Diseases or conditions related to the intimate areas of both men and women are still considered taboo in our society. This causes people who suffer from such conditions to experience them in silence and to be very reluctant to seek professional help.

One of these conditions is vulvodynia , a disease affecting the vulvar area that can be highly disabling for the person suffering from it because of the pain it causes. In this article we will discuss 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 causes that are difficult to determine and which 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 symptoms may vary from person to person. These symptoms may appear either constantly or sporadically but recurrently. In addition, the sensations may be localized to specific points on the vulva or may be a generalized or diffuse discomfort. Finally, the intensity of these can range from a slight discomfort, to a stabbing and really disabling pain for the person who suffers it.

In addition, these symptoms can also change over time in the same person. As a general rule, pain tends to become more pronounced at night, as well as with menstruation, stages of stress, or in cold, damp environments.

In order to be considered as a diagnosis of vulvodynia, the symptoms must remain for more than three months , and may appear suddenly and without any apparent cause. On other occasions, the pain is caused by a mild stimulus that does not usually correspond to the degree of pain experienced. This stimulus can be from a slight rubbing, the mere fact of walking or doing some type 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 cycling. Above all, it creates great problems when it comes to sexual relations , since the sensation of pain makes any kind of intimate contact very difficult and annoying.

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

Different types of vulvodynia

As noted above, vulvodynia can present in several ways , varying both the location of symptoms and their intensity. 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. Vulvodynia dysesthesia

This first classification of vulvodynia is characterized by the fact that the symptoms are generalized, that is, they extend throughout the entire vulvar area. These discomforts may appear in a discontinuous manner 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 skin alterations in the perineal area such as redness, as well as rectal and urethral problems or muscle spasms in the pelvic floor area.

2. Vulgar Vestibulitis Syndrome

Localized vulvodynia, clinically known as vulgar vestibulitis syndrome, is the more common of the two classifications. In these cases, pain appears in localised areas, but more commonly in the area around the vagina (vestibule). This discomfort, in the form of pain or burning, can manifest itself suddenly and without apparent cause or through the contact or pressure of some stimulus.

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

What symptoms do you have?

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

These symptoms take the form of a painful or burning sensation in the area of the vulva, which may extend to the urethra, clitoris or anar area. The discomfort can be so severe that the person experiences a severe abrasion sensation , with small lesions or cuts appearing in the affected area. Other symptoms 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 which would be caused by a blow to the affected area.
  • Anal or rectal pain.
  • Increased pain when doing certain activities such as sitting or riding a bike .

The way and severity of these symptoms can affect a person’s quality of life. In addition to being disabling to maintain any kind of intimate or sexual relationship. This interference with daily life can lead to feelings of frustration that can even result in severe depressive disorder.

What are the causes?

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

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

The main causes that could be related to vulvodynia are

  • Injury 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, no effective treatment for vulvodynia has yet been developed that will bring the symptoms into permanent remission.

However, there are treatments that focus on relieving 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 therapeutic interventions is carried out, among which we can find

  • Pharmacological treatment using steroids, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants to relieve pain, and antihistamines for itching.
  • Biofeedback therapy in which the person learns to relax the pelvic muscles and reduce pain.
  • Local anesthetic drugs .
  • Nerve blocks.
  • Pelvic floor exercises.
  • Surgery to remove the affected areas of 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 series of measures that people can take to reduce the probabilities of occurrence or, in the case of suffering from it, reduce the intensity of the discomfort . Among these hygiene and behavioural recommendations are

  • Use cotton underwear , preferably white.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
  • Wash with mild intimate soaps and no perfumes. In the case of very frequent washing, use only water.
  • Avoid continuous use of pads or panty liners. It is better to use 100% cotton absorbent pads.
  • Can’t hold your urine.
  • Use water-based lubricants and as natural as possible.
  • Avoid physical exercises that involve continuous rubbing or friction of the vulvar area.
  • If discomfort is experienced after sex or urination, apply cold compresses or cool the affected area.