What is Vulvodynia and Does it Cause Abnormal Discharge?

Vulvodynia is a condition that affects the vulva, which is the external part of the female genitalia. It is a misunderstood condition that lasts longer than three months.1 Due to the nature of this condition, it can be embarrassing for people suffering from it to seek help. Vulvodynia affects women of all ages. However, it is mostly observed in women aged 20 to 30. It brings with it chronic pain or discomfort and, unfortunately, no identifiable cause.

In this article, we explore vulvodynia in detail and draw attention to its symptoms, causes and treatment options available at your fingertips. Although vulvodynia is a prevalent problem, there is not much discussion around it as women tend to feel embarrassed and often delay seeking help. This only prolongs suffering and delays proper treatment. It is imperative that vulvodynia is openly discussed so that women dealing with it may get the right solutions to aid them with vulvodynia pain.

1. Symptoms of Vulvodynia
2. Causes of Vulvodynia
3. Treatment for Vulvodynia

The symptoms of vulvodynia are many. It can cause vaginal burning, irritation, stinging or a general feeling of rawness in the vulvar region.

• Chronic Pain: One of the main characteristics of vulvodynia is persistent pain around the vulva. This pain can be burning, stinging or give a general feeling of rawness for months or years.

• Discomfort During Activities: Those affected by vulvodynia experience discomfort during activities such as sitting for longer periods, cycling or during intimacy. This can affect daily life and intimate relationships.

• Sensitivity: The vulval area may experience heightened sensitivity. Even a light touch or pressure from clothing or tampon use can provoke pain.

• Localised or Generalised Pain: The pain may be localised to a specific area of the vulva or distributed across a larger region. It might occur spontaneously or be triggered by touch.

• Variable Intensity: The pain can be intense for people ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. The nature and level of the pain you experience may fluctuate over a period of time.

Take a look at the Always website and gather insight into a wide range of products that can help maintain period hygiene. Products such as panty liners can help you deal with vaginal discharge and keep infections at bay. Be sure to give the Always Comfort Protect pantyliners a chance. Its odour-neutralising technology is sure to give you all the comfort you need during this trying time.

To this day, vulvodynia causes are unknown. However, there are several factors that may contribute to its development.

• Nerve Injury or Irritation: If the nerves in the vulval region are damaged or have heightened sensitivity, then this can lead to chronic pain. This may be the result of trauma or an inflammatory response in the vulval area.

• Hormonal Changes: If you struggle with fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, it can affect tissue in the vulva and cause vulvodynia pain. Hormonal fluctuation tends to occur during menopause or postpartum.

• Muscle Spasms: Pelvic floor muscle spasms can cause or increase vulvodynia pain. In such cases, certain targeted exercises can ease discomfort.

• Infections: Yeast or bacterial infection can cause vulval tissue to become more sensitive and cause women to have chronic pain.

• Genetic Factors: Genetic factors play an important role when it comes to vulvodynia pain as some women may be more susceptible to it.3

Maintaining good hygiene is important to keep infections at bay. Also, ensure you consult a doctor if you have pain in the vulval region. Following a thorough examination, a doctor can determine the cause and prescribe the best vulvodynia treatment.

A medical professional can carefully evaluate your medical history and symptoms to determine if they have vulvodynia. A physical examination gives additional insight into the matter. Once the doctor has reached a diagnosis, they are able to offer you treatment options to provide optimal vulvodynia relief.

Diagnosing vulvodynia involves a careful evaluation of medical history, symptoms, and a physical examination. Once a diagnosis is reached, a range of treatment options may be considered to provide vulvodynia relief:

• Medications: Vulvodynia pain can be managed using topical ointments or even oral medications, such as nerve blockers or pain relievers. Doctors prescribe these medicines to help reduce the patient’s swelling and discomfort. Make sure you consult with your doctor before you use any ointment or take any medication.

• Physical Therapy: A special kind of physiotherapy that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles can help relieve muscle tension and deal with pain. Such a therapy helps with muscular control and reduces spasms.

• Dietary Changes: Certain foods can irritate the bladder or the nerves and are best avoided. Caffeine, processed or spicy foods act as culprits that may alleviate symptoms. Food such as berries, chocolates, nuts and beans are better avoided as they may make your urine more irritating. Vulvodynia cure could be a possibility after making a few dietary adjustments at the behest of healthcare professionals.

• Counselling and Support: You can resort to psychological counselling as it may affect your mental health or even interpersonal relationships. Therapy can help one cope and gain emotional support.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Make a habit of wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid irritants like perfumed soaps to keep discomfort at bay. Minor changes in everyday habits may help provide vulvodynia relief.

• Surgery: In severe cases, you may have to resort to surgery, such as nerve or tissue removal. Typically, this is a last resort that is only accessed if other vulvodynia treatment methods have been exhausted.

• Vulvodynia Natural Treatment: A few women seek relief from alternative therapies such as acupuncture or herbal remedies. These options are not backed by science but could be explored alongside medical advice.

Find comfort in the knowledge that although there is no uniform vulvodynia cure, combining numerous treatments yields the best results. Furthermore, seeking medical assistance without any delay can pave the way to improving one’s health and overall well-being.

Once you understand the symptoms of vulvodynia, getting down to the root of its causes and finding appropriate treatments is possible. Many women silently struggle with vulvodynia pain. However, with a prompt cry for help and the right medical care, it can be managed effectively. Fostering an open and supportive environment is crucial if women want to prioritise their health.

Also, go ahead and keep a track of your ovulation period with Always Ovulation Calendar.

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritise safety, protection and comfort of its consumers. 

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritise safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.