Chronic Pelvic Pain? Don’t Suffer in Silence

Vulvodynia is a condition of chronic discomfort or pain of the vulva (the outside of the female genital area). It currently affects approximately 6 million women—most often between ages 18 and 25—who describe their vulvodynia sensations as burning, stinging, irritating or stabbing pain that comes and goes or remains constant.

Women with vulvodynia report significant disruptions in their daily activities.

What causes it?

While vulvodynia has no identifiable cause, researchers have ruled out cancer or infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes. Current research centers on these possibilities as either contributing to, or causing vulvodynia:

• Damage or irritation of the nerves of the vulva
• Increased nerve fiber density in the vulvar vestibule (area surrounding the vaginal opening)
• Elevated levels of inflammatory substances in vulvar tissue
• Spasms to muscles that support pelvic organs
• Allergies to chemicals or substances present in the vulva
• Hormonal changes that include those occurring with a menstrual cycle or birth control use
• Localized hypersensitivity to candida, a yeast-like fungus that may affect the vagina

Diagnosing vulvodynia

Your healthcare provider, in order to diagnose vulvodynia, will conduct a thorough medical history that includes questions about your symptoms, lifestyle and medications you may be taking. In an effort to pinpoint symptoms, other facets of your appointment may include:

• Examination of the vulva, vagina and vaginal secretions to rule out an active infection or skin disorder
• Routine cultures for yeast and bacterial infections
• A blood sample draw to assess your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels
• A cotton-swab test, during which your provider applies gentle pressure to various vulvar sites and asks you to assess pain severity
• If an area of your skin appears suspicious, your provider may examine it closer and recommend a biopsy                      

Because vulvodynia onset and symptoms vary from woman to woman, it helps if you pay close attention to what may trigger pain or make it worse. The key is to remain patient and arrange an appointment with your Riverview Health doctor to assess what works best to ease your pain.

Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.

Sources: ACOG.org, NVA.org