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Sexual HealthVulvodynia - sore vulvaThis condition causes soreness and discomfort in the vulvar area. It is often described as a burning, irritated rawness in the perineal area, but the degree of discomfort, the location and the duration of the symptoms vary among women. Diagnosis is made when the symptoms have persisted for more than 6 months with negative testing for infection, STD, and yeast. The shrinking and drying of vaginal tissue that occurs with decreasing levels of estrogen may contribute to this problem – but don’t confuse this with midlife dryness – it is a less frequent and more painful condition.Vulvodynia often impacts sexual activity by causing painful intercourse. This is more problematic when the soreness is most exquisite in the vaginal vestibule, the ring of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. Treatment is directed toward symptom relief and may include topical steroid medication to reduce inflammation, nerve blocks, biofeedback (to train muscle spasm control), and diet modifications. There are other treatments to consider if these interventions don’t work – consult with your women’s health physician for further advice and medical management. Don’t suffer in silence – your health care provider can help.
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