Reasons for Clitoral Sensitivity

The clitoris is the most sensitive part of the body for many women. It’s an incredible structure that contains thousands of nerves that extend throughout the vaginal and vulvar area – it’s solely dedicated to providing pleasure during sexual activity. But if you’ve ever accidentally rubbed or brushed against your clitoris too hard, however, you know that it can be very painful and sensitive. Clitoral pain (clinically known as clitorodynia) can be disruptive, and it’s relatively common for women to experience symptoms but not know the cause of their clitoral pain. Here, we’ll explore some of the main causes of clitoral pain and how our intimate health providers here at Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics can help.

What Does Clitoral Pain Feel Like?

A painful clitoris can feel like many different things because the clitoris is highly sensitive. Clitoris pain can range from mild to severe, and it may be constant or recurring throughout the day. It may also get worse during certain activities like riding a bike, peeing, or sex. In some cases, even washing or showering can be painful. Pain may be targeted to the glans of the clitoris itself (the visible nub just above the vagina) or it may feel deeper and spread around the pelvic region.

You might experience sharp, stabbing pain or it may feel like a dull ache. Some women also experience sensations like stinging, burning, itching, or throbbing pain. Any of these types of clitoral pain are valid reasons to see an intimate healthcare provider.

Causes of Clitoral Pain and How to Treat Them 

Physical Trauma

Injury or trauma from exercising, participating in sports, or experiencing an accident can easily lead to clitoral pain. It’s also possible for women to experience clitoral trauma during vaginal childbirth. Sexual trauma or sexual abuse is also a possible cause of clitoral pain. Because these causes can be complex, it’s best to consult an intimate healthcare provider.

Sexual Activity

Rough sexual activity or sexual stimulation can result in clitoral pain, whether because of too much pressure, stimulation, or skin irritation, for example. It’s best to abstain from sexual activity for a while and practice gentler sex when you resume – pain relievers can be helpful in the meantime.

Infection

Infections can cause clitoral pain, which may signal a vaginal infection (such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection), sexually transmitted infection or urinary tract infection. Sexually transmitted infections and other types require prompt medical treatment from a knowledgeable intimate health provider

Irritation

Irritation can easily cause a painful clitoris. It may come in the form of certain soaps, chemicals, or fabrics (wearing tight underwear, for example), but it may also occur from too much friction against the external genitals in general. If you spend a lot of time riding a bike, for example, your clitoris may become irritated. Consider taking stock of possible irritants and work toward eliminating them.

Medical Conditions

Many different medical conditions are associated with clitoris pain. Conditions like lichen sclerosus can result in clitoral adhesions or buildup. Other conditions such as persistent genital arousal disorder can cause pain because of nerve compression in a chronic state of sexual arousal. Finally, health conditions that affect the central nervous system (such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, pudendal neuralgia, or arthritis) can result in nerve pain of many different kinds.

Clitoral Phimosis

Clitoral phimosis (or a buried clitoris) is a lesser-known condition where the clitoral hood doesn’t allow the clitoris to fully emerge during sexual activity. Not only can this cause reduced sensitivity during sex, but it may also result in pain. A non-invasive procedure called clitoral unroofing can achieve great results with this cause.

Clitoral Pain Treatment at Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

Finding a knowledgeable and compassionate intimate health provider is the best step you can take to diagnose clitoral pain. To meet with our award-winning team and explore your treatment options, contact our office on Long Island.

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Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

Board-Certified Physicians

Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, located in Lake Success, NY, provides solutions for men and women’s intimate health issues. Tideline consists of dedicated physicians and staff that specialize in personalized care and support. Doctors Girardi, Handler, Powers, and Gerardi address low libido, painful sex, hormonal imbalances, rejuvenation, and aesthetic treatments. Our team is available to you for intimate healthcare needs.

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