Vulvodynia - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

In this condition the sensory nerve endings appear to become much more sensitive so that even light touching of the skin triggers an unpleasant and painful sensation. Vulvodynia means painful vulva. The vulva is the external female genitals, including the clitoris and labia. It includes the mound of tissues over the pelvic bone that becomes covered with hair at puberty.

It is not a life threatening condition. In most women with the condition the appearance of the vulva is normal since the problem lies with the nerve fibres, which can't be seen. Although the pain may be felt inside the vagina the problem is actually on the outside. Vulvodynia can last for days, months or years. It can be constant, intermittent, localized or widespread. Vulvodynia can vanish as suddenly as it started.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia

Common Symptoms of Vulvodynia

• Pain during intercourse.
• Irritation of the perineum that feels like burning, stinging or rawness.
• Extreme tenderness of trigger points when touched.
• Redness and inflammation of the skin around the vaginal opening.
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to clothing and touch.
• Urinary urgency, frequency and painful urination.

Causes of Vulvodynia

Common causes of Vulvodynia

• Chemical irritation of the external genitals (from soaps or detergents in clothing)
• Rashes on the genital area
• Previous laser treatments or surgery on the external genitals
• Past or present genital warts
• Nerve irritation or muscle spasms in the pelvic area
• spasms and irritation of the muscles that support the pelvic organs.

Treatment of Vulvodynia

Common Treatment of Vulvodynia

• Using medications such as lidocaine can provide temporary relief from the pain.
• Surgery for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome only.
• Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurontin) also may lessen the pain of vulvodynia. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can reduce itching.

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