{"id":1528,"date":"2023-08-28T17:39:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T17:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/?p=1528"},"modified":"2023-08-28T17:39:27","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T17:39:27","slug":"vulvodynia-causes-symptoms-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/vulvodynia-causes-symptoms-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Vulvodynia &#8211; Causes, Symptoms &amp; Management"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vulvodynia can be best described as chronic pain in the vulvar area, or the genitals or vagina, with no apparent reason behind it. Vaginal and vulvar pain are generally prevalent symptoms of several conditions like skin disorders and infections. Still, vulvodynia is different, as the pain may last for months without any specific underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are experiencing vulvodynia symptoms and looking for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/gynecology-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gynecology care in Loxahatchee, FL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, consider scheduling an appointment with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/our-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">our team at Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beaches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to learn more about the condition and to find relief from the pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before that, please read this article about vulvar pain and vulvodynia to learn more about the condition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Types of Vulvodynia<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Typically, two types of vulvodynia are classified based on the origin of the discomfort:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Localized vulvodynia: In most cases, the pain will focus on a specific spot, like the clitoris or the vulvar vestibule. The condition may also be referred to as localized vulvar pain syndrome.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Generalized vulvodynia: In these instances, the discomfort isn\u2019t in a single spot, and patients experience pain in different parts of the vagina or vulva at different times. There are cases when patients feel discomfort throughout the vulva.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is also unprovoked and provoked vulvar pain. When it\u2019s provoked, then patients feel pain with activity or touch. Unprovoked vulvodynia will be painful even without touching or activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia.jpg\" alt=\"Vaginal or Urinary Infection and Problems Concept. Young Woman Holds Paper With Sad Smile Above Crotch\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Types-of-Vulvodynia.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Burden of Vulvar Pain<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Needless to say, the condition may be life-altering because:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The pain stemming from sitting in one place for prolonged periods can make it challenging to perform your job.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sexual intercourse may be impossible, which can damage your relationships.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The condition may lead to sleep deprivation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even wearing specific clothes can be painful.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the most part, patients diagnosed with the condition range from ages 20 to 60, but women may develop the condition at any age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, vulvar pain is the most prevalent cause of dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. Still, pinpointing the exact number of people with the condition is difficult. Many women simply don\u2019t seek treatment. On the other hand, diagnosing the condition may also be difficult as the exact causes are unknown, leading to misdiagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vulvodynia Symptoms and Causes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As mentioned, experts aren\u2019t exactly sure what causes vulvar pain, but they often point to potential causes like the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hormonal factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Genetic factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Inflammation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nerve injuries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reactions to past vaginal infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Weak pelvic floor muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irritation from chemicals and other harsh products.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, people with the condition are also diagnosed with other medical conditions, such as the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irritable bowel syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Painful bladder syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Temporomandibular disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fibromyalgia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">And to make matters worse, people with vulvar pain may be more susceptible to stress and other behavioral issues such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When talking about vulvodynia symptoms, they can feel different to different patients. Still, in most cases, the pain will vary from mild to severe, often feeling like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stabbing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Throbbing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rawness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stinging<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The pain may originate from a single spot or may shift to places, or may feel as if it\u2019s spread out the entire vulva.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, the pain may:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Last without stopping for months.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Be unpredictable, stopping and starting over months.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Start without any apparent reason out of the blue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Start during intercourse, running, exercise, walking, sitting, or inserting a tampon,<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Diagnosing Vulvar Pain<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vulvodynia diagnosis from your healthcare provider involves the process of eliminating other potential causes for your discomfort. This entails discussing your medical history, sexual history, and any past surgeries. Additionally, they will inquire about your specific symptoms, including the location, nature, timing, and intensity of the pain you are encountering in the vulvar area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Healthcare providers may recommend the following procedures and tests to diagnose the condition:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Infection swab tests: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are used to rule out infections that may lead to vulvar pain, such as bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, or yeast infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Physical exam: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your healthcare provider will examine your vulva and conduct a pelvic examination using a speculum to examine your vagina and cervix, which is the gateway between your vagina and uterus. They will also assess your pelvic floor muscles to pinpoint areas of discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Point-pressure testing: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is the cotton swab test in which your provider will use a cotton swab, brush it gently over your vulva, and ask when the contact starts to feel painful. It can be especially helpful in diagnosing localized vulvodynia.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In rare instances, providers may order a biopsy or a colonoscopy to rule out other medical conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Vulvodynia Treatments<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Typically, vulvodynia treatments will take time to prove effective. Often, it takes time to find the right option or the right treatment combination that will offer relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In most cases, the most prevalent vulvodynia treatments include the following approaches:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Topical medication that you can apply to the area to numb it or stabilize the nerves. In some cases, experts may recommend using estrogen-containing cremes or solutions with both progesterone and estrogen.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oral medication such as anticonvulsants and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/9301-depression-medicines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">antidepressants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to reduce nerve pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physical therapy can help loosen the muscle tension in the pelvic floor, which may also reduce the frequency of muscle spasms in this area (which are common with vulvar pain).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using nerve block injections that block pain signals from reaching your brain from the nerves.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Counseling, like sex therapy, individual sessions, or couple\u2019s counseling, may help improve the areas of your life that suffer because of the condition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vestibulectomy procedures may prove to be helpful for those diagnosed with localized vulvodynia. Providers may recommend surgery if the pain has failed to improve with any other treatments. During the intervention, surgeons remove the tissue that causes the pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments.jpg\" alt=\"Psychotherapy Concept. Sad Afro Lady Sharing Her Problems at Counselor\u2019s Office, Sitting on Couch and Emotionally Telling Something\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/168\/2023\/08\/Vulvodynia-Treatments.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, vulvodynia treatments will also revolve around pain management. Proper vulvar care and the following tips may also help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using mild soap when washing the vulva<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Epsom salt baths and colloidal oatmeal baths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using unscented and mild laundry detergents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wearing all-cotton underwear<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting enough sleep\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Implementing effective stress management and relaxation techniques.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using unflavored and unscented lubricants during intercourse.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using cold compresses or gel packs on the area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using foam donuts or other cushion types reduces pressure if you have to sit for prolonged periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, make sure to avoid:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wearing tight jeans, pants, or Pantyhose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scented tampons, toilet paper, panty liners, or pads.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using douches or irritants like bubble baths and deodorants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Horseback riding, cycling, and other activities that put unnecessary pressure on the vulva.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wearing sweaty workout clothes or wet swimsuits for too long.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Get Expert and Compassionate Support<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unfortunately, you can\u2019t prevent the condition, and there\u2019s not enough scientific evidence to know it for sure whether the condition can resolve on its own. This is why it\u2019s important to talk openly about your condition with your provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Don\u2019t feel ashamed or scared. There are treatments available that can help. Start with finding a compassionate team of experts who can help you get started on your journey of improving your life and getting your everyday joy back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On that note, contact us today. Our expert staff is more than ready to help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vulvodynia can be best described as chronic pain in the vulvar area, or the genitals or vagina, with no apparent reason behind it. Vaginal and vulvar pain are generally prevalent symptoms of several conditions like skin disorders and infections. Still, vulvodynia is different, as the pain may last for months without any specific underlying cause.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1529,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[248],"tags":[252,172,249,250,251],"class_list":["post-1528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vulvodynia","tag-pain-in-vulvar-area","tag-vulvar-pain","tag-vulvodynia","tag-vulvodynia-symptoms","tag-vulvodynia-treatments"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1528","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1528"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1528\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/comprehensive-obgyn-palm-beaches\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}