Vulvodynia

vulvodynia is also known as a Vulvar pain syndrome. It is generally defined as a multifcatoral syndrome. It is generally defined as a multilateral syndrome which is characterized by vulvar pain, sexual dysfunction and psychological distress.

There are normally four types of Vulvodynia known. The most common among the four types of Vulvodynia is vulvar visibilities syndrome. Other types of Vulvodynia are cyclic vulvovaginitis, dysesthetic vulvodynia and vulvar dermatomes.

Causes of Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia pain is usually acute in onset. It may occur either due to vaginitis, that is bacterial or yeast. It may also occur due to changes in sexual activity, that is there may be new sexual partner or if there is any medical procedure done on the vulva, that is laser or cryotherapy, then also vulvar pain may occur.

It has been observed that the vulvar pain may become chronic in nature and is may vary in length from months to years. The intensity of pain is also variable, that is it may changes from a mild pain to disabling one.

The pain may also be of different types, that are it can be burning, stinging , irritating or raw in nature. Many women develop volvodynia due to purely psychological reasons and there is no physical problem noted in them.

So such women feel frustrated and due to strange effect on their lives, these women become fearful and anxious about cancer anxious about cancer or sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes, Vulvodynia may be underreported. It may be either due to the absence of visible sings of volvudynia or it may be due to reluctance of many women to talk about their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia

The main symptoms of volvodynia are pain in the genital area, which is chiefly characterized by Burning, soreness, itching, Stinging, Rawness, Painful intercourse and Throbbing sensation.

In case of vulvar vestibulities pain occurs, when pressure is applied to the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina. Vulvar tissue may appear little inflamed or swollen. The incidences of vulvodynia are very commonly seen. In case of cyclic vulvovaginitis, the pain is particularly cyclic in nature is worsened during the luteal phase of the cycle.

Symptoms are generally aggravated by vaginal sexual activity. Cyclic Vulvovaginitis is usually caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to candida antigen. In case of Vulvar Dermatomes, both itching and pain is noted which can be acute or chronic. In case of Vulvar visibilities syndrome, severe point tenderness on touch and erythema are noted.

Treatment of Vulvodynia

Treatment of vulvodynia is difficult and it requires great patience and persistence on the part of both patient and doctor. It generally focuses on relieving symptoms. Medications, such as Tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline helps to lessen the chronic pain.

Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine help to reduce itching. Biofeedback therapy is used to reduce pain by teaching people how to control certain body to enter a relaxed state patient to enter a relaxed state in order to decrease pain sensation.

Local anaesthetics such as lidocaine, provides temporary relief from pain. Topical application of certain creams that contain estrogen or cortisone also relieves the pain. Bathing the area around the external genitals and buttocks in a saline solution also sometimes helps to feel comfortable.

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