Vulvodynia (painful vulva) is a chronic condition of pain in the vulva, the external female genital region, experienced by females that can occur suddenly, but may last for numerous months or even years. The worst part is that the cause of vulvodynia is unknown, although a cause may sometimes be determined by a medical specialist, and that the response to treatment is usually not very good! Vulvodynia may lead to interrupted physical and sexual activity.
Symptoms associated with vulvodynia may include burning, painful, irritated, stinging, or raw vulva, but usually there will be no itching. Vulvodynia appears to be more evident in females experiencing infections and other conditions like diabetes, skin disorders, cancer or even muscle spasms in the region of the pelvic organs. Irritants that may cause an allergic reaction like laundry detergents, soaps, body lotions, powders, sanitary pads, or even certain fibres in underwear may increase the possibility of developing vulvodynia, as well as hormonal changes, certain foods or even stress and psychological responses. Sometimes vulvodynia is present in some females even though no specific cause can be found. The vulva may look totally normal when vulvodynia is present, or it may be red and swollen.
It should be clearly said that vulvodynia is not a result of being unhygienic because vulval pain is very rarely linked to hygiene.
Treatment may have to begin with a visit to a practitioner that may seek to find a cause for the vulvodynia and may begin with removal of any irritants or investigating any changes that were made in lifestyle and diet preceding the onset of symptoms. Wearing cotton underwear may be suggested to decrease irritation in the vulvar area. Other forms of treatment may include the use of certain medication, topical anaesthetics, biofeedback, relaxation, exercises, physical therapy, support groups or even surgery in certain instances.
If you are experiencing vulvodynia and even attempted various treatment options before but you are not experiencing any improvement, I want to ask you a question: Have you ever considered Therapeutic Reflexology?
If not, why not consider Therapeutic Reflexology because it is said that vulvodynia may be caused or triggered by “irritation of or injury to the nerves supplying the vulva” (Porter, 2011:1249) or “the nerve fibres around the area” (Lumsden, 2000:69), and since Therapeutic Reflexology works on the reflexes, or nerve endings, it may potentially provide some assistance in the treatment regime.
Make your Therapeutic Reflexology appointment today!
References
Lumsden, M.A. & Hickey, M. (Eds.) (2000) Complete Women’s Health. London: Thorsons.
Porter, R.S. (Ed.) (2011) The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 19th Edition. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
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