Intimate well-being is essential when you want to feel Well in his head and well in his body! And in order to be able Take care of your kitty, you also need to know how to react when you feel vulvar pain.
Also, so that These vulva problems are better understood and better treated, it is essential to talk about them.
So we have prepared an article that goes straight to the point: you will discover The most common vulvar pathologies, their symptoms, and where to start to feel better with or get rid of them.
This article is intended to provide general information about certain vulvar pathologies and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may be suffering from one of these conditions, go see a health professional. You can quickly make an appointment online using Doctolib for example.
In this article, you'll find out the details about:
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Genital herpes
- Vaginal mycosis
- Latex allergy
- Vulvar psoriasis
- Bartholinitis
- Vestibulodynia
- Clitoridodynia
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Vulvar lichen sclerosus
The most common vulvar pathologies
Vaginismus, a vulvar problem that is still little known
What is vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction characterized by involuntary and frequent spasms of the muscles of the outer part of the vagina, making any form of vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
This condition is multidimensional, influenced by a variety of physical, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
Items such as negative beliefs about sex, cultural factors, fear of pain, injury, bleeding, and the fear of losing control can contribute to vaginismus.
Of course, each person is different so you can very well suffer from vaginismus without responding to these statements.
What are the symptoms of vaginismus?
The main symptom of vaginismus is the inability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration due to involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles.
This may result in pain during sex or a complete inability to have sexual intercourse.
Other symptoms may include fear of sex, a negative self-image, and concerns about losing control.
How to treat vaginismus?
Treatment for vaginismus should take into account all biological, psychological, and social dimensions.
Here are some tips for treating this vulvar condition:
- Start with Talk to a gynecologist, in the majority of cases it is caring people who will help you
- Take Appointment with a physiotherapist specialized in pelvi-perineology Who will make your body work to help you fight vaginismus
- Use vaginal dilators (after medical advice), to get your sex used to penetration
- If you feel that your Vaginismus problem is more related to a psychological blockage, you could also Go see a hypnotherapist, which could help you reprogram your mind.
→ In any case, Listen to yourself and do things how you feel. By trusting yourself, you will undoubtedly be better able to fight vaginismus.
Much of this information is taken from a 2021 study by Reproductive Healt Journal (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01260-2)
Vulvodynia, a long-lasting vulvar pain
What is vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is one of the causes The most common types of pain during sexual intercourse in women especially in premenopause.
It is a condition that can have a devastating impact on a woman's life, affecting the couple's sexuality and intimacy, daily activities and psychological well-being.
Vulvodynia is considered to be a condition of primary chronic pain, that is to say without an obvious identifiable cause.
Generally, vulvodynia is caused by a Dysregulation of the pain management system: Normally, our body sends pain information to the brain when there is an injury or injury.
In the context of vulvodynia, we can say that the brain sends the feeling of pain, without there being an identified external cause.
How to identify vulvodynia?
The symptoms Symptoms of vulvodynia are mainly vulvar pain, often described as a burning sensation, even though there seems to be no other gynecological trigger for this pain.
This pain may be caused by sexual intercourse, but also through other daily activities that exert pressure on the vulvar region.
It is especially identified when this pain lasts more than 3 months and there are no particular external explanations.
How to treat vulvodunia?
To start with, specialized communities, Like the one from Vulvae, will be able to help you find the best caregivers to help you treat vulvodynia as well as to better identify it.
That you will avoid going for months without explanations and without emotional support.
In all cases, vulvodynia must be the subject medical care. The doctor will then eliminate other pain factors such as allergies, lesions...
After your doctor visit, you could also:
- Consult a physiotherapist specializing in perineal muscles
- Consult a psychologist and/or a hypnotherapist
- Perform vulvar massages yourself, relaxation or meditation
In any case, do not stay alone if you have vulva pain: you will feel better after identifying your condition and when you are on the way to treatment.
Vulvar herpes, painful rashes on the vulva
What is vulvar herpes?
