The clitoris is a small, sensitive organ that is located at the top of your vulva. Its primary function is to provide pleasure and orgasm.

Most people who are experiencing problem with their clitoral area are often alarmed, possibly because of the fact that there's not much information about this condition out there. If you have headache, or toothache, or stomachache, you know by heart which over-the-counter medicine to take to find relief. With clitoris pain, on the other hand, you'll be at loss. You don't feel comfortable asking anyone around as most of us would feel embarrass about this condition.

Thankfully though, there's nothing to be alarmed as most medical conditions associated with the clitoris are not major ones.If you’ve been bugged by questions like why the clit hurts, read on this article to be enlightened.

Why Does My Clit Hurt?

There could be several causes of clitoral pain. The severity and duration of the pain depends on its cause.

Symptoms may be variable or constant and may either improve or get worst by sexual activity or movement. The pain may either be on the clitoris area alone or may also accompany other parts of your body.

Other symptoms that may occur along with pain in the clitoris are:

• Pink-coloured or bloody urine
• Chills and fever
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain during sexual activity
• Rashes in other body parts
• Nerve problems that causes numbness, pain or tingling

Below are the causes of pain in your clitoris.

1.   Surgical Procedure in the Vulvar Region

For over many years, women with vulval pain syndromes find relief by having some areas of their vulvar tenderness removed. Vestibulectomy is the main procedure recommended for managing vulval pain syndromes. Surgery is also recommended to some patients with vulvar cancer.

Your genital area will be bruised and swollen after the surgery. Though this will heal, the appearance of your genital area is changed. Aside from the physical change, other patients experience pain in their clitoris as a result of the surgery. If you have a history of surgery in your vulvar region, this might be the answer to your question of “Why does my clit hurt?”

Most women report a stinging, burning or throbbing discomfort in their vaginal area. Sometime, the pain is felt as if there's a pressure in the area and often times the pain is constant.

Your doctor may recommend pain relieving creams that can be applied to the skin directly, such as those that contain lidocaine. You can also have some massage to relax contracted areas and tight muscles. In addition, you can have cognitive behavior therapy to help you manage chronic pain.

2.   Rough Sex

This type of sex is very vigorous for people who are not really into kinky stuff but like pain. It may involve ass-slapping, hair pulling, biting, etc.

Sex that is rough and lasts for hours can cause your clitoris to be painful. The friction of penis on your vaginal wall for longer penetration may cause small tears in your vagina’s skin tissue. If your partner was stimulating your clit for a long time without using lubrication, it can irritate the area, causing pain and discomfort.

Aside from clitoral pain, you may also feel muscle and joint pain and blisters on your genital area. Pain in your clitoris may last for a few hours or maybe a day. Consult your doctor if problem persists.

You can treat the pain with home remedies. Help ease the pain and swelling by applying cold compress on the affected area. You will instantly find relief from the cooling sensation it brings. Use proper lubrication next time so that you won’t wonder “Why does my clit hurt”.

3.   Vulvodynia

This condition is a chronic pain that affects your external female genital organ called the vulva. This area includes clitoris, labia and vaginal opening.

Though there is no known cause for vulvodynia yet, researchers find that it may be caused by abnormal response of vulvar cells to a trauma or infection, irritation or injury of nerve, muscle spasms, hypersensitivity to yeast infection, hormonal changes, genetic factors that affect the vulva’s ability to respond to chronic inflammation or frequent use of antibiotic.

The most common symptoms include itching, soreness, aching or throbbing and stinging, burning or rawness.

You can find relief by using some home remedies. You can soak the area in cool sitz baths or lukewarm water. You may also apply topical heat on the affected area. Using relaxation techniques can also ease the pain.

4.   Swollen Clit

Your clitoris may swell for various reasons; one of the most common is vaginal infection. You would notice that the area is sensitive and swollen for no apparent reason. You may also feel itching and burning feeling as a reaction to bacterial or fungal infection.

Consult your doctor for a checkup and treatment to be provided.

5.   Other causes

Why does my clit hurt? Another cause could be allergies to certain items of clothing. Irritation occurs due to the friction caused of rubbing the cloth in the area. Avoid wearing tight clothing and use cotton underwear. You can also use cooling pad to relieve the pain. Or you may be allergic to certain products you use. Change the products if you are sure the reason of your pain is not caused by others listed above.

How to Prevent Clit Pain

Prevention is always better than cure.

Avoid the discomfort of clitoral pain by following these tips:

• Stay away from irritants – Avoid allergens such as bubble bath, scented soaps, douching products and deodorants. These products may cause swelling and disrupt the PH level of your vagina, which can lead to infections.
• Don’t scratch – If you also feel itch aside from the pain, don’t scratch the area as it will just make the problem worst.
• Make sure you’re lubricated – Sex, especially rough and longer ones, may cause irritation and swelling if you’re not lubricated enough. Try to have an exciting foreplay to prepare your body for the penetration. Also, be gentler during sex.
• Wash your hands before you stimulate your clitoris. Dirty hands invite infection and irritation.

Though painful and swollen clitoris is generally not life-threatening, it is still important to visit your doctor if you experience the symptom for a long period of time. After all, you don’t want to be rubbed of the pleasure that your clitoris brings to the body.