Differential Diagnosis for Vaginal Pain and Swelling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vulvovaginitis: This is the most common cause of vaginal pain and swelling, often due to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. It's likely due to the high prevalence of these infections among women.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause vaginal pain and swelling, especially if the infection spreads to the urethra or bladder.
- Vaginal Yeast Infection: A type of fungal infection that can cause vaginal pain, swelling, and discharge.
- Bartholin's Cyst or Abscess: A cyst or abscess on the Bartholin's gland can cause pain and swelling in the vaginal area.
- Vulvar Dermatitis: An inflammatory condition that can cause pain, swelling, and itching in the vaginal area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A serious infection that can cause vaginal pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility and other complications.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A life-threatening condition where the embryo implants outside the uterus, causing vaginal pain, swelling, and bleeding.
- Ovarian Torsion: A rare but serious condition where the ovary twists, cutting off blood supply, and causing severe vaginal pain and swelling.
- Vaginal Cancer: A rare type of cancer that can cause vaginal pain, swelling, and bleeding.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lichen Sclerosus: A rare skin condition that can cause vaginal pain, swelling, and itching.
- Vulvar Vestibulitis: A rare condition that causes chronic pain and swelling in the vaginal area.
- Vaginal Foreign Body: A rare cause of vaginal pain and swelling, often due to an object inserted into the vagina.
- Systemic Diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, Behçet's disease): Rare systemic diseases that can cause vaginal pain and swelling as a symptom.