Vulvodynia Symptoms

Overview

Vulvodynia (“vul-vo-din-ee-a”) is chronicpain or discomfort of the female genitals (the space close the surface of the vagina) that lasts for 3 months or longer with none proof of different skin or gynecological causes. Vulvodynia is sometimes characterised by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the world. The most common complaint is a burning sensation.

Vulva Anatomy

• Labia—the folds just outside the vaginal opening
• Vestibule—the portion of skin at the duct gap that contains the gap of the duct, channel and lubricating glands
• Perineum—the area between the vaginal opening and the anus

Some women experience discomfort of the entire vulva area (generalized pain). Others have localized pain, that affects a selected a part of the female genitals, such as the vestibule or clitoris. Symptoms may be constant or come and go. The pain may be provoked by sexual and/or nonsexual contact (e.g., inserting a tampon, during a pelvic exam, wearing tight-fitting pants), unprovoked (spontaneous), or mixed (provoked and unprovoked).

The two types of vulvodynia are:

• Generalized vulvodynia—refers to generalized, unprovoked vulvar pain.
• Vulvar vestibulitis—is characterized by pain experienced when pressure is applied to the area surrounding the vaginal opening. In this case, the repeated fanny pain is also triggered by sexuality, tampon insertion or gynecological exams, or when wearing tight-fitting pants or even when sitting

It is estimated that up to 16 percent of women—roughly 13 million—will suffer with chronic vulvar pain at some point in their lives. Still, vulvodynia remains poorly understood and is usually misdiagnosed.

Many women suffer with unexplained fanny pain for months—even years—before an accurate diagnosing is formed associated an acceptable treatment set up is set. A Harvard study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that sixty % of girls that suffer from the condition consult a minimum of 3 health care professionals in seeking a diagnosis, and 40 percent of those still remained undiagnosed. The study emphasizes however vital it’s for ladies to be persistent in seeking associate correct diagnosing so that they will receive acceptable treatment.

While vulvodynia affects ladies of all age teams, the onset of symptoms is most common among women between the ages of 18 and 25. This risk drops considerably in those thirty five years and older. Although vulvodynia was once thought to have an effect on principally Caucasian ladies, recent studies have shown that Hispanic and African yankee ladies ar equally possible to develop the condition.

Causes and Risk Factors

There is no straightforward answer to the question, “What causes vulvodynia?” We do know that it is not caused by infection, the human papillomavirus (HPV) or other sexually transmitted diseases, cancer or neurologic disorders. It can only be diagnosed after other causes of vulvar pain, such as yeast infections, have been ruled out.

Early difficulty or pain when using tampons appears to predict those at high risk for future vulvodynia.

Research shows the following may contribute to vulvodynia:

• pelvic nerve damage or irritation
• spasms or weakness of the muscles that support the pelvic organs
• abnormal response of cells in the vulva to environmental factors, such as infection or injury
• allergies to certain detergents or soaps
• altered hormone receptor expression in the vulvar tissue
• genetic factors, including susceptibility to inflammation
• recurrent yeast infections
• previous laser treatments or surgery external to the vagina

Impact on Quality of Life

Vulvodynia will cause important physical, sexual and psychological distress. Women who are suffering with vulvodynia report difficulties exercise, being intimate and taking part in other daily activities. Even sitting for long periods of your time will trigger female genitalia pain episodes in some ladies.

According to an NIH-funded study done at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and reported by the National Vulvodynia Association:

• Seventy-five percent of women with vulvodynia feel “out of control” of their bodies.
• Sixty percent say the condition interferes with their enjoyment of life.

Almost two out of three (60 percent) cannot have sexual intercourse because of the pain. The sheer anticipation of female genitalia pain will heighten anxiety and lead many ladies to avoid sexual issues. Refraining from sex not only affects a woman’s self-image, but it may also result in spasms of the muscles around the vagina (vaginismus), making it even more difficult to be intimate with her partner.

In addition, some women with vulvodynia may be burdened by other health problems, including interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatiguesyndrome, temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders and endometriosis.

Lack of awareness about this condition, coupled with the stigma frequently associated with genital disorders, makes diagnosis and treatment more challenging. As a result, many ladies area unit left not knowing why they need such severe, typically enfeebling female genitalia pain, which might strain a couple’s relationship. Some women report being told the pain is “all in your head” by health care providers, who are often unaware that vulvodynia is a common medical problem in women with long-term vulvar pain.

If untreated, chronic pain can lead to:

• low self-esteem
• anxiety
• depression
• reduced quality of life

And the severity of the pain can worsen when women with this condition are stressed, depressed or anxious.

Diagnosis

Vulvodynia is poorly understood and, as with many pain conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Vulvodynia is diagnosed once alternative causes of female genitals pain, such as infections, skin problems or neurologic disorders, are evaluated and ruled out.

