Vulvodynia refers to pain in the area of the vulva and vaginal opening.
Vulvodynia is considered to be pain for which there is no known cause.
It is different from pain that is located deep in the pelvis or internally in the vagina. This article focuses on pain in the vulvar region and at the opening (introitus) of the vagina.
Vulvodynia can be chronic and can last for years in some women. The degree of severity varies among women. It often occurs in the absence of physical signs or visible abnormalities. It can be severe and can interfere with sexual activity and cause painful intercourse ( dyspareunia).
Some theories suggest that vulvodynia may be related to damage or irritation of nerves, abnormal responses to irritation or inflammation, allergic reactions, muscle spasms, a history of sexual abuse, or frequent use of antibiotics.
Familial or genetic factors have also been suggested to play a role in vulvodynia. Unfortunately, the exact cause has not been determined and most women have no known contributing factors.
Symptoms of vulvodynia include pain that can be perceived as burning or
stinging. The pain may also have an aching or throbbing nature. Sometimes,
itching is associated with the pain.
The pain may be constant or it may come and go. It can occur during certain activities including sex or exercise. It may also occur at rest. Some women report pain that is localized to one side or one area of the vulva, while others have more generalized and widespread pain.
There are usually no physical signs or changes that accompany vulvodynia, but sometimes there is evidence of inflamed skin.
Since the cause is poorly understood, it is difficult to predict who is at
risk for vulvodynia. It can affect women of all ages and races. It can begin as
early as adolescence and can occur both before and after
menopause.
Some of the
medications that have been useful include:
Biofeedback training and pelvic floor exercises have been helpful for some women. Finally, surgical removal of affected tissue can be of benefit in women with vulvodynia due to vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, a particular type of vulvodynia that is located at the area of the hymenal ring.
Home remedies and self-care measures for vulvodynia can bring relief for many women. Some
self-care measures to relieve the pain of vulvodynia include:
The pain of vulvodynia can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities and sexual intercourse. It can make women feel a loss of control their bodies, causing profound emotional and physical discomfort.
It is different from pain that is located deep in the pelvis or internally in the vagina. This article focuses on pain in the vulvar region and at the opening (introitus) of the vagina.
Vulvodynia can be chronic and can last for years in some women. The degree of severity varies among women. It often occurs in the absence of physical signs or visible abnormalities. It can be severe and can interfere with sexual activity and cause painful intercourse ( dyspareunia).
Causes Of Vaginal Pain
It is unclear why some women develop vulvodynia. It is not thought to be related to sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), although some women with vulvodynia have had multiple STDs.Some theories suggest that vulvodynia may be related to damage or irritation of nerves, abnormal responses to irritation or inflammation, allergic reactions, muscle spasms, a history of sexual abuse, or frequent use of antibiotics.
Familial or genetic factors have also been suggested to play a role in vulvodynia. Unfortunately, the exact cause has not been determined and most women have no known contributing factors.
Symptoms and Characteristic Of Vaginal Pain
The pain may be constant or it may come and go. It can occur during certain activities including sex or exercise. It may also occur at rest. Some women report pain that is localized to one side or one area of the vulva, while others have more generalized and widespread pain.
There are usually no physical signs or changes that accompany vulvodynia, but sometimes there is evidence of inflamed skin.
Risk Factors For Vaginal Pain
Medications And Treatment Of Vaginal Pain
- Topical estrogen creams
- Topical or local anesthetics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications are sometimes useful in managing chronic pain)
Biofeedback training and pelvic floor exercises have been helpful for some women. Finally, surgical removal of affected tissue can be of benefit in women with vulvodynia due to vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, a particular type of vulvodynia that is located at the area of the hymenal ring.
Home Remedies For Vaginal Pain And Vulvodynia
- Rinsing the area with cool water, particularly after urination and sexual activity
- Soaking in cool or warm sitz baths
- Using topical ice packs wrapped in a towel
- Heating pad use, in contrast, may help some women
- Using mild, unscented soaps and detergent
- Using white, unscented toilet tissue
- Wearing white cotton underwear
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding stockings or pantyhose
- Avoiding pools or hot tubs with chlorinated water
- Using a water-soluble lubricant during sexual intercourse
- Avoiding activities such as bicycling, that put pressure on the vulvar area
- Keeping the vulvar area dry and clean
- Avoiding food that can make the urine more irritating to the skin of the genital area. These foods include beans, berries, nuts, and chocolate
- Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching, particularly at night
The pain of vulvodynia can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities and sexual intercourse. It can make women feel a loss of control their bodies, causing profound emotional and physical discomfort.
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