Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia
It is defined as the pain or discomfort at the opening of vagina and in surrounding tissue. The characteristic of pain is of burning type and it remains for more than 3 months or more, there is no exact cause of this condition known yet.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include:
- Soreness
- Stinging
- Painful intercourse
- Burning
- Rawness
- Itching
- Throbbing pain
Causes
Some possible causes of pain include:
- Allergies
- Hormonal changes
- Vaginal infection
- Injuries to perineal nerves
- Muscles twitching and spasm
Complications
Complication due to this condition mention below:
- Sleep disturbances
- Relationship problems
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Altered body shape
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be occurred by:
- Pelvic examination to see any physical abnormality around the vagina and vulva.
- Medical history about drugs and lifestyle
- Vaginal fluid test to check presence of any causative organism.
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Local anesthetic like lidocaine gel or cream to reduce the pain before or during sexual intercourse.
- Anti-histamines to reduce the itching
- Muscles relaxant to reduce the muscles spasm
- Nerve block by injecting local anesthetic
- Surgery to remove the affected the affected skin and tissue to reduce the pain and cut nerve fibers.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Avoid wearing tight undergarments.
- Avoid hot baths
- Take bath in lukewarm water with Epsom salts
- Avoid using pads
- Avoid using deodorant at affected area
- Use lubricant before sexual intercourse
- Wash the area gently