Women with vulvodynia typically report having one or a lot of of the subsequent symptoms within the female genitals area:

• burning (most common symptom)
• stinging
• rawness
• aching
• throbbing
• stabbing
• soreness

To make a diagnosing, your health care professional will begin by reviewing your medical history. He or she’s going to raise you specific questions about your symptoms, treatments you may have already tried, your menstrual cycle, feminine hygiene, sexual history, previous medical problems or surgeries, as well as any medications you use (including over-the-counter medicines). You should also discuss any difficulties you have using tampons or having sexual intercourse. Your health care supplier can then do a girdle examination and thoroughly examine your female genitalia. He or she may order blood tests and/or take a sample of discharge from your vagina to check for yeast or other infections that could be causing your symptoms.

A cotton swab check is usually wont to map female genitals pain. For this analysis, your doctor will use a moist, cotton-tipped swab to place pressure on various parts of the vulva to identify the location and intensity of your pain. You will be asked to rate the extent of the pain at each site; for example, how would you describe the pain on a scale of 0 to 10 (no pain to extreme pain)? Your health care skilled might use a diagram to visually note wherever you’re feeling discomfort, as well as the degree and nature of the pain, such as burning, throbbing or stabbing.

Your doctor may use a large magnifying instrument (called a colposcope) to take a closer look at the vulvar skin. While there may be redness and inflammation, vulvar skin usually appears normal despite the occurrence of pain.
Describing Your Pain

Describing Your Pain

Be sure to clearly describe your pain, including its:

• onset (When did the pain begin, and did it start gradually or all of a sudden?)
• location (Where do you feel pain? Is it isolated to a certain part of the vulva?)
• frequency/duration (When do you feel pain? Is it constant or will it come back and go? How long have you had vulvar pain?)
• nature/type (Is it aching, burning, stabbing?)
• severity (On a scale of 0 to 10, 10 being the worst pain you can imagine, how bad has your pain been?)

Explain however chronic female genitals pain impacts your standard of living. Are there certain activities you avoid, such as exercise, use of tampons or sex? You may want to keep a pain diary with detailed information about your pain—when it occurs and for how long, things that make it better or worse and any other symptoms. This can provide important clues and will help your health care professional make a diagnosis.

Treatment

There are treatments available to provide symptom relief. These might embody a mixture of recommendation on female genitals skin care, oral and/or topical medications, physical therapy and biofeedback training, dietary modifications, counseling and, in some cases, surgery. Adjunct therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, are also being explored.

The main goals of treatment are to manage your pain, improve your quality of life (e.g., restore a healthy sex life and reduce anxiety), and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. The chronic nature and quality of vulvodynia typically need multiple treatment methods. Finding the right treatment or combination of therapies may take some time, especially because each woman’s symptoms and response to treatment are different. Your health care provider will recommend a treatment approach based on your condition(s), level of pain and preferences.

Available Treatment Options

The following section provides a snapshot of available treatments that have been beneficial in reducing pain symptoms (listed in no particular order):

Medications. Oral and/or topical medications, including topical anesthetics (lidocaine ointment), opioid pain killers (for temporary relief), estrogen, anticonvulsants, certain types of antidepressants and nerve blocks, may be prescribed for chronic pain.

Topical anesthetic ointments provide quick pain relief and comfort and may be used overnight or applied 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Low doses of antidepressant drug antidepressants is also suggested to treat vulvodynia thanks to their pain-blocking properties, particularly amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor). For many women, the tricyclic antidepressants are the initial treatment prescribed. Gabapentin and pregabalin are often considered as additional agents. A newer category of antidepressants, known as SSNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta), have also demonstrated benefit with fewer side effects for some women than the tricyclic antidepressants. Like the older tricyclic class of antidepressants, these medications can also help relieve symptoms of depression.

Ask your health care skilled regarding varied medications and their common facet effects. When using certain medications, keep in mind it can take up to six to eight weeks for symptoms to improve, and that you will not necessarily achieve complete relief.

Basic vulvar care. Some common suggestions for vulvar care include:

• wearing cotton-only underwear
• avoiding tight-fitting pants and pantyhose
• using unscented cotton pads and tampons
• keeping harsh soaps and shampoos away from the vulva area and not using douches
• applying plain petroleum (Vaseline) after cleansing to hold moisture in the skin
• using plenty of water-soluble lubrication during sexual intercourse
• patting the area dry after rinsing and urination

Diet Modifications. Talk with your provider about the pros and cons of eliminating certain types of foods from your diet, such as those high in oxalates or sugar. To test for food sensitivity and to determine which foods, if any, are affecting you, eliminate one food or food group at a time. Use a food diary to record your results—you might begin to notice an association between your symptoms and certain foods you wouldn’t have otherwise suspected.

Biofeedback trainingBiofeedback, which helps you enter a relaxed state to reduce pain, can help decrease vulvar pain by teaching you how to control specific body responses. To help cope with vulvodynia, you can use biofeedback to relax your pelvic muscles, which may contract in anticipation of pain, thus causing chronic pain. Try to notice a training program specialist with expertise treating vulvodynia

Physical therapy Some women may have associated spasms or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. To determine what may be causing your vulvar pain, a physical therapist may evaluate your pelvic floor muscles, joints and nerves in the pelvic area. Treatments may include exercises, education, biofeedback and manual therapies, such as massage. Ultrasound, hot/cold and electrical stimulation may also provide some relief. Finding a physical therapist with experience treating vulvar pain will be helpful.

