Causes and risk factors
Genetic predisposition is one of the causes of vulvodynia. It is also caused by use of certain infections like bacterial or viral. Use of contraceptives, vaginal neuropathy contribute to the causation. Vulvodynia can occur after genital surgeries like labioplasty.
Clinical features
Pain is the cardinal symptom of vulvodynia. The women comes up complaining of pain in vulval region. The pain can be in the entire genital region or can be restricted only to clitoris. It is either a mild discomfort or severe pain.It is burning or aching in nature. It is continuous causing interference in the daily routine, sexual activity and sleep of the patient. Vulvodynia itself do not pose any serious health problem. However it can lead to depression, Sexual dysfunction and Disturbed sleep.
Investigations
The diagnosis is usually done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the per vaginal and rectal examination is carried out by the gynecologist. The normal vaginal findings along with Cotton swab test is diagnostic. Other investigations which can be done to rule out the other causes are Gram stain, fungal culture and Pap smear
Treatment
The treatment plan consists of administration of medications like pain killers along with anti depressants. Use of certain creams and ointments are advised. In severe cases surgical intervention consist of vestibulectomy is advised. In this procedure the nerves are clipped off. Use of cotton innerwares and certain lubricants during sexual intercourse is advised.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
