Sudden vulvodynia (chronic vulvar pain lasting 3+ months) often arises without an obvious trigger but is commonly associated with nerve irritation,, hormonal changes, or pelvic floor spasms. It may appear abruptly following infections, skin sensitivity to soaps/detergents, injury, or severe stress, which can trigger localized nerve damage or hypersensitivity.

Can vulvodynia come on suddenly?

The pain may occur suddenly or it can be set off (triggered) by an activity or contact with the vulva. Some common triggers include having sex, putting in a tampon, sitting for a long time, or wearing tight-fitting pants. The pain can occur all the time or it can come and go.

What flares vulvodynia?

High levels of stress will increase pain. Avoid prolonged sitting and wearing tight clothing in the genital area. Avoid soap, bubble baths, shower gels, shampoos, special wipes and deodorants in this area. Wash with a soap substitute, as this will keep your skin soft and provide a barrier against irritation.

How long do vulvodynia flare-ups last?

It lasts at least three months and has no clear cause. The pain, burning or irritation linked with vulvodynia can make you so uncomfortable that sitting for a long time or having sex becomes unthinkable. The condition can last for months to years.

How is vulvodynia treated during pregnancy?

Topical anesthetics that are commonly used by women with vulvodynia, such as lidocaine, are usually safe to use throughout pregnancy. Topical estrogen use is contraindicated, however. Many oral medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants, can be compounded into an ointment and used topically.

What is vulvodynia and how women can treat this painful condition

Can hormone imbalance cause vulvodynia?

Although the exact cause of vulvodynia and clitorodynia is unknown, potential contributing factors may include nerve dysfunction, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, genetic susceptibility, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Can a gynecologist help with vulvodynia?

To stop the suffering, start by visiting an OB/GYN specialist who is experienced in treating vulvovaginal and pelvic health conditions. With an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, relief is possible. Could your pelvic pain, vulvar discomfort, or pain with intercourse be caused by vulvodynia or vaginismus?

What is the fastest way to get rid of vulvodynia?

Treatments for vulvodynia can include:

1. medicines – this may be a cream you rub on your vulva to numb the pain or tablets to treat nerve pain.
2. pelvic floor exercises to help you control your vaginal muscles.
3. gently widening your vagina using tampon-shaped objects (vaginal trainers)

What foods trigger vulvodynia?

Diet changes to avoid foods with oxalates, including spinach, beets, peanuts, and chocolate. Acupuncture may help to relieve pain, but be sure to find a practitioner familiar with treating vulvodynia.

Can stress and anxiety cause vulvodynia?

There is a correlation between psychological states such as depression, anxiety, stress, somatization, and others in the appearance and level of pain of these women affected by vulvodynia, and some hypotheses bring that these factors can trigger vulvodynia and other hypotheses bring that pain can be a triggering factor ...

What not to do with vulvodynia?

Use lukewarm or cool sitz baths to relieve burning and irritation. Avoid getting shampoo on the vulvar area. Do not use bubble bath, feminine hygiene products, or any perfumed creams or soaps. Wash the vulva with cool to lukewarm water only.

What age does vulvodynia occur?

Conclusions: Women with vulvodynia vary in ages from 16 to 80 years with the majority between the ages of 20 to 50 years. Young women in their teens and early twenties are at the greatest risk of developing vulvodynia.

What can mimic vulvodynia?

Women with vulvodynia often suffer from other common pain conditions, such as painful bladder syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and temporomandibular disorder (TMJ).

What is unprovoked vulvodynia?

What is generalised unprovoked vulvodynia? The pain occurs spontaneously without any trigger. Women with this condition often describe the pain as a constant burning but it is present regardless of whether the area is touched or not.

Does caffeine affect vulvodynia?

Foods commonly associated with triggering symptoms include caffeine, sugar, acidic foods and processed foods. The following medications have been found to be helpful in treating vulvodynia: Local anesthetics. Antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs.

What hormone causes vulvodynia?

Hormonal Factors. Sexual responses, as well as genital pain, are modulated, in addition to neural pathways, by circulating levels of gonadal hormones [59]. It has thus been postulated that low estrogen levels could lead to vulvodynia and dyspareunia. The decline in estrogen levels can occur naturally or iatrogenically.

Does magnesium help vulvodynia?

For some women, reducing inflammatory foods or adding supplements like magnesium or omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce pain. However, evidence on the effectiveness of diet in treating vulvodynia is still emerging.

What aggravates vulvodynia?

Some women feel pain when there's a trigger. This is called "provoked" vulvodynia. Triggers can include touching the area, sex, wearing tight clothing, inserting a tampon, a gynecological exam or sitting for long periods of time.

Where to place tens pads for vulvodynia?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

The nerve stimulating equipment can be applied to the lower back where the nerves supplying the vulval area exit from the lower spine, or by a probe that is inserted into the vagina.

Can walking help vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia (say: vul-vo-din-ee-a) is the word for pain in the vulva. The vulva is the external genital area in women—the area around the vagina. The pain is usually described as a burning, stinging, itching, irritating or raw feeling. Sexual intercourse, walking, sitting or exercising can make the pain worse.

What is the new treatment for vulvodynia?

An emerging treatment for vulvodynia is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has been effective in other chronic pain conditions.

How do doctors test for vulvodynia?

Cotton swab test (point-pressure testing).

Your provider will brush a cotton swab gently over parts of your vulva and ask when (and where) the contact feels painful. This test is especially helpful for diagnosing localized pain in your vulvar vestibule.

How rare is vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is estimated to impact between 10% and 28% of women of reproductive age, with an estimated incidence rate of 4.2%. It is more prevalent among younger women and those with preexisting psychological conditions and concurrent pain disorders.

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