Pain Below The Bikini Line: Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia refers to pain around the opening of the vagina (called the vulva). This vulva pain can be so severe that just sitting is uncomfortable.
Other symptoms include burning, itching, and stinging, and sometimes rawness, but often there are no visible signs of pain.
In some cases of vulvodynia, the pain is almost constant and can persist for months (or years) before suddenly disappearing.
Clinicians don’t know what causes vulvodynia, but evidence suggests that it is not a sexually transmitted disease or a sign of cancer.
Possible causes include:
- Nerve injury in the area around the vagina
- Allergic reactions or muscle spasms
- Previous vaginal infections
- Changes in the levels of estrogen that occur during menopause
If you experience severe and persistent vulva pain, see a specialist to rule out other causes of genital pain that can be treated, such as diabetes or a yeast infection. If vulvodynia is the diagnosis, treatments to manage the pain may include:
- Oral medications: Sometimes antidepressants can relieve vulva pain.
- Supervised therapy: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Topical treatments: Estrogen creams or topical anesthetics.
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