Numb Vagina: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Lost touch down there? You're not alone! Vaginal numbness can be a real intimacy-killer and confidence-drainer. When your body feels different from usual, it can leave you searching for answers and feeling uncertain about what's happening. Perhaps it began after childbirth, a surgery, or suddenly. Whatever the reason, it's time to get curious and take control. Vaginal numbness can affect more than just your love life, it can impact your daily comfort and overall well-being. Here's what we know about the causes and what you can do to feel more like yourself again. 

We'll also talk about what's going on and what you can do to regain sensation and confidence. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your body. Understanding what's happening is the first step towards feeling better.

What does vaginal numbness feel like?

Vaginal numbness can feel like a lack of sensation or tingling (pins and needles, or pricking sensation) in the vaginal area, making it difficult to feel pleasure or discomfort during intimacy. Some women describe it as a feeling of pressure or tightness without any sensation, while others may experience a complete loss of feeling. It can also manifest as reduced sensitivity to touch or vibrations. This can lead to decreased libido and challenges in achieving orgasm, ultimately affecting a woman's overall well-being and body connection.

What causes vaginal numbness?

Vaginal numbness, also known as having a numb vagina, can be caused by a variety of factors. These causes can range from physical and medical conditions to lifestyle and psychological factors. Here are some common causes:

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, like menopause or postpartum, can cause vaginal numbness due to decreased oestrogen. This leads to vaginal dryness, reduced blood flow, and nerve sensitivity, impacting intimacy and vaginal health. 

• Nerve damage: Nerve damage from childbirth, pelvic surgery, or injury can cause vaginal numbness. Damaged nerves disrupt sensation and sensitivity, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the vaginal area.

• Medical conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries can affect nerve function and lead to vaginal numbness.

• Medications: Certain medications can cause vaginal numbness as a side effect, reducing sensation and sensitivity in the vaginal area temporarily.

• Psychological factors: Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress can contribute to vaginal numbness. Emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms, including decreased sensation and sensitivity in the vaginal area.

• Lifestyle factors: Tight clothing, prolonged sitting, or lifestyle factors like smoking or drinking heavily can affect blood flow to the area, which may contribute to changes in sensation and nerve function. This can put pressure on the vaginal area, leading to numbness.

• Infections: Certain infections, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections, can cause vaginal numbness or discomfort.

Is vaginal numbness normal during pregnancy?

It's quite common to experience changes in sensation during pregnancy. Your body is going through remarkable changes, and this can sometimes affect how things feel. This may also be the case during a traumatic delivery. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal walls are weakened by the hormones of pregnancy and stretched to support the growing baby, as well as aid in the birth process. Childbirth can sometimes affect the nerves in your pelvic area, leading to temporary changes in how things feel. This is your body's way of healing after an intense experience. This can all manifest later as a lack of feeling or numbness in the genitals. Thankfully, vaginal numbness during pregnancy or childbirth usually subsides within a few months through some useful self-care tips.

Why you might feel vaginal numbness during sex

Intimacy should feel good, but vaginal numbness can make it difficult to experience the pleasure and connection you're seeking. A numb vagina can be a cause for concern, anxiety, and frustration. Several factors can lead to vaginal numbness during sex. These include:

• Vigorous sex causing overstimulation of vaginal nerves

• Use of sex toys or vibrators that may overstimulate the vaginal nerves 

• Nerve damage or compression, often due to childbirth, surgery, or certain medical conditions like vulvodynia or pelvic floor dysfunction

• Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause or breastfeeding

• Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or past trauma. 

The good news is that many women find their sensation returns with time and the right support. With the right approach, women can regain sensation and start enjoying sexual intercourse once again.

How to regain sensation: Relief & self-care tips

Here are some self-care tips that may help regain sensation after vaginal numbness:

• Kegels (pelvic floor exercises)

• Contract and release the pelvic floor muscles. This improves muscle tone, blood flow, and sensation.

• Do 10-15 repetitions daily. 

• Vaginal massage

• Use a suitable lubricant and gently massage your vaginal tissues. This helps increase blood flow and improve sensitivity 

• Start with a light touch, gradually increasing the pressure.

• Mindfulness and relaxation 

• Practise deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress

• Healthy lifestyle 

• Include foods rich in vitamin B that support nerve repair (nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, avocados, meat, and fish)

• Stay hydrated and exercise regularly 

• Get sufficient sleep (7-8 hours) daily 

When should I seek medical advice for vaginal numbness?

Seek medical advice for vaginal numbness if you experience persistent or severe symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Numbness lasts for more than a few weeks

• It interferes with your daily life or intimacy

• Accompanied by pain or discomfort 

• You notice any unusual vaginal discharge, pus, or foul odour

• You are diabetic or suffer from any other neurological disorder

A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and provide personalised treatment options to address symptoms and improve overall health. 

Here’s what we learnt 

Experiencing vaginal numbness can be unsettling, but understanding its causes can help you find relief. Whether it's due to hormonal changes, stress, or an underlying medical condition, knowing what's behind your symptoms is key. Don't hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider if your numbness persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. In the meantime, try simple self-care measures like Kegel exercises, relaxation techniques, and taking breaks from activities that may be contributing to the numbness. Remember that seeking help is a sign of self-care, not weakness. Whether through gentle self-care practices or working with a healthcare provider, there are ways to support your body's healing and help you feel more comfortable and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can vaginal numbness affect orgasm?

Yes, vaginal numbness can impact orgasm, by reducing sensitivity and pleasure, making it harder to achieve climax sometimes. 

2. Can vaginal numbness be prevented?

Vaginal numbness can sometimes be prevented or minimised. This can be possible through maintaining good genital hygiene, avoiding harsh soaps, wearing breathable clothing, and managing pre-existing conditions like diabetes. 

3. Can stress cause vaginal numbness?

Yes. High stress levels can compress the nerves around the pelvic floor muscles. This may lead to muscle clenching and inflammation, resulting in vaginal numbness.