Vulvodynia, a condition which received media attention with a mention on Sex and the City, is not as rare as it sounds.
It is not normally on the list of common ailments that affect the woman's reproductive system, and is more commonly misdiagnosed as a yeast infection or bacterial infection. As a result, many women will go on suffering because of the wrong type of medication and treatment.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, vulvodynia is chronic discomfort or pain in the vulvar region that can't be attributed to infection or skin disease. Millions of women across the United States suffer from a vulvar pain disorder.
The pain can usually be described as burning, itching, stinging or an irritating and raw feeling. Normal activities such as exercising, walking and sitting can be particularly painful. Sexual intercourse is also very painful, and sex drive can take a sharp nose-dive. This also gives way to psychological side effects.
Pain is spread from the clitoral region to the lower vestibule, comprising of the labia minora and the hymenal ring. External pain in the labia majora is the most telltale sign of an abnormality. These symptoms can last for months to even years. The main cause of vulvodynia is still unknown, but a variety of factors that can possibly contribute to the onset of vulvodynia.
If the woman is susceptible to frequent yeast infection and irritates her genital region with chemicals such as deodorants or douches, or is allergic to certain soaps and detergents, it can trigger vulvodynia.
Women who have also had frequent antibiotic treatments, laser or surgery treatment in the genital region and women with genital warts also seem to be more susceptible to vulvodynia.
Further research has shown that weakened pelvic floor muscles and nerve irritation in the area has also been linked to vulvodynia. Initial diagnoses usually overlook vulvodynia.
Certain types of vulvar pain are commonly mistaken as yeast infections, vaginitis, or urinary tract infections.
This is risky to women because it is now predicted by the NIH that about 14 million women in the United States will have vulvodynia and a vast majority of them will leave undiagnosed.
In a survey conducted by Dr. Bernard Harlow of Brigham and Woman's Obstectrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center in Boston, Mass., he found that 16 percent of all women documented would experience symptoms to classify their disorder as vulvodynia.
Like most diseases, there are different strains of vulvodynia. Cyclic vulvovaginitis is reoccurring pain just before and after the menstrual cycle. The pain is worsened during sexual intercourse and by condoms and use of antibiotics.
Usually this sort of vulvodynia is most frequently misdiagnosed as a yeast infection, and treatment has no improvement.
However, when diagnosed correctly, vulvodynia can be treated with Fluconazole, an antifungal cream applied for two months, as well as physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic muscles or mineral supplements of calcium.
The other two strains that affect premenopausal women between the ages of 18 to 45 are vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, which can be treated with a combination therapy of hormones and biofeedback, and dyesthetic vulvodynia, also known as essential vulvodynia.
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a drug, irritation caused by chemicals or reaction to laser therapy. Essential vulvodynia is treated by antidepressants as well as biofeedback.
If a physician suspects vulvodynia in a patient, he or she will prescribe the following treatments to help alleviate and prevent further irritations.
If a woman knows that she is susceptible to symptoms that could indicate vulvodynia, she could help avoid discomfort by avoiding using harsh soaps, petroleum jelly, bubble baths, bath oils, douches, and deodorant sprays in her genital region.
It is also helpful to rinse with clear water frequently. This will wash away irritating discharges and help prevent further infections.
Additionally, it is highly recommended to wear cotton underwear and loose clothing, and to avoid pantyhose and anything restrictive. Use only unbleached cotton toilet paper and sanitary products.
Furthermore, if using contraception, avoid contraceptive products that will irritate the genital area. Make sure that underwear is thoroughly washed of all detergent.
If you are a female and are concerned about your own reproductive health and appear to have any of these symptoms listed above, do not hesitate to consult with your physician.
