Vulvodynia Treatment

Vulvodynia is a condition involving chronic vaginal pain. The pain is generally felt in the vulva and the urethra. However, the pain can be more specific to just one area, such as the vaginal opening (vestibule). Often, there is no consistent cause for the pain, and there may be no visible signs that there is an issue, but there are also instances of slight swelling and inflammation in and around the genital area. Some of the possible causes of vulvodynia include:

• Injury or irritation to area nerves
• Infection or trauma
• Yeast infections
• Allergies to chemicals, body washes, laundry detergent or scented toilet paper
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Frequent use of antibiotics
• Sexual abuse

Vulvodynia Prevalence

The onset of vulvodynia is usually sudden and can begin as early as a woman's teen years, though it does not seem to be age specific. Estimates of women suffering from vulvodynia range from 200,000 to six million. The reason that the numbers range so widely is because many women are often too embarrassed to tell their healthcare providers about it. The condition can be exacerbated by diabetes, as well as tampons.

Vulvodynia Symptoms

The most common symptom of vulvodynia is a burning pain in the vulva area. The pain may be consistent or infrequent and can last from months to years and then suddenly disappear. Additional symptoms can include:

• Stinging, rawness or burning
• Painful intercourse
• Throbbing
• Itching

Various activities can also increase the pain such as walking, biking, and other forms of exercise. In severe cases, many women report feeling out of control and even unable to socialize because of how negatively Vulvodynia is impacting their lives.

Vulvodynia Diagnosis and Treatment

While there is presently no known cure for vulvodynia, there are several traditional and alternative treatment options available. It may be necessary to try a combination of several treatment plans to experience relief.
Popular treatment options include:

• Physical therapy that strengthens pelvic muscles and helps reduce muscle spasms
• Oral pain medications
• Topical medications
• Wear loose fitting clothing and avoid pantyhose
• Avoid getting shampoo in that area when showering or bathing
• Avoid hot tubs and pools with high chlorine
• Rinse the genital area after urination and keep clean and dry
• Baking soda douche
• Relaxation techniques

A few dietary alterations that may help include:

• Taking coconut oil supplements
• Drinking coconut kefir (fermented coconut water)
• Drinking a mixture of baking soda, organic apple cider vinegar and water, thought to neutralize pH and reduce acidosis
• Avoiding berries, chocolate and beans, thought to decrease pain upon urination

If lifestyle changes or prescription medications don't bring relief, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery to remove painful tissue.

Request more information about vulvodynia treatment today. Call (408) 946-9453 or contact us online.

Author

Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG As an expert in preventive care, innovative treatment solutions, and laparoscopic surgery, board-certified OB/GYN Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG, is a trusted practitioner who’s been in private practice since 1985. Dr. Zikria earned his doctor of medicine from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark. He went on to complete a competitive surgical residency program at Georgetown University in Washington. Dr. Zikria then went through a comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology residency program through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at the Magee-Women’s Hospital. He welcomes new and existing patients to his practice in Milpitas, California.