Vulvodynia and the Use of Topical Anaesthetics
“Vulvodynia is a chronic gynaecological disorder. It has a widespread effect on quality of life due to physical disabilities, psychological distress, & sexual dysfunction. Medications that are normally prescribed for oral use (e.g., antidepressants & anticonvulsants), can also be formulated into a cream or ointment. Topical preparations either contain a single active ingredient, or a combination of ingredients, for example, an anaesthetic & antidepressant” [1,2]. Vulva Consultants often prescribe compounded topical formulations in conjunction with oral pharmaceuticals & other state-of-the-art personalised holistic treatments
Putting a Spotlight on What’s on Offer
Topical anaesthetics, which include cream and ointment, offer vulvodynia sufferers temporary relief from pain during sexual intercourse. Generally speaking, the effect of the numbing anaesthetic, lasts for a quarter of an hour to half an hour. – When your partner is aware of your condition, then you can both manage this intimate time very well.
“Topical application of Lidocaine 5% ointment nightly for seven weeks has been shown to decrease dyspareunia (genital pain that can be experienced before, during, or after intercourse) in women with vulvodynia. Moreover, the long-term, nightly application of 5% lidocaine ointment shows promise as a treatment for the management of vulvar vestibulitis. In fact, research shows that most women treated with topical lidocaine 5% ointment, applied nightly, noted improvement in symptoms. The majority had tried other medications without relief. This treatment is simple &very importantly, safe” [3]
Booking an Appointment With a Vulva Consultant
The current option of in-person or online consultations, means that all sufferers can get backon track with their lives once the Vulva Doctor has reviewed their medical history, asked them a number of pertinent questions about their pain, arranged any necessary tests, and devised a Personalised Treatment Plan which often includes both conventional treatments such as topical anaesthetics and pharmaceuticals; and the latest cutting treatments and therapies. The protocol to ameliorate the patient’s pain will be explained in easy-to-understand layman’s terms, and the Vulva Consultant (which can be female, if your prefer), will be ready to answer any of your concerns or questions.
References
[1]. National Vulvodynia Association (2023). “Vulvodynia Treatments.
[2]. Gupta, Pratiksha, and Chandana Shekhar. “Outcome of treatment of vulvodynia by local application of anaesthetic agent.” International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 5, no. 4, Apr. 2016, pp. 1167+. Gale Academic.
[3]. Zolnoun et al. (2020). “Overnight 5% Lidocaine Ointment for Treatment of Vulvar Vestibulitis.”