Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia refers to a disorder of vulvar pain, burning, and discomfort that interferes with the quality of life. These descriptions may be characteristics of a lasting pain in the area around the opening of your vagina (vulva) called vulvodynia (vul-vo-DIN-ee-uh) or chronic vulvar pain. Although the pain may be felt inside the vagina the problem is actually on the outside. The pain is usually described as a burning, stinging, itching, irritating or raw feeling. Sexual intercourse, walking, sitting or exercising can make the pain worse. Vulvar vestibulitis, a type of vulvodynia refers to pain experienced only when pressure is applied to the vestibule, the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina. Vulvodynia has also occasionally been referred to as pudendal neuralgia. The sensation of burning and soreness of the vulva can be continuous (unprovoked vulvodynia) or on light touch eg. sexual intercourse or tampon use (provoked vulvodynia). Women who have unprovoked vulvodynia were formally know as having dysaesthetic vulvodynia where pain was felt without touch. If you or someone you know is living with vulvodynia, don't hesitate to get help. Treatment options are available to lessen the pain and discomfort of vulvodynia.

Vulvodynia is one problem that can be made worse because of its delicate nature. Nothing alleviates the pain, burning and irritation, at least not for long. A recent change in the terminology of these conditions means that the description of women with vulvodynia can be more uniform amongst health professionals and patients. Experts used to believe that sexual abuse was the primary cause of vulvodynia and that vulvodynia was a psychological condition not a physical one. In this condition the sensory nerve endings appear to become much more sensitive so that even light touching of the skin triggers an unpleasant and painful sensation. It can impair one's ability to work, engage in physical activity, and participate in a social life. These limitations can negatively affect self-image and may sometimes lead to depression. Sexual abuse in no longer considered the cause of vulvodynia, although a past experience of abuse may influence a woman's attitudes about her body and the course of her treatment.

Causes of Vulvodynia

The common Causes of Vulvodynia :

• An injury to, or irritation of, the nerves that innervate the vulva.
• Allergies or a localized hypersensitivity of the skin.
• Spasms of the muscles that support the pelvic organs.
• Muscle spasms.
• An allergic response to environmental irritants.
• Injury to or irritation of the nerves surrounding your vulvar region
• Frequent use of antibiotic medicines.
• A localized hypersensitivity to candida.
• High levels of oxalate crystals in the urine.
• Previous laser treatments or surgery on the external genitals.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia

Some common Symptoms of Vulvodynia :

• Burning.
• Throbbing.
• Itching.
• burning.
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
• Swollen feeling.
• Soreness.
• Rawness.
• Vaginal secretions burn.
• Change in body image.
• Stinging .

Treatment of Vulvodynia

• Try to avoid using soap in the genital area. Just wash with water. Don't use creams, petroleum jelly, bubble baths, bath oils or feminine deodorant sprays. Be careful not to let shampoo drip on the genital area when showering or bathing.
• Topicals, oral, and injectable medication that include anesthetics, estrogens, tricyclic antidepressants compounded into a topical form or systemic, local steroids.
• Wear only all-cotton underwear and loose clothing. Avoid wearing pantyhose.
• Don't wear tight-fitting clothing or jeans. Don't sit around in a wet swimsuit for a long time.
• Use only white, unbleached toilet tissue and 100% cotton sanitary products (tampons and pads).
• Try to avoid using contraceptive devices and contraceptive creams that might irritate your genital area.
• Creams that contain estrogen or cortisone can help alleviate the pain.
• Wash new underwear before wearing. Always rinse underwear thoroughly after washing to remove soap residue.

Women's Health

Adenomyosis
Ahumada-Del Castillo Syndrome
Anovulatory cycles
Asherman's syndrome
Atrophic vaginitis
Bacterial vaginosis
Baker's Cyst
Bartholion gland cyst
Candida infection
Cervical Ectropion
Cervical Erosion
Cervical mucous
Cervical polyp
Cystocele
Cystocoele
Dermoid Cysts
Dry vagina
Endometriosis
Enterocoele
Fibroids
Ganglion cysts
Gonorrhoea
Hydrometrocolpos
Hysteria
Lactose intolerance
Laryngitis
Legionnaire's disease
Leprosy
Leptospirosis
Leucorrhoea
Leukaemia
Lice infestation
Lichen planus
Lipoma
Liver cirrhosis
Mittelschmerz
Nabothian gland cyst
Oestogen dominance
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pilonidal cyst
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Popliteal cysts
Rectocoele
Sebaceous cysts
Trichomonas infection
Urethral caruncle
Urethrocoele
Vaginal atrophy
Vaginitis
Vulvodynia
Wernicke korsakoff synodrome