Vulvodynia is a feminine condition that typically causes chronic pain at the opening of the vagina. The pain associated with vulvodynia is often so intense that it affects daily life. But can vulvodynia also cause itching and redness?
What Is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is chronic pain at the opening of the vagina that lasts for more than 3 months and caused by alterer vaginal microflora. In other words the flora which is normally neutral to surrounding tissues has become an irritant. The pain may occur in different areas of the vulva, or it may be confined to the vaginal opening.
How is Vulvodynia Diagnosed?
Vulvodynia is diagnosed with the help of a vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test. A VFA test is done by analyzing a specimen of the vaginal discharge to identify the constituents present and the relative concentrations.
Can Vulvodynia Cause Itching And Redness?
Pain is the predominant symptom of vulvodynia and it’s often so severe that it overshadows all the other symptoms of the disorder. However, vulvodynia can also cause itching and redness because the vaginal secretions from the altered vaginal microflora irritate the tissues.
The itching and redness associated with vulvodynia occur as a result of the irritant nature of the abnormal vaginal microflora secretions. An altered vaginal microflora can change the naturally acidic nature of the vaginal pH. The resulting secretions that bathe the vaginal wall irritate the tissues, causing symptoms such as itching and redness to creep in.
Other symptoms of vulvodynia include burning, stinging, rawness, and soreness.
Treating Vulvodynia
Treating vulvodynia involves restoring balance to the vaginal microflora. This is done by identifying the altered vaginal microflora pattern, and formulating a customized treatment plan that will shift the microflora towards normal.
If you are interested in treatment for vulvodynia, contact Fowler GYN International, Phoenix, AZ, for a consultation. It was established by former Mayo physician, board certified Dr. R. Stuart Fowler. You can reach Dr. Fowler at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.