**Vulvar herpes is a sexually transmitted infection** caused by two types of viruses: the herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the most common type associated with genital herpes, but HSV-1 can also cause this condition.
Vulvar herpes is characterized by painful rashes on or around the genitals.
Since Genital herpes is an STI, there is a good chance that you have contracted it during unprotected sex.
What are the symptoms of vulvar herpes?
Symptoms of vulvar herpes can vary considerably from person to person.
Some people may have no symptoms, while others may have painful and problematic symptoms.
Common symptoms include pain, itching, or burning around the genitals, ulcers or blisters on or around the genitals, and pain when urinating.
Women can also have unusual vaginal discharge.
How to treat vulvar herpes?
In any case, he is strong It is not recommended to self-medicate to treat herpes vulvar. Since it is a sexually transmitted infection, it is regularly treated with medication.
So what to do if you think you may have genital herpes?
- Take Quickly see a gynecologist or, if that's not possible, go directly at the gynecological emergency room of a nearby hospital (the pain associated with herpes can be very severe, which is why you may be in a hurry to seek medical attention)
- If it is indeed herpes, you may be prescribed tablets and/or cream to be applied for 7 to 10 days
- You could well test the application of hot or cold compresses to see if one or the other helps to ease the pain while you go to the doctor.
→ After having been affected by herpes, you are a carrier of the disease: it can reactivate at other times and you will then have to consult again.
Vaginal mycosis: a widespread vulvar pain
What is vaginal mycosis?
Vaginal mycosis, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
It is characterized by itching, pain, and vaginal discharge. We estimate that 75% of women will have vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their life (if you ask the question around you, you will quickly realize that friends or loved ones have already had mycosis)
In addition, 40% to 50% of these women will have one or more recurrences: basically if you catch it once, you will be much more sensitive to have others.
What are the symptoms of vulvar mycosis?
Symptoms of vaginal mycosis include: vaginal itching, pain, and discharge
These symptoms may be accompanied by a burning sensation, redness, and swelling of the vulva, as well as pain during sexual intercourse or urination.
In some cases, vaginal discharge may have a thick, white consistency.
How to treat vaginal mycosis?
Treatment for vaginal mycosis is usually based on the use of antifungals.
If this is the first time you have had mycosis or if you have a lot of recurrences, it is essential to consult a gynecologist to identify it.
Then, he or she will probably recommend the following:
- The insertion of one or more vaginal eggs
- The application of a cream dedicated to vaginal yeast infections
- The use of intimate soap without additives
- Wearing cotton underwear
- The use of hygienic protection made of organic cotton
- Wearing large clothing to avoid chafing
Whether personally or with my close friends, We notice that the organic cotton tampon port drastically reduces the number of mycosis that one contracts. Perhaps studies will soon be carried out in this direction.
Vulvar pathologies that are less well known but just as important
Latex allergy: the annoying problem
What is latex allergy?
Latex allergy, also called natural rubber allergy, is an allergic reaction to certain proteins found in natural latex.
Latex is a milky white substance produced by some trees and used in a variety of products, including medical gloves and condoms.
This Allergy is a global health problem and remains a major concern in many work environments, especially in the health sector (source: World Allergy Organization Journal).
What are the symptoms of latex allergy?
The symptoms of latex allergy can vary greatly. depending on the route of exposure (cutaneous, percutaneous, mucous or parenteral), the quantity and characteristics of allergens, the level of sensitization and individual factors.
Skin symptoms include contact urticaria, which is the most common manifestation of latex allergy.
Respiratory symptoms, such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough, and asthma, are caused by contact with latex particles adsorbed by cornstarch used as a lubricating powder to make it easier to put on latex gloves.
Latex allergy is annoying when it comes to sex life but is much more serious in the medical world, especially during surgery.
How to treat latex allergy?
Treatment for latex allergy primarily involves avoidance of latex.
To do this, it is recommended to use polyurethane condoms.
