Vulvodynia
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
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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
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
Vulvodynia causes the following symptoms of the vulva:
- Pain, which may come and go
- Burning
- Stinging
- Irritation
- Rawness
Diagnosis
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
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
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
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