Health Library

Vulvodynia

by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva. The vulva includes the:

  • Labia—labia majora and labia minora
  • Clitoris
  • Vaginal opening

Female Genitalia

si55550966_96472_1_vulva.jpeg
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Causes

The causes of vulvodynia are not completely known, but may include:

  • Infection
  • Changes in the vulvar tissue
  • Abnormal nerve sensation

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that increase your chance of developing vulvodynia include:

  • 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
  • History of genital warts
  • Pelvic nerve irritation or muscle spasms
  • History of sexual abuse
  • History of sexual violence

Symptoms    TOP

Vulvodynia causes the following symptoms of the vulva:

  • Pain, which may come and go
  • Burning
  • Stinging
  • Irritation
  • Rawness

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It may include a pelvic exam. Tests may include:

  • Your bodily tissues and fluids may need to be tested. This can be done with:
    • Tests to check for bacteria and/or yeast
    • Biopsy
  • The affected area may need to be examined closely. This can be done using a colposcope to magnify the area.

Treatment    TOP

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:

Medications

  • Medicines to manage pain, such as topical anesthetics, estrogen creams, corticosteroid creams, and steroidal injection
  • Medicines to manage pain and irritation, such as tricyclic antidepressants
  • Other medicines

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:

  • Interferon injections
  • Laser treatments
  • Surgery

Prevention    TOP

The causes of vulvodynia are not clearly understood. There is no known way to prevent this condition.

RESOURCES:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/For_Patients
National Vulvodynia Association
http://www.nva.org
Women's Health.gov
http://www.womenshealth.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca/indexeng.html
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/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed March 13, 2013.
Diagnosis and Management of Vulvar Skin Disorders . The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Practice Bulletin No. 93; 2008 (Reaffirmed 2010).
Vulvodynia. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydocto... . Updated August 2010. Accessed March 13, 2013.
Vulvodynia. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.n... . Updated November 30, 2012. Accessed March 13, 2013.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Andrea Chisholm, MD
Last Updated: 03/15/2013

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