Depending on the situation, your vulva can sometimes feel wet, itchy, burning, or swollen. Sometimes a new feeling in your vagina is the result of a health condition.
For example, an itchy vulva is a common symptom of a yeast infection. Other times, the change is simply the natural order of things. For instance, your vagina gets wet when you’re turned on, and your vaginal discharge varies throughout your menstrual cycle — nothing to worry about. But what about a tingling feeling? What does that mean?
First, any time you’re worried or curious about how your vagina feels, it’s a good idea to visit your OB/GYN to get things checked out. “Any new lumps, bumps, discomfort, itch, change of color, size or symmetry should be reported to a GP or gynecologist,” Dr. Adeola Olaitan, UCLH consultant gynecologist and medical adviser to The Eve Appeal, previously told Refinery29. That said, here are some potential reasons your vagina might feel tingly.
When you’re aroused, blood rushes to your vulva. You begin to get wet, and your genitals swell a little. For some people, this arousal feels like a tingling sensation. For others, it’s more like throbbing. Some people might experience both. This should feel good — enjoy it!
Similarly, some people report feeling a tingling sensation just before, just after, or during an orgasm. While uncommon, this feeling isn’t anything to worry about. However, if the tingling feels painful or numb, it might indicate an underlying health condition.
Along with itching or burning and a cottage cheese-like discharge, some people experience a tingling sensation during a yeast infection. This tingling should go away as you begin treatment.
Dr Kate McLean, chief medical officer at Evvy, says: “Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi and typically result in thick, white discharge itching and irritation.” Confusing it with BV is common, but the treatment for them both is different.
Common UTI symptoms include a burning feeling while peeing, the frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy-looking urine. Some people also report feeling a tingling sensation, particularly during urination.
Leah Millheiser, MD, OB/GYN, Director of the Female Sexual Medicine Program at Stanford University School of Medicine, says an antibiotic will be needed in most cases to treat a UTI. If you have recurrent UTIs (more than three times a year), it’s important to see a doctor for longer term care.
Some people with genital herpes report experiencing a tingling feeling in their legs, hips, butt, or genitals just before an outbreak. If your herpes treatment includes episodic therapy (meaning you treat each outbreak as it occurs, instead of taking a daily medication), this symptom may indicate it’s time to start taking your antiviral medication. This medication may help lessen your symptoms or even prevent the outbreak, and speed up healing.
Journalist Lexi Inks previously wrote for Refinery29 that tingling was a sensation she experienced before her first (and only) outbreak.
During pregnancy, your body increases production of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone allows your ligaments to loosen, and your nerves may become pinched, which can lead to a tingling feeling. Additionally, during pregnancy, your growing uterus might put pressure on your nerves.
If your vulva feels numb or tingly after riding a bike (or during spin class), you’re experiencing something called “saddle numbness.” While uncomfortable, this is simply a result of the extra pressure on your vulva. You may want to try a different type of bike seat, change your form, or shorten your time in the saddle.
A tingling vulva is sometimes a symptom of some other conditions, including multiple sclerosis, vulvar cancer, persistent genital arousal disorder, and restless genital syndrome. In these cases, the tingling feeling is accompanied by other sensations, such as pain and numbness.
Finally, some lubes are designed to cause a tingling sensation. They may be labeled as “tingling,” or they may get another label like “warming,” “cooling,” or “intense.”
This article was originally published in September 2019 and has since been updated.
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