It's a hidden, silent pain, but fortunately Giorgia Soleri, influencer and girlfriend of Damiano David frontman of Maneskin, has brought to light. There vulvodynia is defined as one invisible disease because it does not cause physical injury, but it affects 15% of women of childbearing age. Let's see what we know.
In this article
- What is vulvodynia?
- What are the symptoms of vulvodynia?
- What are the causes of vulvodynia?
- How can vulvodynia be treated?
Also Read: 15 Good Reasons To Get Sex Now!
What is vulvodynia?
La vulvodynia it is a painful perception a vulvar level which in the country affects about 15% of women.
It has no specific target. Vulvodynia is persistent, unexplained pain in the vulva. The vulva is the female genital area including the skin surrounding the opening of the vagina. It can happen to women of all ages.
Vulvodynia can become a long-term problem that is very painful to live with, but a lot can be done to relieve the pain.
It presents itself above all in childbearing age, but it can also occur at other times in a woman's life, from puberty to menopause.
It is distinguished from vulvodynia:
- spontaneous, when pain and discomfort are also felt in absence of stimulation
- caused, when symptoms arise following a stimulation, such as vaginal penetration or even simple contact.
On the basis of its localization it is distinguished in generalized, when the disorder affects the entire vulvar area, e localized, when the disturbance is limited to specific areas (such as the clitoris or vestibule).
What are the symptoms of vulvodynia?
The main symptom is persistent pain in and around the vulva and vagina. The vulva usually looks normal.
Pain can be:
- burning, throbbing, or aching triggered by touch, such as during sex
- when inserting a tampon
- constantly in the background
- worse when sitting
- limited to a part of the vulva, such as the opening of the vagina
- more widespread - sometimes it can extend to the entire genital area and anus
- Some women also have problems such as vaginismus (where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily tighten), interstitial cystitis (a painful bladder condition), painful periods, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Having persistent vulvar pain can affect relationships, reduce sexual desire, and cause low mood and depression. Pain in the genital area is often an embarrassing topic to talk about and can isolate.
What are the causes of vulvodynia?
Le causes of vulvodynia are various and can correspond to:
- infections bacterial or fungal vaginal and bladder
- genetic predisposition to inflammation
- lesions of the pudendal nerve due to childbirth or trauma
- hypercontractility vulvo-perineal
- genetic alterations
- trauma resulting from sexual intercourse
- visits o surgeries gynecological.
Vulvodynia can be caused by a problem with the nerves that supply the vulva.
This nerve damage could be caused by:
- previous surgery
- delivery
- trapped nerves
- a history of severe vaginal thrush
Vulvodynia is not contagious. It has nothing to do with personal hygiene and is not a sign of cancer. Sometimes the exact cause of vulvodynia is never found.
This disorder can also be caused by daily habits such asride a bicycle, wear clothing that is too tight or, at times, even by simply sitting.
Can join bladder and / or urethral disorders. In general, its presence can generate in women who are affected by it irritability, trough e frustration which affect relationships with others and the sexual sphere.
How can vulvodynia be treated?
Lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms:
- wear cotton underwear and baggy skirts or pants
- avoiding scented hygiene products, such as feminine washcloths, shower gel, and soap (an emollient is a good substitute for soap)
- apply cool gel packs to your vulva for pain relief
- use petroleum jelly before swimming to protect the vulva from chlorine
- try not to avoid sex or touch your vulva completely, as this may make your vulva more sensitive.
- If sex is painful, try to find a more comfortable position or engage in other sexually intimate activities together until you have asked for advice if penetration is painful.
- try to reduce stress, as it can increase the pain of vulvodynia
- for pain when sitting, use a donut-shaped pillow
Consult a family doctor or visit your local sexual health clinic if you have persistent vaginal pain. Find a sexual health clinic.
Vulvodynia is unlikely to get better on its own, and some of the treatments are only available by prescription. There are also other causes of vulvar pain that need to be ruled out. The doctor will ask about the symptoms and may lightly touch the vulva with the tip of a cotton ball to see if this causes pain. A swab may also be done to check for health problems such as infections.
Women with vulvar pain can often have it for many years before getting a diagnosis and treatment. Ask a family doctor for a referral to a specialist vulvar clinic if the pain persists.
There may be treatment options pain medication the ad cream local anesthetic action.
In the presence of aspastic alteration of the perineal-vulvar musculature is recommended pelvic floor rehabilitation also in association with muscle relaxants.
Article sources: NHS and Humanitas
TAG:
- vaginal infections
- couple relationships
- sexuality
