Chronic vulvar pain: Symptoms and treatment

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Thi Phuong - Doctor of Ultrasound - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

1. Anatomy of the genital area

The outside of the female genitalia is called the vulva. The outside of the vulva is the labia majora, followed by the labia minora. The clitoris is located above the top of the lips, this is the center of pleasure for most women, the vestibule is located between the lips. The clitoris is partially covered by a small flap of tissue called the glans of the clitoris.

2. What is chronic vulvar pain?

Chronic vulvar pain is a condition in which pain and discomfort persist or recur in the vulva. Pain can be pain in the entire vulva area or localized in a certain area of ​​the vulva such as the vestibule, the area around the vaginal opening, causing discomfort without sitting still for a long time, sexual intercourse becomes painful. Especially can recur over many months, many years.
Chronic vulvar pain will affect daily activities and activities. This, in particular, can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

3. Causes of chronic vulvar pain

Causes of chronic vulvar pain include:
Herpes virus (shingles) or certain dermatological diseases can cause vulvar pain, burning, or swelling that lasts.

Excessive contractions of the muscles of the perineum Hormonal changes in a woman's body or a woman who uses oral contraceptives A history of sexual abuse

3. Symptoms of chronic vulvar pain

Symptoms of chronic yin pain include:
Burning Sensation Itching Itching Soreness Discomfort Vulvar tissue may become inflamed or swollen

4. Chronic vulvar pain treatments

Medical treatment
Some medications can improve symptoms such as:
Local anesthetics can temporarily relieve vulvar pain. When the anesthetic wears off, the pain may return. Steroids help control pain Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can help relieve pain. However, the drug needs to be prescribed by a specialist. Surgical treatment
Indicated for cases of localized chronic pain, severe and prolonged local pain that does not respond to other methods of treatment. For the above treatment, vestibular resection, which removes the painful tissue in the vestibule, may be useful in some cases of localized chronic vulvar pain. This method helps to reduce pain and increase sexual satisfaction. However, vestibular ablation is not recommended for generalized chronic vulvar pain.

5. Some other methods to relieve pain in chronic vulvar pain

Diet. Limit foods that can trigger pain such as green vegetables, chocolate, legumes, cereals. Proper vulvar care that can help alleviate symptoms of chronic vulvar pain includes: Wearing 100% cotton underwear

Do not douche the vagina and lose the balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria that can easily cause infection. Use a specialized feminine hygiene solution for the private area once a day with a pH suitable for the vaginal environment. Use toilet paper to absorb the vagina, do not use deodorants. Do not use deodorants Lubricant can be used during sex to reduce pain. Avoid exercises and sports that put direct pressure on the vulva area, such as cycling, horseback riding. When chronic vulvar pain is present, the patient does not need to see an emergency, but should be examined early for early treatment to eliminate the problem. except for malignant cases
Basic gynecological examination and screening package at Vinmec International General Hospital for customers with abnormal symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal bleeding; Menstrual problems; Abnormal vaginal discharge (with a bad smell, a different color than usual); Vaginal pain and itching....Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, unsafe sex, abortion,..Female clients have other symptoms of infection. ...
When signing up for the basic gynecological examination and screening package at Vinmec, you can perform ultrasound techniques and examination for early detection of inflammatory diseases for easy treatment, without costly; Screening for early detection of gynecological cancer.
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