Vulvodynia
Finding Relief Through Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Calgary
Are you experiencing pain in the external vaginal area? Have you been dealing with chronic vaginal burning for three months or longer? If you've been struggling to find a known cause for your discomfort, it's time to learn about a condition called vulvodynia and discover potential relief.
Vulvodynia is a term used to describe chronic pain and discomfort in the vulva, which is the external part of the female genitalia. It includes the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening. If you suspect you may have vulvodynia, there are ways to diagnose and manage this condition.
Diagnosing Vulvodynia involves a combination of physical examination and patient history. Maud medical doctors or pelvic floor physiotherapist may perform a cotton swab test to detect pain in the vulval area. This test helps them identify potential causes of your discomfort. Other diagnostic tools, such as speculums for visual examination, may also be used to determine vulvodynia.
When discussing your symptoms with your doctor, be sure to provide a comprehensive medical history. Inform them about any infections or chronic vaginal burning you've experienced, as well as any past surgeries or treatments related to vulvar pain. Laboratory tests may be used to rule out other possible causes.
The sensation of vulvodynia varies among individuals. It can manifest as chronic vaginal burning, stinging, pressure, throbbing, or itching around the genital area. Some people also experience vulvar pain, which can be constant or intermittent. Activities like sitting, walking, or sexual intercourse may trigger pain. The pain can be localized to a specific area or extend across the entire vulvar region. In cases where the pain is only at the entrance of the vagina, it is known as vestibulodynia.
The vulvar vestibule, which is the area at the entrance of the vagina, can be affected by vulvodynia. It contains important structures like Bartholin's glands and Skene's glands, responsible for producing lubrication during sexual intercourse. These glands are frequently affected in cases of vulvodynia.
Unfortunately, the root cause of vulvodynia is often unclear. It can occur without any known reason, but it may also develop from nerve damage or inflammation in the pelvic area. Factors such as frequent yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases, psychological factors like anxiety or depression, and a history of sexual abuse may contribute to vulvodynia. Researchers believe it could be the result of a combination of factors, including irritation and injury to the nerves of the vulva, hormonal changes, genetic inclination, allergies, skin sensitivities, muscle spasm, dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, or long-term reactions to infections and increased inflammation.
If you suspect you have vulvodynia, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider. Managing this condition alone can be challenging. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the pain. Your healthcare provider may suggest antidepressants, anticonvulsants, pain relievers, or lifestyle changes such as avoiding tight clothing and irritating chemicals or soaps. Good hygiene practices are also important.
In many cases, pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a significant role in relieving vulvodynia pain. A pelvic floor physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation and create a personalized care plan for you. The treatment modalities used by the therapist may include manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle coordination exercises, hygiene best practices, modified motion techniques, behavioral strategies for pain management, desensitization strategies to decrease tissue sensitivity and relax pelvic floor muscles, and prescribed exercises such as stretching, relaxation, nerve gliding, and strengthening exercises.
Since vulvodynia can often be misdiagnosed, it is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis to ensure proper management. Conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, allergic reactions, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and pelvic inflammatory disease can have similar symptoms but require different treatments. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve the manageability of vulvodynia.
If you are experiencing chronic pain in the external vaginal area, Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary offers specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy to help you find relief. Don't let vulvodynia control your life. Seek professional assistance and take the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
