Vulvar Disorders
Vulvar disorders (female genital pain) are conditions that cause pain in or around the genitals (vulva).
About Vulvar Disorders
Vulvar disorders are conditions that cause pain in and around the genitals (vulva). This can include vulvar pain also known as vulvodynia, or vulvar dermatoses, which are skin disorders around the vulva that cause itching, burning or discomfort. The pain can be generalized, affecting different areas at different times, or localized and concentrated on one spot that will often be sensitive to pressure or touch. Some (but not all) may include visible skin conditions. Vulvar disorders may be caused by inflamed nerves, allergies, skin diseases, diabetes, infection, or the cause can be unknown. Vulvar pain can flare up with activities such as sitting on a bicycle, having sex or inserting a tampon. As many as one in ten women will experience vulvar pain during their lives, and for some, the pain can last for years.
Treating Vulvar Disorders
Physical examination of the vulva and other tests or screenings may be recommended to aid in proper diagnosis of your vulvar pain. Depending on the cause of your vulvar pain, a variety of treatments may be recommended as a part of your care plan including medications, physical therapy or surgical intervention. Regardless of your treatment, your care team will work with you to understand the risk and benefits and what you can expect throughout your care and recovery.
Care Team Approach
Physical examination of the vulva and other tests or screenings may be recommended to aid in proper diagnosis of vulvar dermatoses. Depending on the cause of your vulvar dermatoses, a variety of treatments may be recommended as a part of your care plan including removing certain products, such as scented soaps, wipes or certain contraceptive products, from use, as well as prescribing medications or pelvic floor physical therapy. Regardless of your treatment, your care team will work with you to understand the risk and benefits and what you can expect throughout your care and recovery. Treatment over a 3-4 month period of time is possible, but for some patients it may be of a longer duration if they do not respond to initial treatment or if there are other conditions to address. An experienced vulvar dermatologist will work with you and your provider to assess and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
