Sex is anything but pleasurable for women with vulvodynia. Characterized by pain during sexual intercourse, rawness, stinging, itching and burning in the vagina or vulva; vulvodynia is estimated to be experienced by 16 percent of women aged between 18 and 64. "Vulvodynia," literally means "painful vulva," which is the part of female genitalia that consists of the mons pubis, the labia, the clitoris and the vaginal opening. Women who suffer from vulvodynia may experience intermittent or constant pain which can persist for months or years.
Unfortunately, vulvodynia is difficult to diagnose. The tissue of the vulva region may appear swollen or inflamed, but more often than not, it looks normal. "Vulvodynia is diagnosed when other causes of vulvar pain, such as yeast or bacterial infections, or skin diseases, are ruled out," explained Christin Veasley, of the National Vulvodynia Association.
Making matters worse, the cause of vulvodynia is unknown. This is partly because there has been a lack of research on the disorder. According to Veasley, potential causes include:
- An injury to, or irritation of, the nerves that innervate the vulva.
- An abnormal response of different cells in the vulva to environmental factors (such as infection or trauma).
- Genetic factors associated with susceptibility to chronic vulvar vestibular inflammation.
- A localized hypersensitivity to yeast.
- Spasms of the muscles that support the pelvic organs.
There is no cure for vulvodynia, but it can be managed and treated. "Treatment is directed at symptom relief and includes drug therapy to 'block' pain signals," Veasley said. "In women who have associated pelvic floor muscle spasm or weakness, physical therapy, biofeedback and/or Botox injections may be incorporated into the treatment plan."
Some women find self-care measures to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of vulvodynia. Self-care treatments include: cold compresses, anti-histamines, the use of lubricants before sexual intercourse and avoiding triggers like hot tubs, tight-fitting undergarments and irritating soaps and detergents.
The Office of Research on Women's Health recently launched a national "Vulvodynia Awareness Campaign" which includes a website at: http://orwh.od.nih.gov/health/vulvodynia.html.
Related articles:
Vulvodynia Possibly A Neuropathic Disorder
Genital Pain More Common Than Previously Thought
Source: Society for Women's Health Research
