Vulvodynia Information and Cure

Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain has been marked by some typical characteristics which are most often common among all of the sufferers. For example, excessive and chronic pain in the vulva or vagina, which might also include the labia, and the vestibular glands typically persist for even months. In most of the cases the pain is marked by burning sensation, itching, and irritation. The pain is so intense that it is nearly indescribable, and at this stage sitting, sports or similar activities, and sexual intercourse is unthinkable for the sufferer. In some instances the pain exceeds the level of tolerance in such a way that it becomes unbearable for the victim even to wear garments. The nature of the pain in vulvodynia varies from person to person. As per the reports studied so far, some women suffer from diffuse and some from localized pain in the overall genital region. The reason behind this wide variation in the characteristics and symptoms of this chronic vulvar pain is due to the variance in the type of the complication.

There are two different types of the same chronic pain. As per medical professionals the nature and symptoms associated with these two types differ widely, and the types are namely dysesthetic vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis syndrome or VVS. The former category is marked by profound pain inside the vulvar region which might even spread up to the labia majora and labia minora, and sometimes might even attack the clitoris. The pain might be regular or sporadic which, however, does not show any change with touch or pressure on the affected spots. Unlike the above category, in VVS, touch or pressure generates pain in the adjoining areas of the vaginal opening. Pain is even felt strongly while engaging in activities like riding horse or bicycle, sexual intercourse, inserting tampons, wearing tight apparels, or even simply in walking.

It is commonly thought that inflammations caused by irritants like some particular shampoo, soaps, detergents, and other female health care products might play a role in triggering such complications. An alternative concept also blames the infection generated by yeast or herpes or any kind of injury to the tissue to be the major stimulant of vulvodynia. Yet some say that irritation or injury to the vulvar nerve, raised oxalate crystal level in the urine and muscular spasm or irritation on the pelvic floor might also give rise to it. Nevertheless, this is not contagious, nor is it transmitted sexually. Patients are sometimes advised to spray or sprinkle water after urinating, in order to prevent pain after urination. In a number of cases it is observed that removal of caffeine or sugar containing substances from the daily diet helped a lot in alleviating the pain to a greater extent.

In many instances it has been noticed that the pain still persists or even aggravates instead of fading out right after the withdrawal of the irritants. Although it is pretty confusing in the way of proper treatment of the complication, however, one must know that this happens due to the overstimulated nerves which still tries to react in the same way and in doing so it keep generating the pain.

Different pain reduction procedures are followed like sitz-baths, topical steroids, anesthetic gels, other pain medications and antidepressants and antispasmodics are often used as a part of the treatment procedure for vulvodynia.

Although a controversial issue, the stubborn cases are sometimes treated surgically with a view to remove the pain generator tissue. Laser treatment is used to burn out the tissue and plastic surgery is used to remove the same. Nevertheless, many physicians try to avoid surgical attempts due to its adverse impact in triggering further complications instead of healing up.