From the Guidelines
Clitoral pain can be caused by various conditions, including vulvodynia, pseudocyst of the clitoris, and neuropathic pain, which do not respond to topical corticosteroids and require directed treatment. When considering the potential causes of clitoral pain, it is essential to evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history to determine the underlying condition. Some possible causes of clitoral pain include:
- Vulvodynia, a condition characterized by chronic vulvar pain without a clear cause, which may occur after any inflammatory condition of the vulva or vestibule, as noted in the British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus, 2018 1
- Pseudocyst of the clitoris, which occurs when clitoral hood adhesions seal over the clitoris, and keratinous debris builds up underneath, forming a painful pseudocyst, as described in the same guidelines 1
- Neuropathic pain, which does not respond to topical corticosteroids and requires directed treatment, as stated in the guidelines 1 It is crucial to seek medical evaluation from a gynecologist or sexual health specialist to properly diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment, rather than attempting self-diagnosis, as proper identification of the cause is essential for effective management. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include pain medications, physical therapy, or other interventions, and it is essential to follow the most recent and highest-quality guidelines, such as those provided by the British Association of Dermatologists 1, to ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the Research
Clitoral Pain Causes
- The provided studies do not directly address the causes of clitoral pain, but rather focus on vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
- However, some of the studies mention that vulvovaginitis can cause symptoms such as irritation, itching, and burning, which may be related to clitoral pain 2, 3.
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is estimated to be the second most common cause of vaginitis, can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, and redness, which may also be related to clitoral pain 4, 5, 6.
- Bacterial vaginosis is another common cause of vaginitis, and it can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, and irritation, which may be related to clitoral pain 2, 3.
- It is worth noting that clitoral pain can have various causes, including infections, inflammation, and trauma, but the provided studies do not specifically address these causes.
- Further research is needed to determine the specific causes of clitoral pain and to develop effective treatments for this condition.