How Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Vulvar Pain

The Low-Down

“Certain natural treatments & protocols can help vulvodynia, [as can medications and cutting-edge treatments & therapies recommended by Vulva Doctors.] But what if we told you there were dietary changes you could lessen or completely relieve your symptoms?” [2].

As an experienced Vulva Specialist may tell you, some animal and plant foods contain specific organic compounds that are classed as oxalates. Of note, the latter are not essential for us to consume; and while the majority of us can excrete oxalates via our urine and stool, some individuals are nonetheless, intolerant or sensitive to them [2].

“It should be noted that oxalates don’t cause vulva pain, but they may play a part in worsening symptoms. Reducing oxalate intake is therefore, recommended. One study of 59 women with vulvodynia demonstrated that there was a possibility that a low oxalate diet could relieve symptoms somewhat” [2]

So What Foods Should I Avoid With Vulvodynia?

High Oxalate Fruit and Veggies
• Leeks
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Okra
• Beetroot and its greens
• Aubergine
• Parsley
• Tomato paste
• Dried apricots
• Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries,
• Kiwi
• Rhubarb
• Figs [2].

Nuts, Seeds, Grains and Beans
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Sesame seeds (and tahini)

• Wholewheat bread
• Wheat bran
• Cornflour
• Dried beans
• Kidney beans
• Baked beans
• Lentils [2].

And What Drinks Should I Avoid With Vulva Pain?

Your Vulva Pain Doctor may also explain to you, that what you drink could be high in oxalates, especially if your drinks are strong. To that end, try to avoid:

• Tea (standard)
• Instant or brewed coffee
• Cocoa
• Soya milk
• Dark draft beer [2].

Keeping a Daily Food Diary

Whether you have an in-person or online consultation with a Vulva Pain Specialist, being able to present a ‘Daily Food Diary,’ will be very beneficial. All you have to do is to jot down what you eat at meal times, and snack breaks.

References

[1]. Vulva Pain Society (2020). “The Low-Oxidate Diet.”
https://vulvalpainsociety.org/about-vulval-pain/treating-vulval-pain/the-low-oxalate-diet/#:~:text=A%20diet%20low%20in%20oxalate,unexplained%20vulval%20pain%20or%20vulvodynia.

[2]. Knight, C. (2020). “Foods to Avoid With Vulvodynia”. Vuvatech.
https://www.vuvatech.com/blogs/care/foods-to-avoid-with-vulvodynia