Sometimes it looks like a pimple, sometimes it resembles a cyst, and sometimes it resembles something else entirely. It’s size varies from person to person; some people have one that is only slightly larger than their pinky finger while others have ones that are quite large. Some people report having them at all times, while others rarely experience them.
How Common Is the Vaginal Introitus?
It is very common for many women to never experience the VAG. However, some women do have them at any given time. They tend to occur most often during sexual activity, especially when they are first beginning to enjoy penetration. Sometimes, they can be quite painful or itchy during such times.
Where does the vaginal introitus develop?
The VAG is a birth defect that is caused by either an injury to the pelvic region during childbirth or long periods of sitting on a hardseat (such as those experienced by female athletes, for examples) or undergoing a medical examination using an instrument such as a speculum. It seems that the best way to prevent a VAG is to do none of the above. If you are able to detect a lump inside your introitus, or you experience any pain or itching around your vaginal region, see your doctor immediately.
Is it possible to get rid of a vaginal introitus?
Many women have tried to get rid of their VAGs without success. Most attempts at getting rid of the lump with over-the-counter creams, aromatic oils, hot baths, surgery or the use of q-tips or other instruments have been proven to be unsuccessful. A few women have claimed that they have been able to successfully get rid of their introitus with the use of a dental scraper, but this has yet to be scientifically proven. One must always remember that for some women with a vaginal introitus who undergo surgery to remove it, there is a risk of permanent incontinenece. If you can deal with the occasional itchy or painful lump inside your vag, then it might be best to leave it alone. However, if you find that it is effecting your day-to-day life or your ability to enjoy sexual activity, then you might want to seek medical attention.
What can be done to prevent vaginal introitus?
The best way to prevent a vaginal introitus is to avoid activities that may cause one. As mentioned before, these include long periods of sitting on a hard seat (such as bicycles, motorcycles, chairs), or undergoing medical exams that involve the use of a speculum. It is also suggested that women who have recently had children should wait at least a year after giving birth to undergo such activities to allow the hymen to return to its normal position and prevent possible injury.
How common are vaginal lumps?
There has been a recent increase in vaginal lumps among western women, most likely due to the popularity of bicycle seats. However, many Asian and Middle Eastern women experience vaginal lumps on a regular basis due to long periods of sitting on floor and carpet surfaces. This is one of the leading causes of songs about “Arabian nights”.
What should I do if I find a vaginal lump?
If you have had an injury to your vaginal region recently or have undergone a medical examination using a speculum, then it is likely that the lumps are due to these activities. The lump will most likely disappear by itself within a few days. A warm sitz bath before bed can also help to make you more comfortable.
Sources & references used in this article:
Recurrent urinary tract infections in premenopausal women: prophylaxis based on an understanding of the pathogenesis by A Pfau, T Sacks, D Engelstein – The Journal of urology, 1983 – auajournals.org
Pathogenesis of recurrent urinary tract infection: use of understanding as therapy. by AJ Schaeffer – Urology, 1988 – europepmc.org
Anatomie aspects of vaginal eversion after hysterectomy by JOL DeLancey – American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 1992 – Elsevier
Understanding the bacterial flora of the female genital tract by B Larsen, GRG Monif – Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2001 – academic.oup.com
