Natural Remedies for Vulva and Vagina Pain
Once you have had a consultation with a Vulva Doctor to ensure that you receive a correct diagnosis (during which time they will review your medical and sexual history; ask you any pertinent questions, and then if required, arrange any necessary tests and scans). After this, they will devise a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan. They may also (subject to any contraindications), give you a list of home remedies to help you supplement your treatment, and help soothe your vulva and vagina pain symptoms. So now let’s take a look at some of the popular natural remedies that you can try out.
At-Home Remedies for Vulva and Vagina Pain
•Apply a cold water compress to your labial region. (Be sure to avoid anything scented, and only use plain water). You can also use ice which is wrapped in a clean cloth [1,2]
•Have a sitz bath: this involves sitting for 10-15 minutes in a tub of plain (not soapy), lukewarm or cool water, several times per day. Once you have finished, make sure you pat (rather than wipe) your vaginal area dry, using a clean towel [1]
•Avoid irritating chemicals and tight-fitting clothing: such as tight trousers, shorts, jeans, and thong underwear. Only wear items next to your skin which are breathable, and made of soft, loose cotton. Furthermore, if your clothes become wet or soaked in sweat, change out of them right away. Note: Vulva Doctors sometimes see that their patients continue wearing jeans despite their vulva and vagina pain. – This is because they do not realise that even though they are wearing cotton underpants, the friction and stress from the harsh tight jean material has a very detrimental effect [1]
•Do not shower or bath with scented products [1]
•Avoid douching [1]
•Do not put anything internally in your vagina (for example, a sex toy). An exception to this would be if your Vulva Pain Doctor prescribes suppositories
•Try probiotics: although the research is limited: “emerging data suggests that some probiotics, specifically lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, may be an effective treatment and preventive option for vulvovaginitis caused by yeast infections” [1]
•Test out garlic supplements: once again, there is very little research, however, “one study from 2014 analysed the effect of garlic supplements in patients with diagnosed bacterial vaginosis (BV) and found that the therapeutic effects were similar to metronidazole, but with fewer side effects and complications” [1]
•Try diluted tea tree topical essential oil: again, there is little research, however: “one small study showed that using tea tree oil may help reduce BV symptoms. Note: tea tree oil should be diluted with a carrier (base) oil (such as coconut oil) before use, this is due to the fact that it is highly concentrated. Further, prior to applying the mixture, you should do a 24 hour skin allergy test by placing a tiny amount of tea tree oil on your forearm [1]
•Have a Salt-water bath: this will help ameliorate vaginal itching. – As your Vulva Pain Doctor will tell you, salt can modify the spread of microbes and can drastically reduce an infection due to microbes. Simply add one tablespoon of salt to a glass of water, and then gently wash your vagina. Do this twice a day. Note: if you have skin tears or open sores, this process is contraindicated [2]
References
[1]. Hemphill, I. (2021). “Can you treat vulvovaginitis at home?” K Health.
https://khealth.com/learn/vulvovaginitis/treat-at-home/
[2]. Times of India (2021). “Five simple home remedies to soothe vaginal itching and burning.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/home-remedies/five-simple-home-remedies-to-soothe-vaginal-itching-and-burning/photostory/84483823.cms?from=mdr