Vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis

What are vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis?

Women who have pain in the vulva, the external female genitalia, experience vulvodynia. The term vulvar vestibulitis means specific pain in a specific area of the vulva. This pain can be irritation or it can be sharp and burning. The pain can be referred – or felt elsewhere in the pelvic region as well.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of vulvodynia may be constant or they may come and go. They include:

·         Burning

·         Itching

·         Painful intercourse

·         Rawness

·         Soreness

·         Stinging

·         Throbbing

Why does it cause pain?

It is a neuropathic pain, pain from the nerves.

What can be done?

Different medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy have been successful for some people, as have treatments such as biofeedback and local anesthetics.

For more in-depth information, here are some sites that have reliable and up-to-date information:

National Vulvodynia Association

Vulval Pain Society

MayoClinic.com