Did I Get Permanent Clitoral/Vulvar Damage? Please help!

Hello Doctor,

I am a 20-year-old, female virgin, and I have masturbated almost all of my life. Around the age of 15, I started getting pain in the clitoral area and I didn't know why. In the past (and even a few days ago) I have often rubbed my clitoris/labia for such long periods of time (mostly over underwear/clothes) to the point of pain (I still got orgasms anyway). I never used a vibrator for over 15 minutes or so, and never directly on the clitoris. There are times where I have a constant soreness in the area that gets worse with tight pants.

Earlier this year, my boyfriend at the time poked my clitoris (over my thin underwear) with a fair amount of force (when I told him not to beforehand) and I ended up crying. It hurt a fair amount, but it was not super severe and I didn't see any bleeding (I was wearing black underwear but never saw anything while wiping afterward).

I went to the gynecologist and asked about my pain (didn't mention the ex-boyfriend's actions), and she noticed a lot of smegma. I had no idea I even had it. She instructed me on how to remove it, and after I removed the smegma between my labia minora and labia majora, I felt a bit better. However, I do not know how to reach or see my clitoris and its smegma, so when I went back to the doctor she looked and poked around in the area and said I have a tight clitoral hood. She just said the labia minora was super sensitive and I needed to put lube on it and "desensitize it" a bit with a Q-tip and maybe get pleasure from oral sex there, not a hand.

I'm wondering, did my excessive masturbation and the poke from my ex-boyfriend permanently damage my clitoral/vulvar nerves? I don't mind taking a break from sexual activity but I'd be devastated if I lost any capacity to feel. I hope I can get big orgasms there again without worrying about pain. Also, I have recently gotten tested for STDs and am negative for everything: viral and bacterial.

I'm really scared. Please help, doctor.

[Minoo Bhagia, MD]

Dear CuriousStudent,

Thanks for the query.

After reading your symptoms I have come to the conclusion that you should not stress too much. Listen to your body. White stuff under clitoris is usually sebum and comes repeatedly as soon as you wash it. Leave it alone or clean it gently with baby wipes which are non fragrant. Do not shave in the area. Everything takes time to heal up.

Take at least 8 hrs sleep. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and too much sugar. You can also take zinc supplements. I do not think there is any permanent nerve damage in your clitoral vulvar area. You can follow your doctor’s advice as that will speed up the healing of any local injury. In addition, you can also apply creams for yeast like flagyl or monistat.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Minoo Bhagia

[CuriousStudent]

Thank you for your prompt and detailed response.

So, even if I ever used a vibrator on that area for over 30 minutes on high, I still wouldn't get permanent damage down there? I have used one for a considerable amount of time, though I'm not sure if I have ever exceeded 15 minutes.

[Minoo Bhagia, MD]

Dear Curiousstudent,

Continuous irritation at one place may be harmful as it can cause erosions and ulcers. I’d advise you to stop using it for few months. When it heals properly then you can try it but not very frequently.

Follow the lifestyle changes as suggested. In case your symptoms are not resolved neurotransmitter medicines can help you.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Minoo Bhagia