Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort in the vulva. The vulva is often called the lips of the vagina. The vulva includes:
The causes of vulvodynia are not completely known but may include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors are thought to increase the risk of vulvodynia:
Symptoms of vulvodynia may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
To help manage pain:
For pain and irritation relief:
Other medications that are sometimes tried include:
Therapy can help you strengthen and relax your pelvic muscles. This will ease muscle spasms. You will need to see a specialist in pelvic floor issues.
Suggested treatments for vulvodynia include:
RESOURCES:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
National Vulvodynia Association
http://www.nva.org/
National Women's Health Information Center
http://www.4woman.gov/
New York Center for Vulvovaginal Pain
http://www.vulvodynia.com/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca/
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/
References:
About vulvodynia. National Vulvodynia Association website. Available at: http://www.nva.org/about_vulvodynia/what_is_vulvodynia.html. Accessed April 20, 2007.
Vulvodynia. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/367.xml. Accessed April 20, 2007.
Vulvodynia. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Vulvodynia.cfm. Accessed April 20, 2007.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
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.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.