Here at DiscovHER HEALTH, we care about
treating women with VULVODYNIA.
The term 'dynia' simply means pain.
Vulvodynia is pain in the the external female genitalia also known as the vulva.
Here at DiscovHER HEALTH, we care about treating women with VULVODYNIA.
The appearance of the vulva varies with each woman, but in this condition, no abnormality is seen other than some erythema at the entrance way in localized vulvodynia.
What is Vulvodynia?
"Vulvodynia" is the term used to describe pain on the vulva. It can be generalized (affecting large areas of the vulva) or localized (affecting small areas of the vulva such as the entranceway or the clitoris). Another name for localized vulvodynia to the vaginal opening/ vulvar vestibule is vestibulodynia (previously called vestibulitis).
The term "unprovoked vulvodynia" describes a condition where the pain occurs without any trigger. Women with this condition often describe the pain as a constant burning that is present regardless of whether the area is touched or not. The term "provoked vulvodynia" refers to pain that is only present when the area is touched like during tampon insertion, sexual intercourse, or exams. Vulvodynia occurs in women of all ages.
It is unclear how often vulvodynia occurs in the general population.
What is Vulvodynia?
"Vulvodynia" is the term used to describe pain on the vulva. It can be generalized (affecting large areas of the vulva) or localized (affecting small areas of the vulva such as the entranceway or the clitoris). Another name for localized vulvodynia is vestibulodynia (previously called vestibulitis).
In generalized vulvodynia the pain tends to occur without any trigger. Women with this condition often describe the pain as a constant burning that is present regardless of whether the area is touched or not. Generalized vulvodynia occurs in women of all ages.
It is unclear how often it occurs in the general population. Other names used in the past to describe this condition include dysesthetic vulvodynia or essential vulvodynia. In localized vulvodynia, the trigger is touch to the entranceway with such things as tampon insertion or sexual intercourse, or touch to the clitoris.
The causes of vulvodynia are unknown, and most likely there are multiple causes. Some cases stem from a chronic disorder of the nerves that supply the vulva. Other cases are caused by lack of hormones to the vulvar tissue and even pelvic floor muscles that are too tight (hypertonic).
The causes of vulvodynia are unknown, and most likely there are multiple causes. Many believe that it is a chronic disorder of the nerves that supply the vulva.
Symptoms of Vulvodynia
Women typically describe vulvodynia as a burning, aching, stinging, soreness, or rawness. Clients use terms like itching, irritation, searing, or stabbing to describe the discomfort. The areas of pain may vary from one episode to the next. Some women report constant pain; others report that the discomfort may disappear for hours, days or weeks at a time. The discomfort may prevent sexual activity for some patients, but other patients may experience little effect on sexual activity.
Symptoms of Vulvodynia
Women typically describe generalized vulvodynia as a burning, aching, stinging, soreness, or rawness, Occasionally, it is described as itching or irritation. Pain may be searing, or stabbing. The areas of pain may vary from one episode to the next. Some women report constant pain; others report that the discomfort may disappear for hours, days or weeks at a time. The discomfort may prevent sexual activity for some patients, but other patients may experience little effect on sexual activity.
Vulvodynia is a clinical condition, which means that there are no laboratory tests or imaging studies that are needed to confirm the diagnosis. A cotton swab test is done to determine what areas are affected.
Vulvodynia is a clinical condition, which means that there are no laboratory tests or imaging studies that are done to confirm the diagnosis. A cotton swab test is done to determine what areas are affected.
Help Guide On Vulvodynia
Get A Free Guide to Learn More about Vulvodynia
Q-Tip Test
A q-tip test (also called a cotton swab test) is done to diagnose vulvodynia. No speculum is required!
Your health care provider may feel that other tests are necessary; these could include swabs to rule out infections or a biopsy to exclude skin conditions.
Learn More About the Q-Tip/ Cotton Swab Test
See ONE OF OUR EXPERTS if you suspect you have vulvodynia.
The recommended treatment will depend on your symptoms and your overall health.
To make the best decision for you, discuss the risks and benefits with us during an HOUR LONG consult
See ONE OF OUR EXPERTS if you suspect you have vulvodynia.
The recommended treatment will depend on your symptoms and your overall health.
To make the best decision for you, discuss the risks and benefits with us during an HOUR LONG consult
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