Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Treatment

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome treatment, vulvar vestibulitis VVS (also known as the vestibule of the vagina) is pain and inflammation around the vagina opening.

That affects women of all ages an estimated 8%-10% of the world.

This pain can cause redness and irritation of the vaginal skin and make sitting for a long time uncomfortable.

The symptoms and treatment of vulvar vestibulitis differ according to the cause.

Types of vulvar vestibulitis

There are two main types of vulvar vestibulitis primary and secondary types.

primary types occur during a vaginal exam with speculum, first use of tampons, or starting sexually active.

The secondary type of vestibular vestibulitis occurs in women having pain after a long time of painlessness during intercourse.

vulvar vestibulitis syndrome treatment

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome causes

The main cause of vulvar vestibulitis is poor hygiene and bad habits.

Pain in the bladder or endometriosis under stress menopause

Using certain spermicide lubricants having bacterial yeast trichomoniasis infection.

Candida (yeast fungus infection)

Candida is one of the most common causes of vulvar vestibulitis that infects the vagina.

Candida normally lives at the vagina opening in balance but sometimes increases than normal level.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change normal balance of the pH of bacteria in the vagina.

sexually active, contraception devices, using perfume products around the vagina increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis and getting STI chlamydia.

Also, bacterial vaginosis can cause vestibulitis, which is characterized by an unusual vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell.

Trichomoniasis

One of the causes of vulvar vulvovaginitis is sexually transmitted infection.

trichomoniasis doesn't have symptoms and is easily curable

Symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome

The main syndrome of vulvar vestibulitis is pain and irritation of the vulva around the opening of the vagina.

The symptoms differ from person to person they might be constant and come and go, and the pain flares up when the area is touched

The pain is described as: burning, irritation, stunning, sharp like pain, swelling, throbbing and aching, and pain during intercourse.

Pain from using tampons, vaginal discharge, and red spots around the vagina

How do you know if you have vestibulitis?

Redness around the vagina and have positive touch test

Severe pain when the entrance to the vagina (tampons insertion during intercourse).

vulvar vestibulitis syndrome treatment

Diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome

The diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis is different according to its symptoms and causes.

the gynecologist will ask you about your medical and sexual history and any surgeries.

Blood test; to check the normal hormone level (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone).

Biopsy; if the skin of the vulva looks different than usual.

Cotton swab test. a moistened cotton swab is used to check the specific areas of pain in the vulva.

Pelvic exam; the doctor checks the outer gentile and vaginal for signs of an infection (bacterial, yeast) or other causes.

Complications of vulvar vestibulitis

If the vulvar vestibulitis treatment syndrome is not managed and the case worsens and develops complications.

Such as psychosexual complications including low libidos ‘orgasmic dysfunction anxiety, and depression.

A National Institutes of Health study showed that most women with vulvodynia feel ''out of control,'' unable to have sex.

Vulvar Vestibulitis syndrome treatment

Treatments of vulvar vestibulitis focus on reliving the symptoms

and they do not work in all cases, in many cases, the combination of treatments works best, and It also can take months to relieve.

Medications

Antidepressant drugs

These can help in relieving long-term pain.

local anesthesia

Effective medication to block the pain for a short time.

local anesthesia lidocaine ointment on the vulva for 30 mins before intercourse to make it more comfortable.

Hormonal creams

These creams are effective if symptoms are related to hormonal changes.

Estrogen cream goes into the vagina and some times prescribed with testosterone cream.

Antihistamine

Antihistamine to treat allergies relief and reduce the itching effect around the vulva.

Nerve blocks

These shots are given near the nerves that are sensitive to nerve

These help relieve the pain and cases that do not respond to other treatments.

Therapies

Physical therapy

That relief the pain and improves the quality of life, these include:

Pelvic floor therapy many women have tension in the muscle.

They support the uterus, bladder, and bowel and this exercise relaxes and relieves the muscles and improves the vulva pain.

Biofeedback

This technique helps relieve pain by teaching how to relax the pelvic muscles and how the body responds to symptoms.

The lifestyle of the vulvar vestibulitis syndrome

Some steps to manage the vulval vestibulitis syndrome:

If you sit long during the day, use a foam rubber cushion.

Try to stand more than you sit to relieve the pressure around the vulva.

limitation of the activities that increase the pressure off the areas around the vulva such as biking or horse riding.

Use the frozen gel after exercise, wrap it on towels, and put it on the vulva for minutes to relieve any symptoms.

Wash the affected area gently as washing too much can make irritation worse.

Use cool water to clean the area, then dry it, and after bath put preservative-free emollients to act as a protective barrier.

Avoid swimming in pools that have a lot of chlorine to avoid any irritation.

Avoid staying out of hot tubs and hot baths as spending more time in hot water can cause discomfort and itching.

Use toilet paper that is soft, and white with no scent.

Use pads and tampons that are 100% cotton.

Urinate before the bladder feels full then rinse with water and put dry pad.

Urinate after sex this can lower the risk of infection and rinse with water.

Soak in the bath for minutes two or three times a day in cool water for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve irritation and burning sensations

Summary

The vulvar vestibulitis treatment syndrome is not a serious case but every woman should be aware of how to follow a special lifestyle and do physical therapy to protect themselves from any risk factors.

The women should visit the gyenoligest for checks and have specific diagnoses for their cases.

Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Treatment | Women Should Know