Vulvodynia how long does it last

Vaginal Dilators are Essential, Doc Says. Nov 03, Why is it hard to fit a penis in my vagina? Oct 22, What are posterior fourchette fissures and how can you treat them? Aug 09, Made by Powerful Contact Form Builder. Your Cart. Place your order. What is Dyspareunia? What is Vulvodynia? What is Vaginal Atrophy? When is this going to be over? The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora and clitoris. Your pain might be constant or occasional.

It might occur only when the sensitive area is touched provoked. You might feel the pain in your entire vulvar area generalized , or the pain might be localized to a certain area, such as the opening of your vagina vestibule.

A similar condition, vestibulodynia, causes pain only when pressure is applied to the area surrounding the entrance to your vagina. If you have pain in your genital area, discuss it with your doctor or ask for a referral to a gynecologist.

It's important to have your doctor rule out more easily treatable causes of vulvar pain — for instance, yeast or bacterial infections, herpes, precancerous skin conditions, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and medical problems such as diabetes.

It's also important not to repeatedly use over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections without seeing your doctor. Once your doctor has evaluated your symptoms, he or she can recommend treatments or ways to help you manage your pain. For example, fear of having sex can cause spasms in the muscles around your vagina vaginismus.

Other complications might include:. Before diagnosing vulvodynia, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical, sexual and surgical history and to understand the location, nature and extent of your symptoms.

During a pelvic exam, your doctor inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen, he or she can evaluate your uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs. Vulvodynia treatments focus on relieving symptoms. No one treatment works in every case. For many, a combination of treatments works best. It can take time to find the right treatments, and it can take time after starting a treatment before you notice relief.

Stress tends to worsen vulvodynia and having vulvodynia increases stress. Although there's little evidence that alternative techniques work, some women get some relief from yoga, meditation, massage and other stress reducers. There is no special test for vulvodynia — only tests to prove the pain is not caused by other conditions. Your doctor will usually do a physical exam and may take and test samples of your vagina and vulva to rule out other irritations like thrush or eczema.

Lubrications and medications applied to the affected area may provide some relief. Physiotherapy can also help to relax the pelvic floor muscles.

If all else fails, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tender area.