Vulvodynia
The content of the article:
- Causes
- Forms
- Signs
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Consequences and complications
Vulvodynia is an uncomfortable sensation in the vulva that persists for a long time and is associated with an allergic reaction, an infectious process (herpes, fungal) or some other disease.
According to statistics, vulvodynia at least once in a lifetime is observed in every tenth woman of childbearing age.
The main symptom of vulvodynia is long-term pain in the external genitals.
Causes
Various factors, as well as their combinations, can lead to the development of vulvodynia. Often, the cause of the pathology is a change in the pH of the vaginal secretion to the alkaline side against the background of:
- lack of estrogen;
- bacterial vaginosis;
- cervicitis;
- vulvovaginitis.
Other causes of vulvodynia:
- herpes infection;
- irritating effect of cosmetics (soap, shower gel);
- genital trauma;
- chemotherapy;
- autoimmune diseases (Crohn's disease, Behcet's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus);
- kidney disease;
- metabolic disorders;
- lichen sclerosus;
- degenerative diseases of the vulva (kraurosis, leukoplakia);
- allergy.
Vulvodynia can develop under the influence of a herpes infection
In some cases, vulvodynia is psychogenic.
Forms
Depending on the cause of the occurrence, the following forms of vulvodynia are distinguished:
- allergic;
- psychogenic;
- infectious;
- vulvodynia against the background of somatic diseases;
- atrophic, or dystrophic.
By the features of the clinical course:
- provoked - pain syndrome occurs at the time of irritation of the vulva caused by any reason (intercourse, sports, the introduction of a tampon);
- spontaneous - pain occurs spontaneously, usually during rest, for example, during a night's sleep.
Signs
The main symptom of vulvodynia is long-term pain in the external genitals. It can be both sharp and aching. The pain is localized in the area of the entrance to the vagina, clitoris, small and (or) large labia. Soreness near the anus or perineum is much less common. In some patients, pain is combined with dryness, itching, a feeling of heat and redness of the vaginal mucosa.
Vulvodynia is characterized by the onset or intensification of pain at the moment of even light touching the tissues of the vulvar ring.
Without treatment, vulvodynia becomes chronic and can last for more than six months.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of vulvodynia begins with a detailed questioning of the patient about the nature of pain, its connection with sexual intercourse, physical activity. In addition, they find out whether the woman suffers from allergic, gynecological or any somatic diseases, specify the obstetric and gynecological history.
After that, an examination is carried out on a chair using mirrors, during which a smear is taken from the posterior fornix of the vagina and the cervical canal for cytological, microscopic and bacteriological examinations.
Examination by a gynecologist and taking tests helps diagnose vulvodynia and establish its causes
If indicated, a virological study (PCR) is carried out. Depending on the results obtained, the patient is consulted by a therapist, endocrinologist, neurologist or psychiatrist.
Treatment
Taking into account the fact that vulvodynia is a symptom typical for many diseases and pathological processes, individual therapy is selected to eliminate it (depending on the result of the examination). For example, with infectious vulvodynia, antibiotics or antifungal agents are prescribed, and with allergic vulvodynia, the use of antihistamines is indicated.
In order to reduce pain, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topically - creams with anesthetics.
Anesthetic creams help relieve pain with vulvodynia
During the period of treatment, a woman is advised to avoid actions that can cause the formation of microtraumas of the vaginal mucosa (sexual intercourse, the introduction of hygienic tampons, active sports).
Reducing vulvodynia is facilitated by a diet that restricts oxalate-rich foods (celery, rhubarb, sorrel, strawberries, chocolate).
With a mild character of vulvodynia, spa treatment is indicated.
Prevention
In order to prevent vulvodynia, it is recommended:
- wear underwear with hygroscopic properties;
- refuse to wear tight underwear;
- wash the genitals twice a day;
- use a special gel or soap intended for intimate hygiene;
- regularly undergo a gynecological examination (at least twice a year);
- timely treat gynecological and systemic diseases;
- avoid casual sex.
Consequences and complications
Vulvodynia interferes with a woman's normal sex life. Severe forms of the disease can cause a decrease and even disability due to the arising strong pain when trying to move. Against the background of prolonged vulvodynia, patients often develop depression.
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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
