Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a name given to chronic and intense pain in the area pertaining to the vulva. This pain consists of extreme sensitivity, burning, stinging, throbbing, irritation and rawness. Sadly, there are many women experience and put up with this condition for many years before it is finally diagnosed. It would seem that public awareness of this condition is limited, with many women living with Vulvodynia leading a life of discomfort and pain, limited daily activities, sexual dysfunction and psychological distress.  According to the amazing interview (shown below) originating from New Zealand, medical help that was sought in this interview did not lead to any further understanding.  It would appear there was/is very limited knowledge amongst health professionals and scanty information made available through various sectors of sexual health. Accordingly, it is not unusual for many women with this condition to consult several physicians before being diagnosed.

Vestibulitis Syndrome is a common form of Vulvodynia that has been described as one of the most common causes of genital and sexual pain in women. The vulvar vestibule is the area within the inner labia surrounding the vaginal opening.

Upon diagnosis of Vulvodynia, the painful tissue may look essentially normal under examination, or it may whiten when swabbed with a vinegar solution. Biopsy may show chronic, nonspecific inflammation. Whatever the initial cause, it seems possible that for some people pain pathways are activated that do not deactivate when the source of irritation has been removed or ameliorated.

Awareness of aspects of daily life that may be contributing to this condition have been known to reduce the severity of pain, such as taking precautions with clothing, wearing cotton underwear and loose fitting long pants.  It is possible that various foods may contribute to sensitivities, especially when stinging is apparent after urinating.  Washing the entire area of the vulva with water after urinating may help and it is paramount to avoid the use of scented soaps and toilet paper.  It is also clear that laundry powder can be problematic, as well the use of bubble bath, shaving gels and body washes, especially those containing high amounts of fragrance, glycols, parabens, alpha-hydroxy acids such as malic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid as well as  alcohol.

Deactivating the pain pathways is possible using anaesthetic gels (lidocaine), topical steroid creams pain medications, even low doses of antidepressant (sometimes given with an antispasmodic) have all been used.

Dr Glazer, a Clinical Associate Professor at Cornell University Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital, has discovered that there is a relation to abnormal muscle function in the pelvic floor area that relates to Vulvodynia.  Through measuring the break down in muscle function with electromyography, which is non invasive, the depth of abnormality can be measured.  Then through a series of individual programs using electromyographic biofeedback, Dr Glazer corrects muscle abnormalities.

With increased blood flow there can be a restoration of vulvar tissue which then leads to pain relief.  Dr Glazer's treatments have resulted in massive reductions of ongoing pain in 80% of the women who have used this process finding relief from Vulvodynia.  A much better option possibly, than steroid creams, anti depressants and anaesthetic gels!

Take a look at this amazing interview. It is a powerful documentary because of the openness and honesty of the woman who is interviewed. Prepare to be moved and at the same time filled with admiration for a woman who has been to hell and back living with Vulvodynia. The shocking thing though in this documentary is that so many health professionals seemed to be ignorant to this condition.

http://tvnz.co.nz/20-20-news/v-word-13-19-video-4232132

Any comments and feedback would be appreciated.