Vulvodynia

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

The Mystery Disease

In a world in which we can send a man to the moon, it is almost impossible to believe that a disease which causes chronic burning, rawness, stinging, itching and debilitating pain in women is incurable. Vulvodynia, also known as vulvar dysesthesia, literally means “pain in the vulva.” Approximately 6 million women suffer from this disorder, yet most are completely unaware of its presence due to multiple misdiagnoses. Dr. Gloria Bachmann, a leading physician in the field of women’s midlife health and sexual function, speaks with Suzanne today about the puzzling aliment.

Vulvar Variations

There are two known subtypes of vulvodynia: Dyesthetic Vulvodynia (DV) and Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS). The first, DV, is mainly classified by constant or sporadic pain in the clitoris, mons pubis, perineum and/or the inner thighs. Symptoms are not necessarily caused by touch or pressure to the vulva, but such activities can certainly intensify the symptoms. Adversely, women who experience VVS have pain only in the vestibule, and only during or after pressure is applied. Burning sensations are the most common symptom and may be experienced through sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, gynecological examinations, etc. Other conditions that may coexist with vulvodynia include Cyclic Vulvovaginitis, in which women experience pain at the same stage of the menstrual cycle, and Vulvar Dermatoses, which is a classification for dermatological conditions that may cause discomfort in the vulva.

Treatments

Because the exact cause of vulvodynia is still unknown, there is no guaranteed cure. But several treatments have been proven successful in many women, although what works for one, may not necessarily work for another. Current available treatments include: anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, local anesthetics, antidepressants (contain chemicals that help to alleviate pain), anticonvulsants, interferon injections, topical estrogen cream, surface electromyography (biofeedback), surgery (for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome only.) It is also important to remember that when it comes to chronic pain disorders, it is not uncommon that the some of the pain eventually becomes psychological. Specifically in cases of vulvodynia, a woman’s sex life and daily functioning are intensely affected, which ultimately can lead to a decline in self-image and depression.