What Causes Razor Blade Sensations In My Vagina?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Jan 2014 Answered on

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hope you can help...as I have been experiencing a strange vaginal problem. It feels like I have razor blades in the vagina when I walk...What is causing this?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer: DETAILED BELOW Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Razor blade sensations in the vagina mostly occur when you have cuts in the vaginal mucosa. This commonly occurs with vaginal thrush, which could lead to cuts and fissures in the vaginal lining. Also, ulcers and cuts can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, notably herpes. Hurting yourself while shaving or vigorous intercourse can sometimes abrade the vaginal lining. An allergic reaction to douches / soaps / cleansers / latex in condoms / toilet paper etc can also lead to ulceration of the mucosa giving such a feeling. I would ask you to wait for a few days. Use aloe vera gel to soothe the vulva. Use cold compresses too. Avoid unprotected sex. Get STD screening for yourself and your partner (s ) Please stay away from douches, perfumed soaps or cleansers, medicated products. Do not rub, scrub or clean too vigorously. Just clean copiously with warm lukewarm water and XXXXXXX dry gently. Use a cotton panty and change often. If the discomfort persists / intensifies, please see a Gynaecologist and have an internal evaluation - per vaginum and per speculum to know the exact cause of the problem. All the best. Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 days later)

Doctor, Years ago I was diagnoised with herpes but, its been years since I've had an outbreak...I am 72 years old and have not have sexual intercourse for many years. So, my question is ... could this problem still be related to Herpes? Or...could it be another situation... 5 years ago I had a Mastectomy and reconstruction. I have just stopped taking aromacin... could it be a lack of progesterone and estrogen that's could cause this problem?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: ATROPHIC VAGINITIS LIKELY. Detailed Answer: Hello You did not mention your age earlier, Mam, or I would have told you that most certainly the diagnosis is due to the hormonal imbalance. The condition is scientifically called Atrophic Vaginitis - due to local deficiency of estrogen, the vaginal lining ( mucosa ) gets thinned out and friable, and easily prone to infections and breakage. SUch a thin mucosa becomes very prone to infections and atrophic ulcers. THis is easily the most possible diagnosis. I do not think you would have an outbreak of herpes after so many years, it is not likely, particularly as you are not sexually active. For atrophic vaginitis, the most effective treatment is local estrogen creams / gels. PLease discuss this option seriously with your doctor, particularly if the reason behind the mastectomy was a malignancy. Take care. PLease feel free to revert.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar