Genital pain

Pain in the genitals is an alarming symptom for both women and men. To understand what the causes of its occurrence may be, let's recall the anatomical structure of the genitals.

The female reproductive system consists of:

• internal organs - the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and vagina;
• external genitalia - clitoris, hymen, labia majora and labia minora.

The male reproductive system is divided into:

• internal, which includes the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands;
• external - scrotum with penis.

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What diseases cause pain in a woman's genitals?

Pain in the female genital area occurs due to diseases:

• uterus or its appendages - accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, is vague or local in nature. The pain can radiate to the lower back, femoral region, sacrum and rectum. It manifests itself with varying intensity;
• acute pain in the female genital organs may be associated with inflammation of the uterus, appendages, ectopic pregnancy, the appearance of an ovarian tumor, damage to the fallopian tube, twisting of the cyst stalk, endometriosis. Pain in the lower abdomen accompanies the first days of menstruation without pathologies of the genital organs;
• endometritis (acute inflammation of the uterus) and adnexitis (inflammatory disease of the appendages) manifest themselves as pain above the pubic area and in the lateral parts of the lower abdomen. There is a gradual increase in pain, reaching its peak after a couple of hours. Pain in the genitals intensifies with palpation of the lower abdomen, weakness is observed, and a temperature of 38-39 ° C. The onset of pain, as a rule, occurs during menstruation or occurs after it, in the postpartum period, during an abortion, due to the introduction of a contraceptive into the uterus;
• pain in the external genitalia may be a consequence of trauma, bartholinitis - an inflammatory process of the gland;
• trauma to the external genitalia occurs when falling on an object or during childbirth. Bruises and birth trauma to the external genitalia lead to the formation of hematomas - purple-colored tumors;
• Bartholinitis is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. The course of the disease begins with the appearance of a seal, sometimes invisible to the naked eye, at the entrance to the vagina. The duct may become blocked, the gland secretion may become purulent, which causes it to enlarge. The process causes pain in the external genitalia, which increases during walking or sitting. Examination reveals swelling and redness of the labia. The suppuration may spontaneously open, bringing temporary relief until the next relapse.

Causes that cause pain in the male genitals

Pain in the male genitals occurs with inflammation, trauma or neoplasms. The main factors causing it are:

• pathologies of the scrotum organs, among which testicular torsion is considered the most painful. The appearance of acute pain is often associated with physical exertion. If emergency measures are not taken within 24 hours, the pain in the genital area subsides due to the loss of sensitivity of the affected testicle. However, the next day brings a new pain syndrome, the appearance of swelling and inflammation of the scrotal wall with the formation of phlegmon;
• Epididymitis is characterized by increasing pain that covers the posterolateral part of the scrotum. Examination of young men reveals sexually transmitted infections or concomitant inflammation of the urethra. In men under 35, the causative agent of epididymitis is considered to be chlamydia (Chlamidia trachomatis), in patients over 35, this disease often appears due to intestinal infections (Enterococcus, E. coli);
• testicular tumors are malignant in 95% of all cases. Most swellings around the testicle are considered benign. The tumor that appears is usually painless and requires immediate consultation with a urologist;
• an inguinal hernia looks like a scrotal tumor. During the examination, a thickening of the base of the scrotum is palpated - the location of the hernial sac. Auscultation diagnostics reveals peristaltic sounds that occur when a loop of the intestine penetrates into the area of the hernial tumor;
• spermatocele is a cystic disease of the scrotum. The neoplasms accumulate in the appendage and are painlessly palpated as a tumor located above the testicle. Patients feel discomfort and heaviness. Surgical intervention is not excluded;
• Varicocele is a process of dilation of the vein of the spermatic cord, which occurs due to insufficiency of the valves of the testicular vein or their absence from birth. Increased blood flow down the vein leads to the appearance of pampiniform plexuses of veins;
• Peyronie's disease is a condition in which the penis becomes curved due to fibrous changes in the tunica albuginea. Accompanying this rare disease, pain in the genitals can be caused by vascular problems or infection;
• balanitis is an inflammatory process of the head, and posthitis is an inflammatory process of the preputial sac. They often occur simultaneously and are called balanoposthitis. The disease appears after infection with bacteria, as a local irritation from thickened smegma;
• pain in the genital area due to impaired blood supply often leads to the formation of necrosis, ischemia of the head. Diabetics are more susceptible to such changes;
• constant or periodic pain, burning during urination is nothing more than urethritis. The disease can be caused by infections, trauma or chemical factors;
• pain in the perineum and prostate gland is observed in many young men. The cause may be infectious diseases, inflammatory or tumor processes, neurogenic changes;
• prostatodynia – used in medicine to describe cases where a patient complains of pain in the genitals, but no pathological changes are detected. In this situation, a consultation with a psychologist is prescribed.

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Itching and pain in the genitals

Itching and pain in the genitals can occur due to many reasons. Pathologies of the genitourinary system, intestines, infectious diseases are not excluded. Discomfort in the intimate area is a precursor to diabetes, liver dysfunction (hepatitis, cirrhosis), manifestation of allergic reactions. Irritation, the desire to constantly scratch the disturbing place arise as a result of diarrhea or frequent urination. Of course, we should not forget about the fungal flora, which leads to a number of diseases of the genital area. Mental, nervous disorders, stress, depression increase the likelihood of symptoms.

Itching and pain in the genitals are caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Genital herpes lesions have a wave-like course: the appearance of burning, the formation of blisters on the skin alternate with periods of "calm". The exacerbation stage is attributed to a decrease in the body's protective functions and immunomodulators are prescribed.

Itching in the genital area appears as a result of parasitic diseases - scabies, pediculosis. Infection with scabies mites and pubic lice is characterized by skin irritations, redness, itching. It is necessary to remember the rules of personal hygiene, as pediculosis is transmitted during sexual contact, while sleeping next to an infected person.

The fungus that causes inguinal epidermophytosis is transmitted through the shared use of household items - washcloths, underwear, and through failure to observe hygiene standards in swimming pools, showers, and baths.

Pain radiating to the genitals is a consequence of urolithiasis. All age groups, including children, are susceptible to this common disease. Bladder stones cause pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the perineum and genitals. The pain worsens when walking and urinating.

Aching pain in the genitals indicates an ectopic pregnancy, salpingo-oophoritis in women. In men and women, such pain is observed with cystitis, urethritis. Aching pain in the genitals of men can be a harbinger of prostatitis, vesiculitis.

Pain in the genitals requires a thorough examination, including:

• visit to a gynecologist, urologist, and, if necessary, a venereologist;
• conducting a general and biochemical blood test;
• smear examination.