Do you experience burning, stinging or rawness in your vulvar area? Maybe you feel itching, throbbing, or aching in the perineum and pelvis. You are not alone. These symptoms are typical of vulvodynia.
Vulvodynia is a pain condition of the female genitals: clitoris, vestibule (vaginal opening), labia, and perineum.
There are two main subtypes of vulvodynia:
Vulvodynia is a pain condition of the female genitals: clitoris, vestibule (vaginal opening), labia, and perineum.
There are two main subtypes of vulvodynia:
- Generalized Vulvodynia is pain in different areas of the vulva. Pain occurs spontaneously and can be relatively constant. Activities that apply pressure to the vulva, such as prolonged sitting, wearing pants, riding a bicycle typically make the symptoms worse.
- Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (Provoked Vestibulodynia) is pain in the entrance to the vagina, (vestibule). Often a burning sensation, this type of vulvar pain comes on only after touch or pressure, such as during intercourse or placing a tampon. This type is further classified as Primary: pain experienced with first attempt of vaginal penetration, or Secondary: woman has experienced pain free penetration prior to the development of pain.
 Generalized Vulvodynia |  Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome |
Self Care Strategies
Self-care and treatments for vulvodynia can help bring relief and recovery. Unfortunately, there is not a "one size fits all" treatment. Working with a trained healthcare provider who understands vulvodynia is crucial to getting out of pain. Here are a few suggestions to alleviate symptoms:
Avoid Irritants to the vulvar tissue
Relieve pain and ease pressure
Make an appointment with your local Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Resources
Avoid Irritants to the vulvar tissue
- Use dermatologically approved detergent and don’t use fabric softener.
- Use unscented toilet paper that’s soft and white.
- Wear 100% white cotton underwear, menstrual pads, and tampons.
- Avoid getting shampoo on the vulvar area.
- Avoid perfumed creams or soaps (no Massengill or Summer's Eve cleaning products), pads or tampons, and contraceptive creams or spermicides.
- Avoid hot tubs or pools with lots of chlorine.
- Rinse the vulva with cool water after urination and intercourse.
- Avoid foods that make urine more irritating. This may include foods such as greens, beans, berries, chocolate, or nuts.
- Wear loose-fitting pants and skirts; don’t wear pantyhose.
- Keep the vulva clean and dry.
Relieve pain and ease pressure
- Use a water-soluble lubricant during sex. Olive and coconut oil can also be used as a lubricant.
- Avoid activities that put direct pressure on the vulva. This includes bicycling and horseback riding. Intense exercise that creates friction at the perineum.
- Learn how to sit with a neutral pelvis, this decreases pressure on the coccyx and tailbone. LImit sitting time to 20 minutes, then get up and move around.
- Soak in lukewarm or cool sitz baths.
- Apply heat, ice or a frozen gel pack wrapped inside a hand towel.
- Relaxation techniques and walking can improve blood flow, increase circulation and calm the nervous system.
Make an appointment with your local Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
- www.womenshealthapta.org
- www.hermanwallace.com
- If you are in the Salt Lake City, UT area contact me:
Resources
Susan McLaughlin is a physical therapist who specializes in the management of pelvic floor and orthopedic dysfunctions. She is the owner of ALIGN integration|movement in Salt Lake City, UT. Helpful tips and other self care strategies can be found at www.alignintegrationandmovement.com.
RSS Feed