Vulvodynia and the Importance of Multidisciplinary Care
Multidisciplinary Care forms the basis of successful Holistic Personalised Treatment Plans devised by leading Vulvodynia Specialists
Getting an Accurate Vulvodynia Diagnosis
In the first instance, obtaining a correct diagnosis from a Vulvoidynia Consultant, is key to successfully ameliorating this most unwelcome of conditions. Unfortunately, in the UK, the majority of GPs, have not received the necessary extensive training and practical experience in the complexities of vulvodynia, and its far-reaching effects. – Not to mention the broad range of conventional and cutting-edge treatment options, which can work in synergy to provide an optimum result.
“The diagnosis of vulvodynia depends on a careful history, followed by a confirmatory physical examination. The history should include information about the onset & character of the pain, provoking & relieving factors, medical evaluations to date, & attempted treatments & their effects on the pain. Occasionally, the patient may not be aware that the sensitivity is in the area of the introitus [the entrance to the vagina, encompassing the anterior & posterior vestibules &the perineum], & she may describe the pain as deeper in the vagina or pelvis. Confirmation during the examination [when undertaken by a Vulvodynia Doctor], will often clarify this issue” [1]
What the Research Says About Multidisciplinary Care
“Most women experience substantial improvement when one or more treatments are used” [1]
“Women can have vulvar pain from a specific etiology, pain without an identifiable cause, or both. Treatment must therefore address a wide range of potential etiologies as well as provide an approach for women whose pain is not understood by available paradigms” [3]
A Broad Spectrum of Treatments Provided by a Vulva Specialist
These include:
•Local anaesthetics (e.g.) Lidocaine
•Tricyclic antidepressants
•Anticonvulsants
•Topical oestrogen cream
•Nerve blocks (which are administered by your Vulvodytnia Specialist)
•Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
•Neuro-stimulation and spinal infusion pump
•Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. mast cell inhibitors or steroids) [2]
What Types of Treatment Will My Vulvodynia Doctor Recommend?
The important point here is that everyone is treated individually, and in the case of vulvodynia, there are many different types of symptoms which the Vulvodynia Consultant will address. Personalised Treatment Plans incorporate a holistic perspective, and as such, you are likely to be given various types of treatments and therapies. The latter could for example, include pelvic floor therapy from a vulvodynia physiotherapist (who works in conjunction with the Vulva Pain Specialist).
References
[1]. Reed BD. Vulvodynia: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Apr 1;73(7):1231-8.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16623211/
[2]. Todd. N. (2022). “Vulvodynia.” WebMed.
https://www.webmd.com/women/vulvodynia
[3]. Spadt, S. K. & Kingsberg, S. (2022).
“https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vulvar-pain-of-unknown-cause-vulvodynia-