There can be various causes of vaginal pain, and ulcers are one of the most common reasons why a woman experiences vaginal pain.

Ulcers can present as a single sore or multiple painful blisters around the vagina or labia region. Other causes of vaginal pain can also include factors such as infection, abscess, or even superficial abrasion or tears around the vaginal region.

The most common cause of vaginal ulcer is due to genital herpes.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is passed via sexual contact. Genital herpes can be caused by either type 1 or type 2 of the herpes simplex virus. They usually present with a stinging sensation or a painful blister around the vaginal region, causing discomfort to the patient.

Other causes of vaginal ulcers can be:

• Skin inflammation – persistent scratching can lead to broken skin which can lead to ulcers
• Vaginal infection (bacterial or fungal) – while this may not lead to ulcers per se, they can lead to significant skin irritation and soreness which can feel similar to an ulcer.
• Molluscum
• Genital warts
• Other rare but more serious causes of vaginal ulcers can include conditions such as Betchets disease or drug induced ulcers