Vulvodynia: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Varalakshmi K S , Gynecologists

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Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genital area. The pain usually has no clear cause which makes it different from common vaginal infections or skin irritations.

Women with vulvodynia may feel burning, stinging, throbbing, or rawness around the vulva. The pain can last for months or even years and it may be constant or triggered by activities such as sitting, exercising, wearing tight clothes or having sex.

Although not dangerous to overall health, vulvodynia can deeply affect a woman's comfort, confidence, relationships and daily life. It may also appear in different phases of life, including after childbirth, when hormonal or tissue changes make the vulva more sensitive.

Understanding this condition is the first step toward relief, as proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve quality of life.

Types of Vulvodynia

Doctors usually describe vulvodynia based on where the pain occurs and when it happens. The main types include:

Generalized Vulvodynia

• Pain can be felt in different areas of the vulva.
• The discomfort may be constant or may come and go.
• It is not always linked to touch, so women may feel burning or irritation even while resting.

Localized Vulvodynia (Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome)

• Pain is felt in one specific spot, often near the vaginal opening (vestibule).
• The pain usually occurs when the area is touched for example, during sex, tampon use or a gynecological exam.
• It often feels like a sharp, burning, or stabbing pain.

Knowing the type of vulvodynia helps doctors choose the right treatment options and gives women a better understanding of their condition.

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Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis

Vulvodynia is a broad term for long-term vulvar pain like burning, stinging, or soreness that lasts for at least 3 months without a clear cause. The pain can be constant or triggered by touch.

Vulvar Vestibulitis is also called Provoked Vestibulodynia, is a type of vulvodynia. In this condition, pain is felt mainly at the entrance of the vagina (the vestibule) and usually happens when pressure is applied, like during sex, tampon use or pelvic exams.

Both conditions are treatable with a mix of medicines, creams, lifestyle changes and pelvic therapy.

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Symptoms and Signs of Vulvodynia

The main sign of vulvodynia is pain or discomfort in the vulva that lasts for three months or more without a clear cause. The symptoms can be different for every woman and may range from mild irritation to severe pain.

Common vulvodynia symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging pain in the vulva
• A feeling of rawness, irritation or soreness
• Throbbing or itching in the genital area
• Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
• Pain when inserting tampons or during a pelvic exam
• Discomfort while sitting, exercising or wearing tight clothes

For some women, the pain is constant, while for others it happens only when the vulva is touched or pressed.

Because these symptoms can feel similar to other conditions like vaginal infections or skin problems, it's important to see a vulvodynia doctor for the correct diagnosis.

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Vulvodynia Causes

The exact cause of vulvodynia is not always clear, but doctors believe it may happen due to a mix of physical and nerve-related factors. Unlike infections, there is usually no single reason.

Possible vulvodynia causes include:

• Nerve irritation or injury: Overactive or sensitive nerves in the vulva may send pain signals even when there is no obvious problem.
• Past infections: Repeated vaginal infections or yeast infections may trigger long-term nerve sensitivity.
• Hormonal changes: Changes after childbirth, menopause or use of hormonal medicines can affect vulvar tissues.
• Skin or muscle problems: Irritation from soaps, creams or tight clothing, as well as pelvic floor muscle tension, can contribute to pain.
• Genetic factors: Some women may naturally have a lower pain threshold in the vulvar area.
• Other health conditions: Women with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic pelvic pain may be more likely to develop vulvodynia.

Since there isn't always a single cause, treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and improving comfort rather than curing one specific issue.

When to See a Doctor for Vulvodynia?

Mild irritation in the vulva may happen once in a while, but if the pain doesn't go away or keeps coming back, it's important to seek medical help.

You should see a vulvodynia specialist if you have:

• Burning, stinging or soreness in the vulva that lasts more than a few weeks
• Pain that makes sex, tampon use or pelvic exams uncomfortable or impossible
• Unexplained vulvar pain, even when there are no signs of infection or skin problems
• Pain after childbirth that doesn't improve with time
• Pain that affects your daily activities such as sitting, exercising or wearing regular clothes

Don't ignore ongoing pain. Getting the proper diagnosis helps rule out infections or skin conditions and allows you to start the appropriate vulvodynia treatment.

