Vulvar Pain: What You Should Know
Vulvar pain is a burning, throbbing sensation that results from inflammation in a woman’s genital area. Unfortunately, it afflicts about 16% of the female population. Today we’d like to tell you about this condition so you can identify its symptoms and take prompt action if you need to.
Let’s find out how vulvodynia may affect your quality of life and how it might also be affecting your sex life. Also, we’d like to give you some helpful advice about how to deal with it.
When should you see a doctor?
There could be many reasons for vulvar pain. For example, scrubbing it too hard with toilet paper can lead to irritation and stinging pain. Note that an allergy to latex (condoms) could lead to similar symptoms.
However, you may want to know if you should consult a gynecologist because you might have vulvodynia. Remember that early diagnosis is important.
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Symptoms of Vulvar Pain
The reason why vulvodynia is considered chronic pain is that it lasts about three months, according to some literature on this condition.
So, go to your doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms for more than a few days.
- Burning usually accompanied by a stinging sensation and throbbing pain.
- A sensation of itching that you can’t relieve in any way (for example, by washing the area with an appropriate soap).
- Painful sexual relationships (these are common in women with vulvodynia).
Let’s make clear that these symptoms may be chronic or only happen during specific times. For example, when touching the area or during sex.
Nevertheless, if these symptoms don’t go away, then you must consult a doctor. They’ll be able to make a diagnosis and give you treatment so you can cure it as soon as possible.
The Causes of Vulvar Pain
According to some studies, these are some of the common triggers of vulvar pain:
- Herpes: lesions that cause sores in the area of the vulva.
- Allergies: due to the use of wet wipes or latex condoms.
- Hormones: hormonal changes due to breastfeeding or taking contraceptives.
- Endometriosis: This is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
These are just some of the causes of vulvodynia that could lead to vaginismus. That is, it may lead to involuntary contractions of the muscles of the vagina. They’re often sometimes the result of anxiety and fear in anticipation of the pain that will occur during sexual intercourse.
If this is your case, then consult your doctor.
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Possible Treatments
Don’t worry too much if you go to the doctor due to the symptoms you present and they diagnose you with vulvodynia. There are many proven treatments for it.
If there are clear signs of anxiety and anticipation of pain in sexual intercourse, then you should consider the possibility of therapy. It can make a difference!
However, what happens if the problem is external?
Fortunately, there are many alternatives such as anesthetics and anti-inflammatory creams you can try. However, if the causes are more serious, like endometriosis, then you should consider surgical intervention.
A Problem with a Solution
As you can see, there are many solutions for vulvodynia. Keep in mind that every person is different and the causes are widely varied. Whatever you do, don’t try to hide it nor remain silent about it. You can kiss sexual discomfort goodbye soon after you consult a doctor and begin treatment!
This is why it’s very important to have a checkup at least once a year. You deserve to enjoy your sex life fully! Put yourself in the hands of a professional now that you know there are many solutions to your vulvar pain.
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