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What is Vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is defined as chronic pain in the vulva. The pain can range from mild to extreme, sometimes resulting in sores or bumps - large or small - beneath the surface of the skin. The pain can feel like a stabbing pain, or a burning pain. Many women who suffer from vulvodynia also have a syndrome known as vulvar vestibulitis, which pain occurs at specific points in the vulvar vestibule, which is the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina.

Women who suffer from vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis usually have very dry skin around the vulva which can tear easily. These tiny tears are known as fissures. In some cases, the pain, bumps, and sores can travel to the opening around the urethra, which can cause burning after urination.

Vulvodynia is not a disease. It is a condition, much like getting a headache, or feeling nauseated. There is no infection of the skin, etc. associated with vulvodynia. The basic types of vulvodynia:
  • Generalized (also known as Dysesthetic) Vulvodynia - pain may be in more than one area at different times, and can be a constant, steady pain, or it may ebb and flow.
  • Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome - pain is only in the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina, and occurs upon touch or pressure being applied to the area.

Conditions that cause chronic vulvar pain and may occur simultaneously with vulvodynia:
  • Cyclic Vulvovaginits - recurrent burning and itching during the menstrual cycle. Yeast infections are common.
  • Vulvar Dermatoses - allergies that cause itching and burning.

The causes of vulvodynia are not entirely known, but contributing factors include:
  • Injury to nerves within the vulva
  • Infection or some type of trauma to the vulva
  • Genetics
  • Yeast infections
  • Muscle spasms in the pelvic area

There is no cure for vulvodynia. There are many ways to treat it, which include:
  • Local anesthetics
  • Injections
  • Nerve blockades
  • Topical creams
  • Discontinuation of all topical medications, douches, soaps, etc. that can cause irritation
  • Medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Pelvic Floor Therapy
  • Changes in diet
  • Surgery
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