There are numerous pathologies associated with the female genitals that we are unaware of and out of shame we settle for feeling the discomfort linked to them. Therefore, it is very important to inform yourself and know the different ailments that we can manifest, in order to empower ourselves and be able to ask for help.
If you feel pain in the female genitals or itching and inflammation in the vulvar fork, and you ask yourself “How do I know if I have vulvodynia?”, in this Online Psychology article we let you know Vulvodynia: what it is, its symptoms, causes and treatmentsbecause you should know that vulvodynia can disappear.
What is vulvodynia
The meaning of vulvodynia is a discomfort or pain in female genitals, on the outside of the female vagina. Now, what is the pain of vulvodynia like? This discomfort can manifest itself as burning, irritation or intense pain.
How long does vulvodynia last? This condition can disappear, however, it usually remains for at least three months and can become chronic, lasting several months, and even years. For this reason, there are many women who ask themselves “What happens if my vagina hurts when I sit?”, because vulvodynia can affect our daily life, limiting daily behaviors such as sitting, having sexual relations and having vulvar pain in the vagina. bicycle.
What are the symptoms of vulvodynia
The most characteristic symptom of vulvodynia is pain in the vulva. But this pain can be constant or appear at specific moments such as, for example, when the damaged area is touched. Likewise, the pain can be located in a specific area or in the vulva in general.
If you were wondering “How do I know if I have vulvodynia?” We leave you a list of the main symptoms, keep in mind that pain can manifest itself in different ways:
- Generalized vulvar pain.
- Burning and cracking of the skin
- Vulvar vestibulitis.
- Itching in the vulvar fork.
- Pain in the female genitals.
- Vulvar irritation without infection.
- Pain in the genital lips.
- female genital punctures.
- inflammation and itching,
- Pulsatile or electrical sensation.
- Dyspareunia or pain caused by sexual relations.
Complications of vulvodynia
Vulvodynia can trigger alterations to emotional level, since it is a limiting and frustrating ailment. Since, it interferes with our daily lives, preventing sexual relations, for example. These emotional alterations can translate into the following complications:
- Sleeping problems.
- Difficulties in relationships.
- Decreased quality of life.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Alterations in physical appearance.
- sexual dysfunctions.
What are the causes of vulvodynia
The cause of vulvodynia has not yet been identified, but several factors that can promote the appearance of this pain have been detected. The most common factors are:
- Hormonal changes.
- Allergies.
- Sensitive skin type.
- Vaginal infections.
- Pelvic floor weakness.
- nerve injuries belonging to the vulva.
home treatment of vulvodynia
If you are interested in knowing how to cure vulvodynia naturally, follow these instructions to reduce the symptoms:
- Place cold compresses in the affected area.
- Bathe in warm water with natural magnesium for approximately 10 minutes.
- Wear fluid clothing that does not squeeze the damaged area.
- Use pads and tampons made entirely of cotton.
- Avoid activities that require sitting postures or that involve pressure on the affected area.
- Wash the damaged area gently and avoid daily washing.
- Apply Vaseline or products that protect the affected area.
- Use natural lubricants that do not contain alcohol to be able to have more satisfactory sexual relations.
- Do alternative activities that reduce stress, for example, yoga or meditation.
- Talk to other women affected by vulvodynia to increase coping strategies.
- Go to couples therapy if complications arise in the relationship.
Treatments for vulvodynia
At a medical level, there is no single treatment that cures vulvodynia, but different types of treatment can be combined to reduce the symptoms as much as possible. The treatments depend on each case particular and the individual needs of the patient. Among the main treatments are those that study how to cure vulvodynia naturally and others that include medications:
- Teach to relax pelvic muscles.
- Use local anesthetics.
- Use local injections for nerve block.
- Perform surgery to remove affected tissue.
- Use of medications.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, each case is different and the treatment varies depending on the symptoms and complications that each patient manifests. Therefore, it is very important to go to the doctor and have the affected area evaluated.
This assessment may have a pelvic floor exam and/or a swab test. This is essential to determine which area is affected, how pain in the female genitals manifests and how it can be treated. Therefore, do not let shame or ignorance about this problem prevent you from seeking help and putting an end to the discomfort caused by vulvodynia.
Likewise, as noted in the complications section, it is also essential to pay attention to the emotional alterations and problems associated with said pathology. It is especially important to ask psychological help at the moment that we feel overwhelmed or that we do not know how to manage the emotions linked to physical pain.
As well as, go to couple therapy, in the event that vulvodynia is limiting our life as a couple or reducing sexual relations due to physical discomfort. Don’t forget that you are not alone, that there is always a way out and we don’t have to settle for feeling bad or uncomfortable. Health professionals, no matter what branch, are always willing to help us and explain pathologies to us so that we are more aware of how we are and how we feel.
If you like resume your sexual relations, either with yourself or with your partner, but you have pain in your vulva, we recommend trying tantric sex. That you have to pay special attention and pamper your genitals can be an opportunity to develop your conscious sexuality. We leave you everything you need to know about this in .
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Vulvodynia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatmentwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Itza, F., Zarza, D., Gómez-Sancha, F., Salinas, J., & Bautrant, E. (2012). Update on the diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia. Spanish Urological Acts, 36(7), 431-438. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0210480611003974
- Martínez-González, MC, Tejedo, LF, Telenti, M., & González, RAM (2020). Vulvodynia. More dermatology, (32), 7-16. Available at: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=7617089
- Rojas, NZ (2016). Vulvodynia. Sinergia Medical Magazine, 1(5), 20-23. Available at: https://revistamedicasinergia.com/index.php/rms/article/view/32/59