VulvodyniaVulvodynia,
in the simplest of terms, means "pain of the vulva." It is defined as chronic
vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness
of the female genitalia. The cause of vulvodynia remains unknown. It may be caused
due to an injury or irritation of the nerves that supply and receive input from
the vulva, a localized hypersensitivity to yeast; an allergic response to environmental
irritants; high levels of oxalate crystals in the urine; and spasm and/or irritation
of the pelvic floor muscles. There is no evidence that vulvodynia is caused by
infection or that it is a sexually transmitted disease.
What are the symptoms of vulvodynia?
Burning sensations are most common,
however, the type and severity of vulvodynia symptoms experienced are highly individualized.
Some women describe their pain as stinging, irritation or rawness. Vulvodynia
may be constant or coming and going at intervals, localized or diffuse. The two
major subsets of the condition, Dysesthetic Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis
Syndrome (VVS), are quite different.
Dysesthetic vulvodynia is characterized by pain that is diffuse throughout
the vulvar region. It can be present in the labia majora and/or labia minora.
Sometimes it affects the clitoris, perineum, mons pubis and/or inner thighs. Women
with Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome have pain when touch or pressure is applied
to the vestibule. Women may experience pain with intercourse, tampon insertion,
gynecologic exam, bicycle riding, horseback riding, motorcycle riding and wearing
tight clothing such as jeans Regardless of the type of vulvodynia a woman has,
the disorder imposes serious limitations on a woman's ability to function and
engage in normal daily activities. Treatment
for vulvodynia.
It is important to keep in mind that the cause of vulvodynia
is unknown and that there may be multiple causes. Consequently, no one treatment
works all the time few are mentioned.
- Anti-inflammatories
-
Antihistamines local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine)
-
Tricyclic antidepressants
-
Interferon injections
-
Topical estrogen cream
- Surface
electromyography (biofeedback)
-
Calcium citrate surgery (for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome only)
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