Overview

Vulvodynia ( vul-voe-DIN-e-uh ) is chronic annoyance or discomfort around the open of your vagina ( vulva ) for which there ‘s no identifiable cause and which lasts at least three months. The annoyance, burn or excitation associated with vulvodynia can make you thus uncomfortable that sitting for long periods or having sex becomes unthinkable. The condition can last for months to years .
If you have vulvodynia, do n’t let the absence of visible signs or embarrassment about discussing the symptoms keep you from seeking avail. discussion options are available to lessen your discomfort. And your doctor of the church might be able to determine a causal agent for your vulvar pain, so it ‘s significant to have an interrogation.

Symptoms

Vulva

Outer female genitalia (vulva)

Vulva

The vulva is the out character of the female genitalia, including the labium majora, labium minora and clitoris .
The main vulvodynia symptom is pain in your genital area, which can be characterized as :

  • Burning
  • Soreness
  • Stinging
  • Rawness
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Throbbing
  • Itching

Your trouble might be constant or occasional. It might occur lone when the sensitive area is touched ( provoked ). You might feel the trouble in your entire vulvar area ( generalized ), or the annoyance might be localized to a certain sphere, such as the opening of your vagina ( vestibule ) .
Vulvar weave might look slightly inflamed or swollen. More much, your vulva appears normal.

A like stipulate, vestibulodynia, causes pain only when pressure is applied to the area surrounding the capture to your vagina .

When to see a doctor

Although women frequently do n’t mention vulvodynia to their doctors, the condition is fairly common .
If you have pain in your genital area, discuss it with your doctor or ask for a referral to a gynecologist. It ‘s important to have your doctor principle out more easily treatable causes of vulvar pain — for example, yeast or bacterial infections, herpes, precancerous skin conditions, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and aesculapian problems such as diabetes .
It ‘s besides important not to repeatedly use nonprescription treatments for yeast infections without seeing your doctor. once your sophisticate has evaluated your symptoms, he or she can recommend treatments or ways to help you manage your pain .

Causes

Doctors do n’t know what causes vulvodynia, but possible contribute factors include :

  • Injury to or irritation of the nerves surrounding your vulvar region
  • Past vaginal infections
  • Allergies or sensitive skin
  • Hormonal changes
  • Muscle spasm or weakness in the pelvic floor, which supports the uterus, bladder and bowel

Complications

Because it can be irritating and thwart and can keep you from wanting sex, vulvodynia can cause aroused problems. For exercise, reverence of having sex can cause spasms in the muscles around your vagina ( vaginismus ). other complications might include :

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Altered body image
  • Relationship problems
  • Decreased quality of life