Vulvodynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Share This Post

Vulvodynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Vulvodynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Vulvodynia is a condition where there is chronic discomfort or pain of the vulva (the external female genitals) which causes irritation, burning, or stinging. The discomfort can range from mild to severe, where sitting is sometimes impossible and love-making is out of the question. The precise cause of this condition is unknown, some doctors believe conditions such as frequent yeast infections, frequent antibiotic use, and genital warts may be involved. There is also a concern about lack of blood flow to the genitals as well as a lack of lubrication, which may be culprits or symptoms.

Vulvodynia Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

There are two types of vulvodynia:

Generalized vulvodynia—refers to general, unprovoked pain
Vulvar vestibulitis— this occurs when pressure is applied to the vulva and causes pain.

The primary indicator of vulvodynia is pain in the genital area, which is characterized by:
Soreness
Rawness
Burning
Stinging
Itching
Throbbing
Painful love-making and/or outercourse

The pain may be occasional or constant, lasting for months or even years, and can disappear as suddenly as it appeared. There may be pain in the entire vulvar area or it may be localized to certain areas such as the opening of the homey pot or the outer folds towards the thighs. Sometimes, the vulvar tissue will look inflamed or swollen, but it typically will appear normal in color and size.

Many of those who have vulvodynia have a history of recurrent vaginitis, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis. Some people with the condition have a history of $e*u@l abuse, but most with the condition have no obvious causation. Vulvodynia isn’t $e*u@lly transmitted nor a sign of cancer.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, in any combination, you should speak with your doctor. The doctor will get a comprehensive medical history, ask questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and then carefully examine the vulva, lady part, and it’s secretions to rule out a skin disorder or infection. There will most likely be a cotton-swab test in which they test different areas of the vulva and lady’s part for pain and you will be asked to rate the severity. If any areas of the skin appear suspicious, they may examine them with a magnifying unit or take a biopsy of the area. They will also probably have blood drawn to assess your hormone levels.

As mentioned before, there isn’t a clear cause of vulvodynia, but some contributing factors can include:
Past lady’s part infections
Allergies or sensitive skin
Hormonal changes
Injury to or irritation of the nerves surrounding the vulva and the genital region

In the meantime, here are a few home tips to help keep the vulvar pain under control:

avoid potential irritants; only use dermatologically-approved detergent and don’t use fabric softener on panties use unscented, soft toilet paper or use pH-balanced baby/bathroom wipes

don’t use shampoo or conditioner or any other kinds of soap on the vulvar area

avoid applying perfume down there, including using perfumed creams or soaps, tampons, pads

don’t use contraceptive creams or spermicides

switch from latex condoms to nitrile

when making love, have lots of foreplay and use water-soluble, pH-balanced lubricants and don’t have insertional contact every time

avoid activities that put direct pressure on the vulva such as horse-riding and bicycling

try sitting on a cool gel pack wrapped in a towel or a heating pad or a foam donut

Sources Sources Sources Sources Sources Sources

More To Explore

10 Natural Moisturizers to Treat Dry Skin.
Skin Care

10 Natural Moisturizers to Treat Dry Skin

Dry skin appears lifeless and dull due to insufficient moisture. On the other hand, a skin that is well hydrated glows and demonstrates a healthy

Lung

Natural Lung Cleansing For Chest Congestion

Natural Lung Cleansing For Chest Congestion [nextpage title=”…”] Who doesn’t love the smell of peppermint? It can instantly brighten your mood and sharpen your memory

all positive experiences

7 Cardinal Rules in Life

Quite often we are brought down and saddened by things that we have no business worrying about. There are things that are out of our

Scroll to Top