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Vulvodynia is defined as chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of your vagina (vulva) that lasts at least three months and has no identified cause. The pain, burning, or irritation associated with vulvodynia can make sitting for lengthy periods of time or having intercourse impossible. The disease might continue anywhere from months to years.
If you suffer vulvodynia, don't let the lack of apparent symptoms or your embarrassment about sharing your issues prevent you from obtaining treatment. There are treatment alternatives available to alleviate your suffering. In addition, your doctor may be able to establish the source of your vulvar pain, thus it's critical to have an examination.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VULVODYNIA?
The most common vulvodynia symptom is pain in the vaginal area, which can be described as:
- Burning
- Soreness
- Stinging
- Rawness
- Intercourse that is painful (dyspareunia)
- Throbbing
- Itching
Your pain could be continual or intermittent. It could happen only when the sensitive area is touched (provoked). The pain may be felt across your vulvar area (generalized), or it may be localized to a specific area, such as the opening of your vagina (vestibule).
Vulvar tissue may appear inflamed or enlarged. Your vulva appears normal most of the time.
Vestibulodynia, a related disorder, causing pain solely when pressure is given to the area surrounding the entrance of your vagina.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VULVODYNIA?
Doctors do not know what causes vulvodynia, although the following conditions may have a role:
- Irritation or injury to the nerves surrounding your vulvar area
- Previous vaginal infections
- Allergies or skin sensitivity
- Changes in hormones
- Spasms or weakening in the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and bowel.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF VULVODYNIA?
Vulvodynia can cause emotional problems since it is unpleasant and annoying, and it might prevent you from wanting sex. Fear of having sex, for example, might produce spasms in the muscles surrounding your vagina (vaginismus). Other potential issues include:
- Anxiety
- Sexual impotence
- Changes in body image
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Disruptions in sleep
- Reduced quality of life
HOW IS VULVODYNIA DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical, sexual, and surgical history, as well as the location, type, and intensity of your symptoms, before diagnosing vulvodynia.
Your doctor may also perform the following tests:
- Pelvic examination: Your doctor looks for evidence of infection or other reasons of your symptoms in your external genitals and vagina. Even if there is no visible infection, your doctor may take a sample of vaginal cells to test for an infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
- Cotton swab test: Your doctor will use a wet cotton swab to gently inspect your vulvar region for particular, localized areas of pain.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR VULVODYNIA?
Treatment for vulvodynia focuses on symptom relief. There is no single remedy that works in every situation. A mix of therapy works best for many people. It can take time to locate the correct therapy, and it can take awhile to feel relief after starting a treatment.
Among the treatment options are:
- Medications: Chronic pain can be alleviated with steroids, tricyclic antidepressants, or anticonvulsants. Antihistamines may help with itching.
- Pelvic floor therapy: Many women who have vulvodynia have tension in the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and intestine. Relaxation exercises for those muscles can help relieve vulvodynia pain.
- Surgery: Surgery to remove the damaged skin and tissue (vestibulectomy) helps discomfort in some women with localized vulvodynia or vestibulodynia.
- Biofeedback therapy: This therapy can help you relieve pain by teaching you how to relax your pelvic muscles and control how your body reacts to symptoms.
- Local anesthetics: Temporary symptom alleviation can be achieved with medications such as lidocaine ointment. To alleviate your discomfort, your doctor may advise you to apply lidocaine 30 minutes before sexual intercourse. When you use lidocaine ointment, your partner may experience transient numbness following sexual intercourse.
- Nerve blocks: Local nerve block injections may be beneficial for women who have chronic pain that has not responded to other therapies.
HOME REMEDIES FOR VULVODYNIA
The following suggestions may assist you in managing vulvodynia symptoms:
- Use cold compresses or gel packs to relieve pain. To relieve discomfort and irritation, apply them immediately to your external genital area.
- Take a sitz bath. Sit in comfortable, lukewarm (not hot) or cool water with Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal for five to ten minutes two to three times a day.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting pantyhose or nylon underwear. Tight clothing inhibits airflow to your genital area, which can cause irritation due to increased temperature and dampness. To enhance ventilation and dryness, wear white cotton underwear. Try sleeping without your underpants on one night.
- Avoid using hot tubs and taking hot baths. Spending time in hot water might cause pain and itchiness.
- Use no deodorant tampons or pads. The deodorant may cause irritation. If the pads irritate you, switch to 100% cotton pads.
- Activities that create pressure on your vulva, such as biking or horseback riding, should be avoided.
- Wash with care. Scrubbing the affected region harshly or washing it too frequently can aggravate the irritation. Instead, gently clean your vulva with simple water and pat the region dry. After bathing, establish a protective barrier with a preservative-free emollient, such as basic petroleum jelly.
- Make use of lubricants. Apply lubricant before having sex if you're sexually active. Avoid using items containing alcohol, flavoring, or warming or cooling ingredients.