What does a vulvodynia look like?
You might feel the pain in your entire vulvar area (generalized), or the pain might be localized to a certain area, such as the opening of your vagina (vestibule). Vulvar tissue might look slightly inflamed or swollen. More often, your vulva appears normal.
Is vulvodynia a neurological condition?
It can also affect the area around the urethra and the top of the legs and inner thighs. The pain involved in vulvodynia is neuropathic, which means it stems from abnormal signals from the nerve fibers in the vulval area. The nerve endings are hypersensitive. It may be constant or intermittent.
Is vulvodynia caused by nerve damage?
Some research suggests that women with vulvodynia may have been born with more nerve endings in the area around and between their urethra and vagina (called the vestibule), and if these nerves become damaged, the area becomes hypersensitive.
What does a vulvodynia flare up feel like?
It is usually described as a sensation of burning, stinging, itching or rawness. Vulvodynia is defined as pain that lasts more than three months and doesn’t have a clear identifiable cause, such as an infection or a skin disorder.
What can be mistaken for vulvodynia?
Patients with vulvodynia are often misdiagnosed as having an infectious vaginitis.
How do doctors test for vulvodynia?
Your doctor visually examines your external genitals and vagina for signs of infection or other causes of your symptoms. Even if there’s no visual evidence of infection, your doctor might take a sample of cells from your vagina to test for an infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
What nerve causes vulvodynia?
The genitofemoral nerve transmits sensory signals to the anterior vulva and the labia majora. Types of Neuropathic Pain Many physicians have conceptualized vulvodynia as neuropathic (nerve) pain, which can be classified as one of the following three types.
What nerves are affected in vulvodynia?
The vulva and vulvar vestibule: the vulva is the external female genitalia, which includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoral hood, clitoris, and vestibule. The vulva is innervated by the anterior labial branches of the ilioinguinal nerve, genitofemoral nerve, and branches of the pudendal nerves.
How do u know if u have vulvodynia?
Symptoms of vulvodynia
- burning, stinging, throbbing or sore.
- triggered by touch, such as during sex or when inserting a tampon.
- constantly in the background.
- worse when sitting down.
- limited to part of the vulva, such as the opening of the vagina.
How do you test for vulvodynia?
Pelvic exam
- Pelvic exam. Your doctor visually examines your external genitals and vagina for signs of infection or other causes of your symptoms.
- Cotton swab test. Your doctor uses a moistened cotton swab to gently check for specific, localized areas of pain in your vulvar region.
What happens if vulvodynia is left untreated?
Impact on Quality of Life
Vulvodynia can cause significant physical, sexual and psychological distress. Women who suffer with vulvodynia report difficulties exercising, being intimate and taking part in other daily activities. Even sitting for long periods of time can trigger vulvar pain episodes in some women.
Will I have vulvodynia forever?
Yes, vulvodynia may last a lifetime and can be severe or mild. Women suffer with the simple activities like sitting for prolonged periods or struggle with more complex issues like having pain with sex or in between periods.
What is the best medicine for vulvodynia?
Tricyclic antidepressants should be considered for the treatment of vulvodynia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin (Neurontin) should be considered for symptomatic relief of vulvodynia. Cognitive behavioral therapy should be used to decrease vulvar pain with intercourse.
What foods should be avoided with vulvodynia?
According to the Vulval Pain Society, following a diet low in oxalate salts can ease symptoms of vulvodynia. Foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, bran flakes and nut butters, as well as the surprising foods that make sex painful.
What vitamins help with vulvodynia?
Soy, goat dairy, and gluten all caused flare ups of her vulvodynia throughout the process. Eliminating those items and supplementing with magnesium, vitamin D3, probiotics, vitamin B12, and omega-3 allowed the patient to be symptom free of both vulvodynia and IBS for 6 months post-treatment.
What is the best treatment for vulvodynia?
What foods trigger vulvodynia?
How do I beat vulvodynia?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Try cold compresses or gel packs.
- Soak in a sitz bath.
- Avoid tightfitting pantyhose and nylon underwear.
- Avoid hot tubs and soaking in hot baths.
- Don’t use deodorant tampons or pads.
- Avoid activities that put pressure on your vulva, such as biking or horseback riding.
- Wash gently.