Vulvodynia
What is vulvodynia?
Is the most common pelvic pain condition impacting premenopausal women.
Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain that is present during sexual or non-sexual situations without any obvious disease, infection or skin condition. Pain can be localized to one part of the vulva or experienced in multiple areas.
Diagnosis is made if an individual has experienced vulvar pain for 3 months or more without clear identifiable cause.
A condition likely caused by multiple factors, vulvodynia triggers may include:
pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
inflammation
genetic disorders
food sensitivities
damage or irritation to nerves of the vulva
hormonal factors
Comorbidities and other pain syndromes (e.g., painful bladder syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder)
Common symptoms of vulvodynia?
Symptoms are limited to the vulva, the external/outside female genitalia, including the mons
pubis, outer labia, inner labia, perineum, the hood over the clitoris and the clitoris.
Women may report:
Burning, stinging, throbbing, rawness or soreness
Triggered by pressure to the area, touch, tight clothing, prolonged sitting, penetration
Similar but different... (other common pelvic pain conditions)
Vestibulodynia: is pain that occurs during or after pressure is applied to the vestibule, the opening to the vagina
Vaginismus: involuntary contraction of the outer third of the pelvic floor muscles triggered by attempted vaginal penetration by a penis, tampon, toy, etc
What can help?
A disorder that is multifaceted and often poorly understood, vulvodynia treatment aimed at
targeting localized inflammation and the pain processing may help people manage symptoms, reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Pelvic PT can help address the effects of vulvodynia through
pain management techniques
manual therapy to reduce soft tissue restrictions
pelvic floor muscle re-education including de-sensitization training
A team-based approach between pelvic floor PT, medical management, and potentially mental health therapy can help address
the behavioral, mental and physical impact of vulvodynia on a woman's quality of life.
Here to help you:
If you are experiencing
vulvar pain
pain or discomfort with clothing or pressure to your external genitalia
pain during or after sex
We highly recommend seeing a pelvic PT for an evaluation and specific treatment. Our team has specialty training in pelvic pain conditions and we would love to help you enjoy intimacy again !
We offer in person and virtual appointments
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