Good to know: 90% of condom allergies are due to the spermicides contained in latex lubricant and not latex itself. So you can also try condoms without spermicides.
Vulvar pain associated with psoriasis
How to recognize vulvar psoriasis?
Vulvar psoriasis is a form of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which specifically affects the vulvar region.
Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly patches that can appear on any surface of the skin.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Symptoms of vulvar psoriasis can include itching, burning, pain, and discomfort in the vulvar region.
Psoriasis plaques can appear as red, inflamed, and scaly areas on the skin of the vulva.
These symptoms may be similar to those of other skin conditions, such as eczema or contact dermatitis, which can sometimes make diagnosis difficult.
How to treat vulvar psoriasis?
Treatment of vulvar psoriasis may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the impact of the disease on patients' quality of life
What you need to know about vulvar psoriasis:
- Treatment options may include topical creams or oral medications
- You need as much as possible avoid inflammation triggers
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease: rather than treating it, The aim is to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups
To identify vulvar psoriasis, it is necessary to: Make an appointment with a gynecologist because it can easily resemble other vulvar pains.
Bartholinitis: vulvar pain linked to inflammation of the Bartholin glands
What is bartholinitis?
Bartholinitis is a inflammation of the Bartholin glands, located on each side of the vaginal opening and that produce fluid that helps lubricate the vagina.
This inflammation can be caused by a variety of infections, including sexually transmitted infections.
What are the symptoms of bartholinitis?
The symptoms of bartholinitis may vary depending on the severity of the inflammation. In some cases, there may be swelling or pain in the area of the Bartholin gland (see illustration).
In other cases, there may be purulent discharge from the gland. There may even be an abscess on the gland, which can cause severe pain and severe swelling.
How to treat bartholinitis?
Treatment of bartholinitis depends on the cause of the inflammation.
If the inflammation is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. In some cases, a small surgery may be needed to drain an abscess or to remove a Bartholin gland that is constantly inflamed.
Of course It is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor if you think you have an inflammation of the Bartholin glands.
Other less common vulvar pains
Vestibulodynia: chronic vulvar vestibule pain
Vestibulodynia, too known as vulvar vestibulitis, is a gynecological pathology characterized by chronic pain in the vulvar vestibule, the area around the opening of the vagina.
This pain is often described as a burn or a prickly sensation and is usually caused by contact, such as during sexual intercourse, the insertion of tampons, or even the wearing of tight clothing.
Clitoridodynia: clitoral pain
Clitoridodynia, also called clitoral pain, is a condition characterized by persistent and often severe clitoral pain.
This pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may be caused by contact or may occur spontaneously without any apparent stimulation.
Pudendal neuralgia: localized pain in the perineum
Pudendal neuralgia is a neurological condition which is characterized by chronic pain in the perineum region which is the area between the anus and the genitals.
This pain is often caused by irritation or compression of the pudendal nerve, which is the main nerve in this region.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus: the dermatological problem
Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic dermatological condition that mainly affects the skin of the vulva, although it can also affect other parts of the body.
This condition is characterized by the appearance of white, thick, rigid plaques on the skin, which can cause itching and severe pain.
The symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus can vary, but the most common are itching and pain in the vulvar region.
The characteristic white patches may sometimes crack or bleed, and affected skin may become thinner and more fragile. In some cases, this condition can also cause pain during sexual intercourse or problems with urination.
These last vulvar pains are less well known and less common. To identify and treat them:
- Take Appointment with a gynecologist
- He can prescribe physiotherapy sessions for you.
- Learn about sites like Vulvae, specialized in vulvar disorders
Everything is still to be done on vulvar pain
One thing is certain, vulvar pain is still unknown, poorly identified and there is clearly a lack of large-scale research on the subject.
If you are experiencing these vulva problems, Talk to your gynecologist. If you come across a gynecologist who is not listening to you, find out more on the Vulvae website and look for specialized associations to get you help.
The most important thing, It's listening to your body and taking care of yourself. If you think there is a problem, so insist on getting the medical help you deserve.
