Vulvodynia

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can be associated with:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Vaginismus – (where one’s vagina becomes suddenly tighter with no control  i.e during sexual activity or after sexual activity , inserting a tampon)
• Interstitial cystitis- (where one has strong pelvic pain with combined symptoms of cystitis)
• Painful periods

General tips

• Wear 100% cotton underwear and loose-fitting skirts or trousers.
• Avoid scented hygiene products such as feminine wipes, bubble bath and soap – an emollient is a good substitute for soap.
• Apply cool gel packs to your vulva to soothe the pain.
• Use petroleum jelly before swimming to provide protection from chlorine.
• Try not to avoid sex or touching your vulva completely, as this may make your vulva more sensitive – if sex is painful, try to find a position that’s more comfortable, or if penetration is painful do other sexually intimate activities together until you’ve sought advice.
• For pain when sitting, using a doughnut-shaped cushion can help

NHS Choices

• Decrease stress to injured area, consider:
  • Aromatherapy
  • Pilates
  • Tai-Chi
  • Yoga
  • Acupuncture therapy
• Consider a Tens machine products (electrical stimulation), see a pharmacist before buying to see if suitable.
• Try a hot/cold compress (please note those sensitive to temperature changes should not use it).
• Use a hot water bottle if in pain.
• Consider Osteotherapy.
• Consider Physiotherapy (pelvic floor exercises).
• Try not to scratch the genital area.
• Wash genital area with water.
• Take showers instead of baths in general.
• Bathing in warm salty water can relieve the itch and help with recovery.
• Dry the infected area thoroughly.
• Use fragrance/perfume free products.
• Take all hygiene measures.
• Avoid antiseptics, soaps, foam baths, douches and bubble baths, one can consider aqueous cream or products which are perfume free.
• Don’t wear tight/synthetic pants (jeans) or tight clothing/ swimming costumes.
• Use cotton underwear.
• Keep genital area cool.
• Use condoms to prevent sexual transmitted disease (use latex free condoms if using numbing agents in vagina before sexual intercourse)
• Check if not allergic to latex condoms and medicinal products can damage latex condoms, non latex condoms available.
• Avoid spermicidal cream and lubricants if one is sensitive to them
• When receiving medication from pharmacist, always complete course.
• Pro-biotic yoghurts may help.
• Ironing/tumble drying underwear may kill any remaining fungal spores.
• Wash underwear in non-biological detergent.
• Dry to cut down on bread and eat a healthy diet.
• Cut down on alcohol consumption
• Eat less spicy food.
• Cut down on tea and coffee (it can irritate the bladder and cause dehydration).
• If have vaginal dryness talk to your pharmacist and discuss what products are available (applies to females only).
• Always pull your foreskin back (if possible) and wash (applies to males only).
• Drink plenty of water at least a pint.
• Try to avoid food and drink that gives you allergies.
• Avoid too much sex (use lubrication if required) and after having sex, empty bladder as soon as possible.
• If one has infection avoid sexual intercourse until infection has cleared up.
• Increase intake of cranberry juice (not if taking warfarin medication) or barley water
• Try not to hold on, empty your bladder as much as you can.
• Be aware that tampons can cause cystitis (applies to females only).
• Wipe from front to back (applies to females only).

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice