What is Vulvodynia (Vulvar Pain)?
Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain without a specific identifiable cause. It can occur during intercourse or spontaneously.
Prevalence: Affects 3-6% of women; often underdiagnosed
Symptoms and Signs
- •Burning pain in vulva
- •Aching or soreness
- •Stabbing or knife-like sensations
- •Pain during intercourse
- •Pain with tampon insertion
- •Pain with prolonged sitting
- •Visible redness (in some cases)
Causes and Risk Factors
Common Causes
- →Nerve irritation or damage
- →Pelvic floor dysfunction
- →Candida infections (in some cases)
- →Hormonal factors
- →Genetic predisposition
- →Psychological trauma
- →Chronic stress and anxiety
Risk Factors
- ⚠️Recurrent yeast infections
- ⚠️Pelvic floor tension
- ⚠️History of sexual trauma
Treatment Options
Expected Outcomes: 60-70% improvement with multi-modal therapy; requires long-term management
Available Treatments:
- ✓Pelvic floor physical therapy
- ✓Topical anesthetics
- ✓Tricyclic antidepressants
- ✓Gabapentin or pregabalin
- ✓Vulvar care education
- ✓Cognitive behavioral therapy
- ✓Vulvar vestibulectomy surgery (if localized)
Prevention Tips
- →Avoid irritants
- →Pelvic floor relaxation
- →Stress management
- →Cotton underwear
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