Vulvodynia: What You Should Know!
Vulvodynia is a condition that causes pain (often burning, stinging, rawness, or itching/irritated sensations) in the vulvar region. Let’s get specific - what is the vulva? I think everyone is very clear about what the term vagina is talking about, but when we use the term “vulva” people can be a little less certain of the anatomy we are talking about. The vulva is defined as the external female genitalia. This includes the labia majora and labia minora, mons pubis, prepuce (clitoral hood), clitoris, and vulvar vestibule. These are all structures that can be viewed externally and surrounding the urethral, vaginal, and anal openings.
When we talk bout vulvodynia this can be localized to one specific portion of the vulvar area, or more generalized throughout the inner thighs, abdomen, and pelvis in addition to the vulvar region.
It is common for people experiencing vulvodynia to be affected in their urination, sexual function, bowel movements, postures, and even their clothing choices. It is not uncommon for women with vulvodynia to be unable to wear underwear or tight fitting pants, and they may wear dresses to avoid anything touching their external genitalia. Burning, stinging, or other painful symptoms of the vulvar region frequently disrupt their usual bathroom habits and may make it impossible to engage in pleasurable sexual experiences.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about these symptoms, so that your provider can perform a thorough skin evaluation of the vulvar tissues and diagnose any possible dermatologic causes of your symptoms, or differentiate your symptoms from other possible causes of pain such as infections, neoplasms, neurologic conditions, or scars from previous trauma.
There is a strong link between onset of vulvodynia with prolonged use of over-the-counter yeast infection products as well as with use of hormonal prescription birth control pills. It is important before using yeast infection products to verify that you do indeed have a yeast infection that requires treatment.
Our vaginas are really self-cleaning ovens, meaning that it is unnecessary to use scented soaps, perfumes, powders, douches, etc. to “clean” the vaginal area. In fact, using these products can actually disrupt the pH and natural microbiome of the vagina and lead to higher risk of infections or even to vulvodynia symptoms.
Your local pelvic floor physical therapist can be very helpful in understanding your vulvodynia symptoms and working with your medical provider for any necessary pharmacologic treatments. Often vulvodynia patients experience tightness of the pelvic floor muscles along with their vulvodynia symptoms which may be making their pain worse and directly affecting their bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
If you’re experiencing burning, stinging, irritation, itching, or other painful sensations in your vulvar area, reach out for help. If you’re avoiding wearing certain clothing because of your vulvar symptoms, know that there are people who can help you get back to feeling comfortable in your clothes!
No topic is off limits at Shift Physical Therapy. We will help you take control of your vulvar symptoms and return to living your life without constant disruption from vulvar symptoms!
Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Specialist
