Pain in the vulva can be extremely uncomfortable and cause unpleasant physical symptoms. But in order to find a remedy, it’s important to first determine what’s behind it.
What’s causing your vulvar pain?
Pain in the vulva, which is the external area of the vagina, is typically caused by vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is a chronic condition that is characterized by burning, irritation, stinging, and rawness in the area at the opening of the vagina, as well as pain with intercourse. Vulvodynia pain may affect the entire vulva or only a portion of it.
How can I stop having vulvar pain?
Women with vulva pain often find it difficult to get the relief they need, because the condition is not well understood, and does not have an identifiable cause. However, Dr. R. Stuart Fowler, of Fowler GYN International (FGI), has conducted extensive research into vulvodynia and discovered that women with the condition typically have an altered vaginal microflora. Dr. Fowler is a board-certified gynecologist and specialist in vulvovaginal conditions.
An altered vaginal microflora occurs when there is a decrease in the good bacteria (lactobacillus) and an increase in bad bacteria in the vagina. The shift in microflora can irritate the vestibular tissue and cause vulvar pain. In order to stop the pain, it’s necessary to first identify the vaginal constituents. At FGI they use a vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test to detect an altered microflora.
FGI prescribes a customized treatment protocol for each patient, in order to get the microflora back to normal. The treatment protocol consists of medications and hypocontactant skincare products. It can take anywhere from 4-6 months for women to achieve see improvements using this treatment protocol (learn more).
Have you been experiencing vulvar pain for more than 3 months? Contact the experts in vaginal healthcare at Fowler GYN International for help.
You can call them at (480) 420-4001for a consultation, or go to www.fowlergyninternational.com/contact-us, to request a free pre-registration call.