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Vulvodynia Treatment in Charlottesville, VA
Receive compassionate care in a safe environment for your gynecological health.
What is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, which is the external part of your genitalia. It generally refers to the area from your clitoris down to the bottom of the vaginal opening and the skin on either side of the vaginal opening out to where the leg begins. It includes the opening to the urethra (the hole you pee out of), the clitoris, the vaginal opening and the labia (lips of the vagina). Many people call this area the “vagina,” but they're really talking about the vulva.
Vulvodynia refers to pain, burning, or discomfort in the vulvar region that is not easily explained by a clear cause such as an infection or injury. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be constant or come and go. Vulvodynia can make daily activities like sitting, exercising, or having sex uncomfortable, but with the right care, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Vulvodynia can affect anyone with a vulva, no matter your age or medical history. You might be more likely to experience symptoms if you’ve had frequent infections, hormonal changes, nerve injury, trauma, radiation/chemotherapy, surgery, other types of pelvic pain, post-traumatic stress, anxiety/depression, childhood victimization, or unwanted sexual experiences.
Symptoms of Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia symptoms can vary, but the most common include:
- Burning, stinging, or raw sensations
- Itching or irritation
- Throbbing or aching pain
- Pain during sex, inserting tampons, or sitting for extended periods
- Abnormal sensitivity to touch in the vulvar area
These symptoms may be constant or occur only in specific situations, such as during sexual activity or exercise. If you're experiencing any of these, it's important to seek help to improve your comfort and quality of life.
Causes of Vulvodynia
There are many possible reasons why you might experience symptoms of vulvodynia, including being born with abnormal skin innervation, nerve irritation, muscle spasms, incompletely treated infections, skin disorders, allergies to products like soaps, or hormonal changes brought on by use of birth control or menopause. Often, it’s a mix of these factors. Your provider will take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
During your initial visit, your provider will take the time to understand your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life. This includes a thorough discussion of when the pain occurs, its severity, and any factors that might worsen or relieve it. Here at the Center for Advanced Gynecology we take a thorough and specific pelvic pain history.
Following this, a physical exam will be performed which will include a neuro-sensory exam and a neuromuscular exam of the pelvis. The soft end of a cotton swab is used to test for abnormal sensation to determine the exact location of the symptoms. This is combined with a visual inspection, possible collection of a vaginal swab for testing, and a pelvic exam. We recognize that this can sound terrifying for someone who experiences significant pain in this area. We make a point to go slowly and remind each patient that they can stop the exam at any point if they experience pain. Proceeding with any part of the exam is always under the patient’s control.
Depending on the findings, your provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which might include topical medications, oral medications, nerve blocks, and pelvic floor exercises/physical therapy.
You’ll also have the chance to explore lifestyle changes that might reduce your discomfort, such as avoiding certain products that could irritate sensitive skin, stopping medications that may be causing your symptoms or adjusting your diet if specific foods trigger symptoms.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed. Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vulvodynia need to be treated?
If left untreated, vulvodynia can cause persistent pain that gets in the way of your daily life. It can make sexual activity difficult and affect your relationships. The longer the pain goes on, the more it can affect your mental health, leading to frustration, stress, depression or anxiety. By addressing vulvodynia early, you can prevent these long-term impacts and improve your well-being.
What is the difference between generalized and localized vulvodynia?
Generalized vulvodynia refers to vulvar pain that affects the entire vulva, while localized vulvodynia is when the pain is focused on a specific area. Generalized vulvodynia might feel like persistent burning or irritation across the vulvar region, whereas localized vulvodynia is often linked to nerve pain in a particular spot. Both can disrupt daily life, but identifying the type of vulvodynia can help guide treatment.
Is there a way to relieve pain from vulvodynia without medication?
Yes, there are several non-medication approaches to relieve pain from vulvodynia. Pelvic floor physical therapy can address muscle related vulvodynia. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants like certain soaps or certain medications may also help. In some cases, nerve pain treatments, such as nerve blocks or biofeedback, can also provide relief. Your provider will work with you to find the best solution.
Can physical therapy help relieve vulvar pain?
Yes, pelvic physical therapy is often recommended as part of a treatment plan for vulvodynia, which targets the muscles that support the pelvis, helping to reduce tension, improve blood flow, and relieve pain. This therapy is especially useful for individuals experiencing pain during activities like sitting or sexual intercourse.
How do pelvic floor muscles affect vulvodynia?
The pelvic floor muscles support your pelvic organs and play a key role in controlling functions like urination, bowel movements, and sex. If these muscles are unknowingly being held in contraction they can impact the nerves that run through or near them and contribute to persistent vulvar pain. Many people with vulvodynia benefit from treatments that focus on pelvic floor awareness, control, and lengthening/releasing tightly held pelvic floor muscles.