Vulvodynia: types, symptoms, possible causes and treatment

This condition produces different types of pain and discomfort in the vaginal area.

Diseases or conditions related to the intimate areas of both men and women are still considered taboo in our society. As a result, people suffering from such conditions live in silence and are very reluctant to seek professional help.

One of these conditions is vulvodynia, a disease that affects the vulvar area.vulvodynia, a disease affecting the vulvar area that can be highly disabling for the sufferer due to the pain it causes. In this article we will talk about the different types of vulvodynia, as well as its symptoms, causes, treatment and how to prevent it.

What is vulvodynia?

The term vulvodynia refers to a vaginal condition of difficult to determine causes and is characterized by chronic discomfort and pain in the vulvar region. This type of discomfort can manifest itself either in the form of a burning sensation or in the form of pain, to the point of causing a vulvar swelling effect.

The intensity and severity of the symptoms may vary from person to person. These symptoms can appear either constantly or sporadically but recurrently. In addition, the sensations may be localized to specific points on the vulva or may be generalized or diffuse discomfort. Finally, the intensity of these can range from mild discomfort, to a stabbing pain and really incapacitating for the person for the sufferer.

In addition, these symptoms can also change over time in the same person. As a general rule, the pain tends to be accentuated at night, as well as with menstruation, stressful periods or in cold and humid environments.

In order to be considered as a diagnosis of vulvodynia, the symptoms must persist for more than three monthsThey may appear suddenly and without any apparent cause. On other occasions, the pain is provoked by a mild stimulus that does not usually correspond to the degree of pain experienced. This stimulus can range from a slight friction, the mere fact of walking or doing some kind of exercise or inserting a tampon.

As a result of the great discomfort in the vulvar area, the person may become unable to perform certain types of activities, such as riding a bike. Above all, it creates problems when it comes to sexual intercourse.The sensation of pain makes any kind of intimate contact very difficult and uncomfortable.

As a curious fact, throughout history, the inability to find physical causes for vulvodynia, caused it to be considered as a psychosomatic disease of women caused by high levels of anxiety and stress. This made vulvodynia something of a mental condition, so patients were reluctant to ask for help.

Different types of vulvodynia

As pointed out above, vulvodynia can present itself in several different waysThe location of the symptoms and their intensity vary. This makes it possible to distinguish different types of vulvodynia, which are known as dysesthetic or generalized vulvodynia, and vulgar vestibulitis syndrome or localized vulvodynia.

1. Dysesthetic vulvodynia

This first classification of vulvodynia is characterized by the fact that the symptoms manifest themselves in a generalized manner, i.e. they extend throughout the vulvar area. These discomforts may appear discontinuously or constantly, and may not be caused by any type of stimulus or in response to any type of pressure or friction.

In some cases, the pain is accompanied by cutaneous alterations in the perineal area in the perineal area such as reddening, as well as rectal and urethral problems or Muscle spasms in the pelvic floor area.

2. Vulgar vestibulitis syndrome

Localized vulvodynia, clinically known under the term vulgar vestibulitis syndrome, is the more common of the two classifications. In these cases, the pain localized areas, but most commonly in the area surrounding the vagina (vestibule). (vestibule). This discomfort, in the form of pain or burning, can manifest itself suddenly and without apparent cause or by the contact or pressure of any stimulus.

Although it does not occur in all cases, this condition of the vulva may be accompanied or produced by other physical disorders such as different types of cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome or even fibromyalgia.

What symptoms does it present?

Although, as already mentioned, the symptoms of vulvodynia may vary from patient to patient, there are certain common signs of this condition.There are certain common signs of this condition that are present in all of them.

These symptoms are pain or burning sensation in the vulvar area, which may extend to the urethra, the clitoris or the anar area. The discomfort can become so severe that the person experiences an the person experiences a sensation of severe abrasion, with small lesions or cuts appearing in the vulva.small lesions or cuts appear in the affected area. Other symptomatology may include:

• Severe vaginal dryness accompanied by itching.
• Stinging sensation in the affected area.
• Pain similar to that caused by a jolt or electric shock.
• Pain similar to that caused by a blow to the affected area.
• Anal or rectal pain.
• Increased pain when performing certain activities such as sitting or riding a bike..

The form and severity of these symptoms can affect the quality of life of the person. In addition to being disabling when maintaining any type of intimate or sexual relationship. This interference with daily life can cause great feelings of frustration that can even lead to a severe depressive disorder.

What are the causes?

At the moment, the causes of vulvodynia remain unknown. However, it is hypothesized that the it is hypothesized that repeated inflammatory infections may be the cause of vulvodynia. may be the main trigger for this condition.

These infections can be caused by inadequate intimate hygiene, contact with certain chemicals or synthetic contact with certain chemicals or synthetic fabrics.. As well as by physical activities or excessively intense sexual relations, among many others.

The main causes that have been related to vulvodynia are:

• Injuries or inflammation of the nerves surrounding the vulvar area.
• Vaginal infections.
• Allergies or reactive skin..
• Hormonal alterations.
• Weakness of the pelvic floor.

Is there a treatment?

Due to the complexity and lack of information about this condition, an effective treatment for vulvodynia has not yet been developed to permanently resolve the symptoms.

However, there are treatments focused on alleviating the severity and recurrence of symptoms. They are also focused on the particular characteristics of each specific case of vulvodynia. For this purpose, a combination of different types of a combination of different types of therapeutic interventions among which we can find:

• Pharmacological treatment by means of steroids, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants to relieve pain, and antihistamines for itching.
• Biofeedback therapy by which the person learns to relax the pelvic musculature and reduce pain.
• Local anesthetic medications.
• Nerve blockers.
• Pelvic floor exercises.
• Surgery to remove areas of affected tissue (only in the most severe cases).

How can it be prevented?

Since the exact causes are not known, it is not very reasonable to say that it can be prevented. However, there are a number of measures that people can take to reduce the likelihood of onset or, in the case of suffering from it, reduce the intensity of the discomfort. Among these hygiene and behavioral recommendations are:

• Use cotton underwearIf possible, white underwear.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Washing with mild intimate soaps and without perfumes. In the case of frequent washing, use only water.
• Avoid continuous use of sanitary napkins or panty liners. It is better to use 100% cotton pads.
• Do not hold urine.
• Use water-based lubricants and as natural as possible.
• Avoid physical exercises that involve rubbing or continuous friction of the vulvar area.
• If after sexual intercourse or urination discomfort is experienced, apply cold compresses or cool the affected area.