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Vulvodynia: Causes, Symtoms and Treatment

By on July 10, 2017

Are you aware of vulvodynia??

I guess most of you are hearing this term for the first time. But the truth is that most of the female suffer from it at some point in their life. Vulvodynia Is a medical term used to describe pain in vulva during intercourse. This no doubt hampers your sexual life and your relation with your partner.

Are you aware of vulvodynia

Are you aware of vulvodynia

What is vulvodynia

Any discomfort or pain of vulva- the part of female body that protects the female genitals is termed as vulvodynia.

What are the Causes of Vulvodynia

There may be a number of causes for vulvodynia. However it is mostly considered to be caused due to the hypersensitivity of skin nerve ending of vulva region. Pain in vulva may be caused due to neurological problem, infections, inflammation and carcinoma.

Causes of vulvodynia

Causes of vulvodynia

A few risk factors of vulvodynia are damage to nerves, genetic susceptibility, weak pelvic floor muscles, infection and changes in hormones. It may also be provoked by tampon insertion, intercourse, gynaecological examination, sitting for long periods, tight clothing, horse riding and cycling.

What are the Symptoms of Vulvodynia

The symptoms of vulvodynia includes stinging pain, burning, irritation and itching. The uvular tissue may appear to be inflamed. Patient may experience throbbing and aching pain along with swelling. The pain may be confined to a spot of may cover wider area including clitoris, perineum, inner thighs and mons pubis Sometimes it also effects area around urethra and inner thighs and top of the legs.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia

Symptoms of Vulvodynia

The pain may be intermittent of constant. The pain may even happen without any kind of touch or pressure. If the pain is triggered by even light touch then the condition is termed as vestibulodynia.

How is Vulvodynia Diagnosed

Diagnosisi of vulvodynia includes pelvic examination, colposcopy, cotton swab test, blood test and biopsy.

How is vulvodynia diagnosed

How is vulvodynia diagnosed

How is Vulvodynia Treated

The main aim of the treatment is to alleviate the symptoms of vulvodynia. For short term relief you may use cool gel packs. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, anticonvulsants, reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephtone. Topical anesthetic creams and lotions may also be given by your doctor.

How to Prevent Vulvonydia

Beside, the medicines you need to take some steps and make changes in your cleaning habits and life style to avoid vulvonydia in future.

How to Prevent Vulvonydia

How to Prevent Vulvonydia

To prevent vulvonydia better avoid sitting for prolong period. Avoid tampons, wear cotton panties, avoid tight clothing, avoid use of perfumed soaps and practice pelvic floor muscle exercise. Better not to use vaginal wiping, avoid douching and avoid activities that exerts pressure on vulva. Make sure while washing your vagina you are gentle. The best way to clean vagina is to clean it with plain water and then pat it dry.
Also you need to make little changes in your diet. Better avoid acidic foods, high sugar foods, processed foods and caffeine. Eat more fruits, vegetable and whoel grains and drink lots of water. And yes, do remember to apply lubricants before having sex.

Are there Home Remedies for Vulvodynia

Yes, there are two natural ways to relive the symptoms of vulvodynia. Both are dicussed below.

1.Sitz bath

Take a tub and fill it with lukewarm water. Sit in it for 10 minutes. Repeat this 2-3 times in a day to relive your symptoms.

Sitz bath

Sitz bath

2.Cold compress

Take a few ice pieces and warp them in cheese cloth. Appy it directly to external genitals for a few minutes. This will lessen your pain and irritation and itching.

Cold compress

Cold compress

Vulvonydia may effect ant female but you can easily avoid it by following the preventry methods discussed in this article. Hope you will inculcate them in your daily life along with eating healthy. Take care.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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