Definition
Definition
Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva. The vulva includes the:
- Labia majora and labia minora
- Clitoris
- Vaginal opening
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Causes
Causes
The cause of vulvodynia
is not known. Some possibilities include:
- Injury or irritation of vulvar nerves
- Inflammed tissue
- Abnormal response to infection or trauma
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Vulvodynia is more common in women who are younger. Other factors that may increase the chance of vulvodynia include:
- History of vulvodynia
- Chronic pain or disorders associated with chronic pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Some mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
- Recurrent yeast infections
- Frequent use of antibiotics
- Irritation to the genitals by soaps or detergents
- Genital rashes
- Previous treatment or surgery to the external genitals
- Pelvic nerve irritation or muscle spasms
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain, which may come and go
- Burning
- Stinging
- Irritation
- Rawness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It may include a pelvic exam. The affected area may need to be examined closely. This can be done using a colposcope to magnify the area.
Testing may include:
- Tests to check for bacteria and/or yeast
- Biopsy
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Medications
- Topical medications that are applied to the skin, such as corticosteroids, estrogen, or anesthetics
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Prescription pain relievers
Physical Therapy
Therapy can help you strengthen and relax your pelvic muscles. This will ease muscle spasms. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in pelvic floor issues.
Other Treatments
Suggested treatments for vulvodynia include:
- Injections
- Nerve stimulation or nerve blocks
- Surgery
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent vulvodynia.
RESOURCES:
National Vulvodynia Association http://www.nva.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org
References:
What is vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association website. Available at:
http://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia
Accessed June 26, 2013.
Vulvodynia. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia.html
Updated August 2010. Accessed June 26, 2013.
Vulvodynia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated September 25, 2013. Accessed June 26, 2013.
Vulvodynia. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vulvodynia/Pages/default.aspx
Updated April 3, 2013. Accessed June 26, 2013.
4/7/2014 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance.
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Reed BD, Legocki LJ, Plegue MA, Sen A, Haefner HK, Harlow SD. Factors associated with vulvodynia incidence. Obstet Gynecol. 2014;123(2.1):225-231.
Last Updated: 4/7/2014