Vulvodynia literally means pain of the vulva. The vulva is the general name given to the external parts of the female genitals. Vulvodynia is most often described as a burning pain which often has no visible or neurological signs.
Women who suffer from vulvodynia can have symptoms which range from mild to severe, and occur occasionally or consistently.
Symptoms of Vulvodynia
The most notable symptom of the condition is general pain, which can be mild or severe. Sufferers also describe itchiness, irritation, burning or stinging sensations, or sharp pain. Symptoms can occur in one place or the entire vulval area, and sometimes at the entry point into the vagina. Varying symptoms range from eczema to a strong muscle spasm, and pain can occur during or after sexual intercourse, inserting a tampon, riding a bike or even wearing tight fitting clothing such as tight jeans. Even sitting for long periods may cause pain.
What Causes Vulvodynia?
It is not known what exactly causes the condition, and medical researchers are currently looking at possible causes and treatments. Diagnosis is complex so what usually happens is a number of other conditions or diseases are investigated and subsequently ruled out.
There are a number of possible causes including a predisposition to inflammation, allergy, infections, or an auto-immune disease but no single factor has been proven to cause the condition.
Women often suffer from depression and anxiety due to the condition, as it sometimes takes a considerable amount of time to get a correct diagnosis. They can also experience relationship or sexual difficulties due to the physical pain and also the uncertainty caused by the difficulty in getting a definitive diagnosis. Often women will suffer from the symptoms, especially if they are the milder variety, for some time before even seeking a diagnosis.
Natural Treatments for Vulvodynia
Most treatments for vulvodynia involve lifestyle or cognitive changes, rather than medical treatment, and so a range of natural therapies could be explored.
Simple lifestyle changes such as wearing cotton underwear and avoiding irritating soaps and detergents can help. Since the condition often leads to physical tension and depression, physical therapies such as pelvic floor exercises may also be of help.
Other treatments to consider include:
- Acupuncture
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Consulting a nutritionist
- Counselling
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Read the article Natural Treatments for Vulvodynia for more information.
