Recurring Monthly Vagina / Vulva Pain

“Vulvas get little respect. They’re the brunt of bad jokes, thanks to an ill-named Swedish car, and medically they’re a forgotten part of a woman’s anatomy. A condition once called ‘burning vulva syndrome,’ it can last for years, causing repeated episodes of severe pain & destroying sexual desire [1]

Long-Term Suffering That Needs To Be Addressed

While Vulvodynia can affect women of all ages, research has determined that those between 20 to 40 years old, are the most inclined to experience it. Further, unfortunately, there are countless women who are suffering month in, and month out, from chronic vulvodynia. – If you are one of them, then it is likely that you are experiencing persistent burning or pain and itching in your vulva [2].

Yet under examination, generally speaking, there is no evident fungus, infection, discharge or tissue damage – just chronic tissue inflammation that is destroying all aspects of your life [2]. – So is it any wonder that so many women are frustrated. – This is particularly so when they visit their GP, who does not have the necessary specialist knowledge in this sphere. – To that end, it is essential to book an appointment with an experience Pain Specialist, who can try to ascertain the root cause, conduct any necessary tests, and then devise a holistic Personalised Treatment Plan.

Did You Know There Are 4 Main Types of Vulva Pain?

Number 1: Generalized Vulvodynia
This form of vulva pain starts spontaneously, and generates general vulvar pain. – This can be persistent for months, and even years at a time [2].

Number 2: Localized Vulvodynia
In this instance, the pain pertains to a specific region in the vulva (e.g the vagina ‘lips’); and as such, it is classified as ‘localized’ vulvodynia. It is common for this pain to sporadically appear and then disappear [2].

Number 3: Vestibulodynia
This describes vulvar pain which occurs at the vestibule (opening), of the vagina [2].

Number 4: Cyclic Vulvitis
Also known as Cyclic Vulvodynia, this condition: “tends to change according to where you are in your menstrual cycle. The pain may get worse around your period, especially when you try to insert a tampon” [3].

References

[1]. Skarnulis, L. (2021). “Finding Relief From Vulva Pain.” Web MD.

[2]. Christiano, D. (2019). “Vulvar Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and More.”

[3]. Pietrangelo, A. (2019). “What Causes Vulvar Pain During Your Period and How to Treat It.” Healthline.