Relaxation and breathing techniques. Learning to acknowledge once you ar tensing your girdle floor muscles because of stress then learning specific relaxation techniques to scale back stress and anxiety will facilitate alleviate pain.

Counseling. Vulvodynia will limit daily activities and diminish quality of life. It is not uncommon for women who suffer with chronic vulvar pain to experience depression and feelings of low self-worth. Some women find that psychological counseling helps them develop coping strategies and deal with sexual intimacy issues; for many, it is a valuable part of their overall treatment plans.

Neurostimulation and Spinal Infusion Pump. If alternative treatment forms haven’t helped and your pain is severe, your health care professional may have you consult with a professional skilled in neurostimulation or in the use of a spinal infusion pump. With neurostimulation, an electronic device delivers low-voltage electrical stimulation to a targeted nerve or the spinal cord in an attempt to substitute a tingling sensation for pain. A spinal infusion pump is an implanted device that constantly administers a small dose of medication to the spinal cord and nerve roots to help dull pain.

Surgery. girls with severe vulvodynia localized within the vestibule UN agency have didn’t notice relief with alternative remedies, may consider vestibulectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the painful tissue of the vulvar vestibule. This surgery is sometimes reserved just for girls with female genitals vestibulitis UN agency haven’t more matured additional conservative therapies and perceive that, despite the surgery, the pain might not resolve subsequently.

Prevention

1. What is vulvodynia?Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort of the female genital organ, the realm encompassing the canal gap. It is diagnosed when pain lasts for three months or longer without any evidence of other skin or gynecological disorders that might cause the pain. Up to 16 percent of women—roughly 13 million—will suffer with chronic vulvar pain at some point in their lives.
2. Do we know what causes it? Is it due to an infection?Is it due to an infection?We don’t recognize what causes vulvodynia, though it’s probably thanks to multiple factors. Some factors that will contribute ar girdle nerve injury, spasms or weakness of girdle muscles and genetic parts like condition to inflammation. We do recognize that vulvodynia isn’t caused by active infection, the human papillomavirus (HPV) or alternative sexually transmitted diseases or cancer.
3. What are the symptoms of vulvodynia?Women with vulvodynia often report having one or more of the following symptoms around the vulva:
   • burning
   • stinging
   • rawness
   • aching
   • throbbing
   • stabbing
   • soreness

   Burning sensations are most common; however, the type and severity of symptoms are highly individual. More than half ladies that suffer with chronic female genitals pain produce other health issues, as well as opening urinary tract infection, fibromyalgia, irritable internal organ syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and recurring yeast infections..

4. What triggers the pain?Some ladies expertise constant, generalized pain of the entire female genital organ space. Others have localized pain specific to at least one a part of the female genital organ that will return and go. Vulvar pain could also be triggered by sexuality, tampon insertion or gynecologic exams, or just by carrying tight pants or sitting. Take note of what things make your pain better or worse and share this information with your health care professional, so he or she has a better sense of the location and intensity of your pain and how it impacts your overall and sexual health.
5. How is it diagnosed?Vulvodynia could be a “diagnosis of exclusion.” That is, it is established after other potential causes of vulvar pain have been ruled out, including such things as yeast or bacterial infections. Most women see multiple health care suppliers before an accurate identification is formed.To diagnose vulvodynia, your doctor will first take a complete medical history, including the duration and intensity of the pain, sexual health, treatments already tried and previous medical problems and pelvic/abdominal surgeries. A pelvic exam will follow. A cotton swab check that applies pressure to varied elements of the female genital organ is usually used, especially for women whose pain is provoked by pressure on the vulva. You will be asked to rate the extent of the pain at each site so your provider can map your pain.It’s important to talk openly with your health care professional about any difficulties you have exercising, using tampons or having sexual intercourse, so he or she knows how the pain impacts your daily life.
6. What are the treatments for vulvodynia?There is no cure for vulvodynia, but there are a variety of medications and nondrug therapies. Medications may include antidepressants, local anesthetics and nerve blocks, changes to your diet, counseling and, in select cases, surgery. You might also want to ask about acupuncture, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy, which often are recommended as treatments for other conditions causing chronic pain. No single approach works for all women. It often takes time to find a treatment or combination of therapies that will adequately alleviate the pain.
7. What should I tell my partner?Many women notice it troublesome, if not impossible, to engage in vaginal penetration due to the severity of what is sometimes described as “knife-like pain.” Since this condition significantly affects your sexual relationship, it’s important to educate your partner about this condition and how it affects you, both physically and psychologically. Be honest and open about how you feel, the steps you are taking to alleviate the pain and ways your partner can support you. You may feel embarrassed to broach the subject, but it’s important for your peace of mind and for your significant other to feel involved in the process. Counseling with a sexual expert is usually useful for couples coping with vulvodynia.