Symptoms

Burning on the external skin, and a burning and itching sensation within the vagina. When these tissues are touched there can be intense burning pain.

Treatment

Pelvic Physical Therapy for Vulvodynia can include treatments for connective tissue dysfunction, as well as addressing trigger points in the pelvic floor. In addition, neural tension in pelvic nerves can be addressed to effectively treat the pain associated with this syndrome.

Tips

Follow these health tips to help avoid vulva-related pelvic pain, burning and irritation conditions.

• Wipe from front to back to minimize infections.
• Pat dry the vulva- if the vulva is irritated, use a blow dryer on a cool setting to let it air dry.
• Sleep in the nude; many patients find this helps.
• Avoid irritants including perfumed soaps, bubble baths, feminine hygiene products and colored toilet paper; use hypoallergenic laundry detergent, and double rinse underwear.
• Use underwear without elastics in the legs.
• Do not wear thongs.
• Do not use Always brand feminine products because of the dry weave: use 100% cotton hygiene products and menstrual pads that can be washed; use cotton disposable feminine hygiene products; tampons must be 100% cotton as well.
• Use the appropriate sized tampon for the flow: lighter absorbency during light days, and super absorbency during heavy days; otherwise, too much normal fluid discharge will be absorbed by your tampon.
• Do not use soap on your vulva. If you must use a cleanser, use Cetaphil or Spectro-Gel.
• Avoid getting shampoo on the vulva.
• Use unscented, white and chlorine-free toilet paper.
• After urinating, rinse the vulva with cool to lukewarm water with a spray bottle or squirt bottle.
• Avoid pushing with urination and defecation. Keeping well hydrated will help dilute the urine to minimize irritation, and minimize constipation.
• Avoid douches unless prescribed; they upset the natural balance of organisms in the vagina.
• Avoid chlorinated water and avoid swimming in pools; use a barrier cream if you swim.
• Perform vaginal steams once/week and the day after your menstrual cycle ends.