Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition where a person feels chronic pain, burning, itching, stinging, or discomfort around the opening of the vagina. Many women with vulvodynia are so uncomfortable that sitting and wearing tight clothing can become intolerable and sex is out of the question. For some, the pain is nearly always present; for others, it is provoked by touch.

We don’t know exactly why vulvodynia develops in all cases. 

Previous injury to the  area, nerve damage, recurrent infections, skin issues, and hormonal changes could all be contribution reasons. Often, but not always, there may be no visible changes to the area at all, but an exam is important because there might be an identifiable cause for the pain. 

Treatment is tailored towards addressing contributing causes and may require trial and error.

Strategies include:

· Antifungal creams or antibiotics

· Neuropathic pain medications

· Hormonal creams

· Topical lidocaine

· Vaginal suppositories

· Vestibulectomy