VULVODYNIA

Vulvodynia is chronic discomfort at the vagina’s opening that lasts about three months and has no known cause. The irritation, burning, or pain associated with this condition may make sitting for long or having sex impossible. This condition might continue anywhere from months to years.

Moreover, if you suffer from vulvodynia, don’t allow the lack of visible symptoms or embarrassment about sharing your symptoms to prevent you from seeking treatment. There are treatment alternatives available to alleviate your discomfort. Besides, your doctor may be able to establish the reason for your vulvar discomfort; thus, it’s essential to have an examination.

SYMPTOMS

The most common vulvodynia symptom is discomfort in the area of your genitals, which may be characterized as:

  • Soreness
  • Rawness
  • Throbbing
  • Burning
  • Stinging
  • Painful intercourse
  • Itching

Your discomfort could be occasional or constant.  It might happen just when the sensitive region is touched. You may feel the pain across your vulvar region (generalized), or it may be localized to a specific place, such as your vagina’s opening.

DIAGNOSIS

Before diagnosing vulvodynia, your specialist or doctor may ask you some questions about your surgical, sexual, and medical history. Your specialist may also perform a:

  • Pelvic exam. Your doctor takes your external genitals and vagina for infection’s signs. Even if there are no visible symptoms, your doctor may collect vaginal cell samples to test for the disease.
  • Cotton swab test. Your specialist will use a moistened cotton swab to carefully inspect your vulvar region for particular, localized areas of discomfort.

TREATMENT

Treatment for vulvodynia focuses on symptom relief. A combination of therapies is the most effective for so many individuals. It may take time to find the right treatments, and after beginning therapy, it may take some time to see results.

Treatment options may include:

  • Biofeedback therapy. It may help you relax your pelvic muscles and manage your body’s response to symptoms.
  • Nerve blocks. Women with chronic pain who have tried various therapies may benefit from local nerve block injections.
  • Medications. Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and steroids may help relieve chronic pain. Some antihistamines may help.
  • Pelvic floor therapy. Many vulvodynia sufferers have tense pelvic floor muscles that support the bowel, bladder, and uterus. Relaxation exercises might help alleviate this discomfort.
  • Surgery. It is to remove the damaged tissue and skin (vestibulectomy) helps discomfort in some women with localized such conditions.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]