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Diagnosis of Vulvodynia

Since vulvodynia does not have a single clear cause, diagnosis can be a time-consuming process. Doctors usually focus on ruling out other conditions such as vaginal infections, skin disorders or pelvic problems.

Medical History

The doctor will ask about your:

• Symptoms like burning, stinging, pain during sex, etc.
• When the pain started and what makes it worse or better
• History of infections or childbirth
• Use of soaps, creams or hygiene products

Physical Examination

A gentle exam is done to look for:

• Redness, swelling or irritation in the vulva
• Specific painful areas using a light cotton swab touch test
• Signs of skin conditions or infection

Laboratory Tests

Sometimes a swab of vaginal discharge may be taken to check for yeast infections or bacterial infections. These tests help confirm that other conditions do not cause the symptoms.

Additional Evaluation

If needed, your doctor may check for pelvic floor muscle tightness or refer you to a specialist for nerve pain evaluation.

Diagnosis may not provide an exact cause, but it helps rule out other problems and guides the development of the best treatment plan.

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Vulvodynia Treatment

Vulvodynia can be challenging to manage, but many women find relief with the right combination of medicine, creams, lifestyle changes and home remedies.

Treatment usually focuses on reducing pain, improving comfort and helping women return to normal activities.

Vulvodynia Medicines

Doctors may prescribe medicines that calm overactive nerves or reduce pain signals. These may include:

• Antidepressants or anticonvulsants are used in low doses to manage nerve pain, not for mood control.
• Topical numbing creams or ointments to ease burning or stinging sensations
• Hormonal creams, if pain is linked to menopause or hormonal changes

Vulvodynia Treatment Cream

Special creams may be prescribed to reduce irritation and pain. These can include:

• Lidocaine cream numbing effect for pain relief
• Estrogen cream for women with hormone-related vulvodynia
• These creams are applied directly to the painful area as guided by a doctor.

Vulvodynia Therapy and Lifestyle Care

• Pelvic floor physical therapy helps relax tense muscles that may worsen pain.
• Wearing loose cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothing can help reduce irritation.
• Avoiding scented soaps, douches or harsh chemicals around the vulva prevents flare-ups.

Vulvodynia Home Remedies

Simple self-care steps can help reduce discomfort:

• Use a cool compress to calm burning or stinging.
• Apply unscented moisturizers or lubricants during intimacy.
• Take a warm sitz bath to relax the area.
• Try yoga, meditation or deep breathing to lower stress, which can make pain worse.

Long-Term Care

Since there is no single permanent cure for vulvodynia, treatment is about managing symptoms and improving daily comfort. With the proper care, many women find significant relief and return to regular routines.

While there is no quick vulvodynia cure, most women find relief through a combination of creams, medicines, therapies and lifestyle changes.

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How to Prevent Vulvodynia?

While vulvodynia cannot always be prevented, certain habits can help reduce the risk of irritation and manage flare-ups.

Gentle Hygiene

• Wash the vulva with plain water, avoid harsh soaps, scented washes or douches.
• Pat dry gently instead of rubbing.

Comfortable Clothing

• Wear cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics that trap moisture.
• Choose loose-fitting pants and skirts to reduce friction.

Safe Intimacy Practices

• Use water-based, unscented lubricants during sex to reduce friction and dryness.
• Avoid spermicides or scented condoms if they trigger irritation.

Protecting the Skin

• Skip perfumed products like bubble baths, feminine sprays and strong detergents.
• Choose mild, fragrance-free laundry detergents for undergarments.

Stress and Lifestyle Management

• High stress can worsen nerve pain. Relaxation practices such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing may help.
• Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise to support overall health.

While these steps may not completely stop vulvodynia, they can reduce symptoms, prevent flare-ups and improve daily comfort.

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Conclusion

Vulvodynia is a condition that causes ongoing pain in the vulvar area, affecting women of all ages. The pain can feel like burning, stinging or soreness and may occur constantly or during touch. This discomfort can complicate daily activities and intimate moments.

Although the exact causes are often unclear, effective treatments are available, including medication, creams, therapy and home remedies. Many women find relief and improve their quality of life through these options.

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