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Vulvodynia

by Krisha McCoy, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition

Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva. The vulva includes the:

Labia—labia majora and labia minora

Clitoris

Vaginal opening

Female Genitalia

Causes

The causes of vulvodynia are not completely known, but may include:

Infection

Changes in the vulvar tissue

Abnormal nerve sensation

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing vulvodynia include:

Recurrent yeast infections

Frequent use of antibiotics

Irritation to the genitals by soaps or detergents

Genital rashes

Previous treatment or surgery to the external genitals

History of genital warts

Pelvic nerve irritation or muscle spasms

History of sexual abuse

History of sexual violence

Symptoms

Vulvodynia causes the following symptoms of the vulva:

Pain, which may come and go

Burning

Stinging

Irritation

Rawness

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It may include a pelvic exam. Tests may include:

Your bodily tissues and fluids may need to be tested. This can be done with:

Tests to check for bacteria and/or yeast

Biopsy

The affected area may need to be examined closely. This can be done using a colposcope to magnify the area.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:

Medications

Medicines to manage pain, such as topical anesthetics, estrogen creams, corticosteroid creams, and steroidal injection

Medicines to manage pain and irritation, such as tricyclic antidepressants

Other medicines

Physical Therapy

Therapy can help you strengthen and relax your pelvic muscles. This will ease muscle spasms. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in pelvic floor issues.

Other Treatments

Suggested treatments for vulvodynia include:

Interferon injections

Laser treatments

Surgery

Prevention

The causes of vulvodynia are not clearly understood. There is no known way to prevent this condition.

RESOURCES:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

http://www.acog.org/For_Patients

National Vulvodynia Association

http://www.nva.org

Women's Health.gov

http://www.womenshealth.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Women's Health Network

http://www.cwhn.ca

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada

http://www.sogc.org

References:

What is vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association website. Available at: http://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed March 13, 2013.

Diagnosis and Management of Vulvar Skin Disorders . The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Practice Bulletin No. 93; 2008 (Reaffirmed 2010).

Vulvodynia. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia.html . Updated August 2010. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Vulvodynia. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vulvodynia/Pages/default.aspx . Updated November 30, 2012. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Last reviewed March 2013 by Andrea Chisholm, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.