
The most common form of vaginitis in women is a yeast infection, which are fungal infections that usually result from the organism Candida Albicans (MedicineNet, 2021). Goje stated that vaginitis causes millions of visits to the doctors office every year in the United States (Goje, 2021). Vaginitis refers to infections of the vagina, resulting from abnormal growth of bacteria and yeast in the vagina (WebMD, 2002). Infections: Possible tightening related to Vaginal Infections

Reed from the MD Anderson Cancer Center indicated that most doctors recommend using a vaginal dilator after your pelvic radiation treatment to reduce the risk of vaginal tightness occurring (MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2017). This all contributes to a loss of elasticity and increasing tightness of the vagina, preventing women from performing normal tasks such as inserting a tampon, undergoing pelvic examinations, penetration of objects (ex: sex toys), and sexual intercourse. Not only does this cause the walls of the vagina to develop rigidity and stiffness, but it also causes shortening or narrowing of the vagina (American Cancer Society, 2020). Generally, a side effect of pelvic radiation is vaginal stenosis, which is defined as abnormal tightening and shortening of the vagina due to the formation of scar tissue (Morris et al., 2017).Īs the vaginal tissues heal from the pelvic radiation, scar tissue develops throughout the vaginal wall and pelvic floor. Women who undergo pelvic radiation for the treatment of cancers may have adverse health outcomes that cause complications in their vagina (American Cancer Society, 2020).

What are the reasons for a tight, painful vagina? This article provides informative content on common causes for vaginal tightness and the treatment methods for increasing the flexibility of the vagina by using an effective vaginal dilator. Medical professionals generally recommend vaginal dilators as one of the main forms of treatment therapy. There are a multitude of reasons that contribute to vaginal tightness, but it is imperative to understand why your vagina is tight, and additionally find effective methods to treat it. However, it is important to know that you are not alone and there are viable solutions which can help relax vaginal tightness. It can be challenging to discuss, especially when no two vaginas are alike. Several concerns may surface from vaginal tightness that can lead to a variety of issues ranging from difficulty in inserting a tampon to avoiding gynecological examinations, and/or even having a painful and discouraging sex life. Having a tight vagina is a difficult and commonly overlooked issue when it comes to women’s health.
