The vulva is the external portion of the vagina, including the labia, mons pubis, clitoris and the vaginal opening. Vulvodynia means painful vulva. Women with this condition experience pain in the genital area. Two types of the condition have slightly different symptoms. Women with vulvodynia may begin to experience a fear of having sexual intercourse and the condition may lead to muscle spasms in the vagina, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Treatment for vulvodynia ranges from proper hygiene to surgery.
Types
Two types of vulvodynia include generalized pain and localized pain. Women with generalized vulvodynia experience pain dispersed over the entire genital area. Women suffering from localized vulvodynia have pain only around the opening of the vagina. The appearance of the genitals does not look different from women without the pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most often, there is no known cause for vulvodynia, but doctor know certain conditions such as cancer or sexually transmitted diseases do not cause the condition. Some factors may increase the risk of developing vulvodynia include a change in hormones, sexual abuse, infections, heredity, allergies and irritation to the nerves in the area. Women with recurrent bouts of vaginal infections such as vaginitis and yeast infections, may develop vulvodynia, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
The pain of vulvodynia may vary between individuals and may change in an individual woman. The symptoms of vulvodynia include a burning, throbbing or stinging pain. The woman may also experience itching, soreness and a raw sensation. Many women may also experience painful sexual intercourse. Pain may remain constant or may come and go. Using tampons or wearing undergarments may cause pain.
Diagnosis
For a diagnosis of vulvodynia, the physician performs an exam to see the genital area and collects vaginal discharge to test for infections in the vagina that may cause the pain. In addition to the tests and exam, the physician probes the vulva with a cotton-tipped swab in order to determine the location and intensity of the pain, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Treatment
The first treatment for vulvodynia includes performing proper hygiene on the vulvar area. Relief from the symptoms may occur by wearing cotton underwear, bathing the area with mild soap each day and avoiding irritants such as douching and deodorant products. Medications such as steroids, anesthetics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may help relieve the symptoms. Antihistamines can help decrease itching. Surgery to remove specific skin around the opening of the vagina may help decrease the pain.
