Understanding Vulval Pain and Treatment
If you have pain localized to the outer part of the vagina, you may have Vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is pain that lasts for 3 months or longer and is not caused by an infection, skin disorder, or other medical condition.
What is Vulval Pain (Vulvodynia)?
If you have pain localized to the outer part of the vagina, you may have Vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is pain that lasts for 3 months or longer and is not caused by an infection, skin disorder, or other medical condition.
What are the (possible) causes of Vulvodynia?
A definitive cause is not understood. Some of these factors may include the following:
- Damage or irritation of the nerves of the vulva
- Inflammation of the vulva
- Long-term reactions to certain infections in the past
- Certain genetic disorders
- Sensitivity to certain foods
- Dysfunction of the muscles of the pelvic floor
- Conditions that affect nearby muscles or bones
What are the symptoms of Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia most commonly is described as burning, stinging, irritation, and rawness. Aching, soreness, throbbing, and swelling also may be felt. Painful sexual intercourse is also a common symptom. The entire vulva may be painful or pain may be centred in a specific area eg. Vestibule. Symptoms can start and stop without warning, or they may occur only when the area is touched. It may be triggered only by touch, be limited to specific areas of the vulva, or affect the entire surface. While the vulva often looks normal with vulvodynia, it may also be swollen or inflamed.
How vulvodynia is diagnosed and treated?
If you have vulvar pain, your gynaecologist will try to rule out the most common causes of vulvar pain first. You may be asked questions about your symptoms, sexual history, and medical and surgical history. You may be asked when symptoms occur, what treatments you have tried, and whether you have any allergies, chronic infections, or skin problems.
Your gynaecologist also will examine the vulva and vagina carefully. A vaginal swab may be taken. Your gynaecologist may use a cotton swab to touch areas of the vulva. The goal is to find where the pain is and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe.
Once vulvodynia is diagnosed, treatment depends on the factors causing the pain.
We offer various types of treatment which include pain-relieving creams, and medications, in some cases Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections or Botox or Pudendal Block are offered.
If you’re ready to be free of the pain of vulvodynia, please contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 to book an appointment or www.rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au
