Clitoris Pain (Clitorodynia)

Clitoris pain happens when something damages or irritates your clitoris. Your clitoris sits in front of your vagina and on top of your urethra. It contains thousands of sensitive nerves. Touching and stimulating your clitoris can cause sexual arousal. But those same nerves can create pain in your clitoris, too.

Clitoris pain may feel like burning, stinging or throbbing. It can make things like exercising, having sex or showering very uncomfortable. Injury and infection are two common causes of clitoris pain, but there can be many others. The medical term for clitoral pain is clitorodynia.

What does the pain feel like?

Pain in your clitoris can be mild or severe. It can occur daily or come and go depending on what you’re doing. Words that can describe clitoral pain are:

• Stinging or burning
• Throbbing or aching
• Itchy
• Stabbing or shooting

Certain activities can make your pain worse. These include:

• Having sex
• Peeing
• Showering
• Sitting for a long time
• Walking, running, biking or other forms of exercise
• Wearing tight clothing that press on your vulva

What are the causes of a painful clitoris?

Many things can cause clitoris pain. One common cause is keratin pearls. These form when the clitoris’ natural oils harden into tiny, sand-like bumps. Normally, these natural oils help the clitoral hood (the fold of skin that covers your clitoris) slide smoothly. When keratin pearls build up, the hood can’t move as easily. This may lead to unusual rubbing and irritation.

Some of the other causes are:

• Sexual trauma: Injury to your vagina from sexual abuse or rough sex can cause clitoris pain.
• Vaginal infection: Infections that affect your vagina, like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections, can lead to pain.
• Trauma or injury: Trauma to the area not caused by sex could include injuries from childbirth or surgery.
• Hormone changes: Low estrogen can make the tissues of your clitoris more sensitive and cause pain.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Many of the most common STIs could cause clitoral pain.
• Rashes or other skin conditions: Conditions like dermatitis can be the cause of your pain.
• Nerve compression: Tight clothing can press on the nerves of your clitoris.
• Skin irritation: Your clitoris can become easily irritated. Chemicals or scents found in soaps, lotions or wipes could be the cause.
• Vulvodynia/clitorodynia: This is clitoral pain without a known cause.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: Tension or spasms in your pelvic floor muscles can affect your clitoris.
• Other health conditions: Certain medical conditions that affect your central nervous system may cause clitoral pain. Some examples are diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

How do doctors find the cause?

Your healthcare provider can find the cause of your pain by talking with you and doing a physical exam. They’ll ask about your pain and sexual habits. During the exam, they may check your vulva or take a fluid sample to test for infection. Sometimes, a rash or skin changes around your clitoris can lead to a diagnosis.

How is clitoris pain treated?

Treatment for clitoris pain depends on the cause. Some of the treatments may include:

• Antibiotics to treat infections like STIs and some skin rashes
• Antifungals for yeast infections and other rashes
• Physical therapy for your pelvic floor muscles
• Sex therapy and counseling
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Antidepressants for nerve pain
• Antiseizure medications for nerve pain
• Topical steroid medications for certain skin diseases
• Practicing gentler sex or applying a cold compress to the area after sex

When should a healthcare provider treat clitorodynia?

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• You have mild to moderate clitoris pain that doesn’t go away or disrupts your daily life.
• The pain makes you avoid sex or causes problems with intimacy.
• Your clitoris looks swollen or red.
• You notice that the skin on your clitoris looks different from the surrounding skin.
• You have a concern about exposure to STIs.

Your provider will examine you and talk with you about your symptoms and what might be causing them.