When to Seek Medical Help for Vulva/Vagina Pain
It’s not easy for women to live with vagina and vulva pain (the latter of which, when it does not have a clear cause, is often referred to as vulvodynia). Moreover, such pain can have a very adverse knock-on effect to every facet of a sufferer’s life. In fact, the pain can be so intense, that it prevents you from taking part in the activities you enjoy. Fortunately, as we rapidly approach the mid-2020s, Vulva Pain Doctors are now able to provide a myriad of both conventional and state-of-the-art cutting-edge treatments and therapies.
Seeking Specialised Medical Help For Your Vulva and Vagina Pain is Essential
If your pain has been prevalent for 12 weeks or more, or if you are unduly concerned about your condition, then seeking medical help is a must. Once the Vulva Consultant has reviewed your medical history, asked pertinent questions, and undertaken any necessary tests and examinations, they are then in a position to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is then given in the form of a Personalised Protocol which offers multiple modalities, and in some instances, treatment will be with different specialists within the Vulva Doctor’s medical team. The results of these treatments are regularly monitored by your Pain Consultant, and any necessary adjustments are put into effect, as and when needed. Periodic check-ins with the Vulva Doctor can often be conducted via a secure on-line video link.
A Quick 101 on Basic Anatomy
• The vagina describes the internal tube which links the womb (uterus) to the exterior of the body. Conversely, the vulva refers to the general terminology which describes the outside areas of a female’s genitals
• The vulva comprises the inner and outer lips (labia), the clitoris, the opening of the urethra (where your urine comes out), and the opening of the vagina [1]
Symptoms to Look Our For and Report to Your Vulva Doctor
Irritation of the Vulva
Symptoms comprise:
• Itching
• Discomfort
• Burning pain
As your Vulva Specialist will tell you: “the skin of the vulva is very sensitive, so irritation is very common. Regular causes include sweating, wearing tight clothing, eczema/dermatitis, personal hygiene issues, product allergies, infections and skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus. Moreover, when the vulval skin is irritated, it can look reddened, swollen or split, and associated vaginal discharge or inflammation may also be present “[1].
Infections
Various types of infections can impact the vulva or/and vagina, thus generating pain, and in some cases, a sensation of heat. Candida (commonly referred to as thrush), irritates, swells, and inflames the vulva. And in many cases, it generates a cottage cheese-like, white discharge. And whilst candida is experienced by a large percentage of females, not all symptoms of itchiness means that an individual has thrush [1]. To that end, it is imperative to seek medical help from a Vulva Doctor, as soon as possible.
Another common infection is bacterial vaginosis (BV). This generates a vaginal discharge which emits a strong fishy odour, and is watery, and green/grey or white, in colour. In some instances, BV is known to cause vaginal or vulva pain.
And then, in addition to the aforementioned, vulval and/or vaginal pain, can derive from sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The latter include: herpes, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and
gonorrhoea [1[.
” It is very important to know that some STIs such as chlamydia can be silent with no symptoms. If left untreated, the infection can develop into a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause vaginal and low pelvic pain, and lead to permanent damage of the reproductive system and infertility” [1]. So if you have an irritated or painful vagina and/or vulva, be sure to book an appointment with a Vulva Doctor as soon as possible
Reference
[1]. Hales, J. (2023). “Vaginal & vulval pain: know the different causes and when to seek help.”
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/vaginal-vulval-pain-know-the-different-causes-and-when-to-seek-help