Pain in the Vulva, Possibly Vulvodynia

Have you ever felt discomfort in the vulva? The vulva is the tissue around the vaginal opening, including the labia and clitoris. When someone experiences pain in that area, a person may experience a condition called vulvodynia. For clarity, let's see the explanation in this article!

Definition of Vulvodynia

Pain that is felt in the vulva and lasts for at least 3 months or more is called vulvodynia. According to Healthline, about 16% of women in the United States experience vulvodynia at some point. Vulvodynia can occur in all age groups but is more common between 20 and 40. There are four main types of pain in the vulva, namely:

1. Common vulvodynia

Vulvar pain that occurs spontaneously mimics the general symptoms of vulvar pain and persists for months or even years.

2. Local vulvodynia

Vulvar pain only occurs in certain areas, for example, pain in the folds or lips of the vagina, and the symptoms often come and go.

3. Cyclic vulvodynia

Vulvar pain comes and goes with your period and is worst if it starts right before your period.

4. Vestibulodynia

Vulvar pain is felt at the opening or vestibule of the vagina.

Symptoms

A person can experience symptoms of vulvodynia at any time, and it can come and go. It can also occur in the entire vulva or specific areas. Triggers for symptoms can also be due to touch or objects entering the vagina, such as during sex, inserting tampons, pelvic exams, wearing tight pants, or sitting for a long time. Common symptoms of vulvodynia are:

• Burning, stabbing, and throbbing pain
• Episodes of persistent pain
• Sitting makes it worse.
• Pain is not only around the vulva but can spread to all intimate organs and even the anus.

Causes

Vulvar pain can not be explained with certainty. Yet this condition is not contagious and is not caused by sex. Dietary changes can reduce the trigger by reducing caffeine and sugary, ultra-processed, and acidic foods. Several factors can cause vulvodynia, including:

• Vulvar nerve damage
• Recurrent fungal infection or inflammation
• Genetic abnormalities
• Pelvic muscle problems
• Trauma, physical or sexual, such as abuse
• Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Hormone therapy

Vulvar pain can be caused by having experienced sexual abuse.

Treatment

Vulvar pain can be treated medically with medications prescribed by a doctor. If it is severe, surgery may be recommended. In addition, lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent vulvar pain. The goal is to reduce the trigger factor.

Here are some tips that can be done to care for the vulva:

• Use cotton underwear as it is more absorbent.
• Avoid wearing tight pants or skirts.
• It is best to sleep without underwear.
• Do not clean the vulva with soap or perfume products on the market. Only clean water is sufficient.
• Use tampons or pads that are free of fragrance (fragrance-free)
• Use lubricants during sex and ensure the intimate organs are not dry.
• If it hurts, try switching sex positions to be more comfortable.
• Wash and dry the vulva after urinating and wipe from the anus to prevent bacteria from entering.
• Avoid stress, as this makes the pain worse.

Wear breathable underwear

Those are some points to know about vulvodynia. Don't worry, this condition is not necessarily serious, and many ways exist to avoid it. If you do, there are effective medical treatments for vulvodynia. You can also contact specialist doctors from Fitie online, Ladies!

References:

Healthline. (2019). Vulvar Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and More. [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vulvar-pain 

Medical News Today. (2017). Vulvodynia: What you need to know. [Online] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189076 

National Health Service. (2019). Vulvodynia (vulval pain). [Online] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/ 

Planned Parenthood. (No date) Vulvodynia. [Online] https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sexual-dysfunction/vulvodynia