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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%5FPatients

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://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia.html . Updated August 2010. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Vulvodynia. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vulvodynia/Pages/default.aspx . Updated November 30, 2012. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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