Clitoris pain can be caused by insufficient lubrication, hormone changes postpartum, allergies, trauma, irritation, candidiasis, or sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Depending on the cause, clitoris pain (also known as clitorodynia) may be accompanied by other symptoms like redness, intense itching, a stinging sensation in the vulva, or vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, green, or gray in color.
It is important to consult your gynecologist or other women's health provider if you are experiencing clitoral pain that is severe or accompanied by other symptoms so that a cause can be identified and treated appropriately.
Common causes
The main causes of clitoris pain include:
1. Insufficient lubrication
Insufficient lubrication prior to sex, or vaginal dryness related to hormone changes, can increase friction during sex and cause discomfort and clitoral pain.
What to do: A good strategy in these cases is to prolong foreplay and explore sexual desires in order to boost libido and increase vaginal lubrication.
In the event of insufficient lubrication caused by hormone changes, a gynecologist can order tests to evaluate hormone levels and recommend the use of water-based lubricants during sex, vaginal moisturizers, or even hormone replacement therapy.
2. Irritation or trauma
Irritation or trauma to the clitoris can cause inflammation resulting in discomfort, swelling, increased sensitivity, and pain.
The main causes of clitoral irritation or trauma are vigorous sex, intense friction or excessive pressure during masturbation, or wearing very tight clothing.
What to do: Avoiding wearing tight clothing can help decrease irritation.
Irritation that does not improve or trauma caused by vigorous sex or intense friction from masturbation should be evaluated by a gynecologist.
3. Allergies
Allergic reactions can cause clitoris pain in addition to redness, discomfort, and pain in the vagina.
Allergic reactions can be related to the use of certain products like soaps, fabric softeners, pads and liners, toilet paper, and some types of condoms.
Wearing underwear made out of synthetic fabrics may also cause clitoris pain and inflammation.
What to do: It is important to wear cotton underwear during the day and identify any potential allergens so that they can be avoided. Your provider may also prescribe the use of anti-inflammatory ointments to relieve the discomfort.
4. Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is chronic pain and discomfort in the vulvar region, which is made up of the clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora.
Vulvodynia can also cause redness, stabbing pain in the clitoris, and a stinging sensation in the vulvar region.
The exact cause of vulvodynia is not completely understood, however it appears to be related to injury or irritation of the nerves supplying the vulva, pelvic floor dysfunction, or hormone changes.
What to do: The goal of vulvodynia treatment is pain relief, which may involve the use of topical anesthetics, medications like antidepressants or anticonvulsants, or estrogen replacement therapy prescribed by a gynecologist.
Your provider may also recommend psychotherapy, Kegel exercises, or pelvic physical therapy.
5. Candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis (also known as a vaginal yeast infection) is an infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora.
This infection can cause redness, swelling, and irritation in the genital area; clitoris pain and itching; and white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge.
What to do: Candidiasis is typically treated by a primary care provider or gynecologist with the use of topical or oral antifungals, such as miconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole.
6. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by the Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria that normally lives in the vagina and can grow out of control due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora.
This infection can cause intense itching in the genital area, a burning sensation during urination, and clitoris pain, in addition to a yellow or gray vaginal discharge with a fishy odor.
What to do: It is important to consult a gynecologist or other women's health provider if you suspect you have bacterial vaginosis. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics like metronidazole, clindamycin, or secnidazole in the form of pills, vaginal ovules, or a gel.
7. UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) like cystitis or uritis can cause clitoris pain during urination in addition to pain and burning with urination and pain during sex.
These infections are typically caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and can reach the bladder, ureters, or kidneys.
What to do: UTI treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a primary care provider, gynecologist, or urologist.
In addition, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, drink lots of fluids, avoid unprotected sex (sex without a condom), and wear cotton underwear.
8. Postpartum
Clitoris pain in the postpartum period may be caused by normal hormone changes during this phase that can cause vulvovaginal dryness and irritation.
Other causes include irritation of the nerves supplying the clitoris, the strain of childbirth, trauma to the urethra, periurethral lacerations (tears), and perineal inflammation.
What to do: Good hygiene practices and sitz baths with warm water can help alleviate the discomfort.
An OBGYN or midwife can also prescribe anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and inflammation and may also recommend physical therapy.
9. Menopause
Menopause marks the end of fertility for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). In this stage, the ovaries stop producing estrogen and women stop having periods.
During menopause, the vaginal mucosa becomes thinner and dryer and may become irritated and inflamed as a result. This can lead to clitoris pain, pain during sex, itching, burning, and UTIs.
What to do: Clitoris pain related to menopause is managed by a gynecologist who may prescribe vaginal lubricants and, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen.
10. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Herpes simplex virus, which can be transmitted from one partner to another through contact with herpes lesions during sex.
Herpes outbreaks are characterized by small blisters that can rupture and develop into sores that are itchy and painful. Herpes can also cause clitoris pain based on the location of the lesions.
While uncommon, herpes zoster affecting the sacral nerve can result in a genital outbreak similar to that of genital herpes simplex. Herpes zoster is a condition that results from reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
What to do: It is important to consult your primary care provider or a gynecologist if you are concerned you might have herpes. Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir can shorten the course of the outbreak and allow the area to heal, in addition to helping prevent the emergence of new blisters and sores.
11. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (trich) is an STI caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis.
Trichomoniasis can cause clitoris pain, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge, a foul odor, pain and discomfort with urination, and redness in the genital area.
What to do: Trichomoniasis is typically treated with oral metronidazole prescribed by a primary care provider or gynecologist. Treatment of sexual partners is also necessary.
12. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an STI that can cause clitoris pain; thick, yellow vaginal discharge without odor; pain or burning with urination; and bleeding during sex.
This STI is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that, when left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
What to do: It is important to follow the treatment instructions outlined by your primary care provider or gynecologist, which typically involves a single dose of azithromycin or 7 days of doxycycline.
13. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STI caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria that causes yellow or green vaginal discharge similar to pus that can sometimes have a foul odor.
This discharge is typically accompanied by other symptoms like clitoris pain, burning with urination, urinary incontinence, genital itching, or vaginal bleeding.
What to do: It is important to see a primary care provider or gynecologist as soon as possible for treatment, which typically consists of a single intramuscular (IM) injection of ceftriaxone.
14. Nerve damage
Clitoris pain can be caused by damage to the nerves supplying the vulva, which is typically the result of conditions that affect the nervous system (such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis).
What to do: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the nerve damage. Insulin or other diabetes medications may be prescribed to treat diabetes, while immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids may be indicated in the case of multiple sclerosis.
15. Lichen planus
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammation of the skin that can appear as small itchy bumps on the vulva that can cause clitoris pain as well as pain or discomfort with urination or during sex.
This condition is caused by an immune system reaction to certain medications, chemical products, or stress. While it typically resolves on its own after several weeks, lichen planus may be recurrent and continue to reemerge over time.
What to do: Lichen planus is treated by a dermatologist or gynecologist with the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and psychotherapy (in cases caused by stress).
Natural treatments
Natural treatments for clitoris pain include taking a warm water sitz bath, applying coconut oil to the vulva, and drinking garlic ginger tea.
These home remedies can help reduce inflammation and irritation of the clitoris and relieve vaginal dryness.
Natural treatments for clitoris pain are not a substitute for treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider and should only be used as complementary therapies.