Causes of Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia / Vulvar Vestibulitus may be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Yeast infections
• Past vaginal infections
• A reaction to yeast medications
• Tight muscles
• Dryness
• Allergic reactions
• Injury / irritation of the nerves surrounding the vulvar region
• Muscle spasms
• Changes to estrogen levels that occur with menopause

Many women diagnosed with vulvodynia have a history of treatment for recurrent vaginitis or vaginal yeast infections. Some women with this condition have a history of sexual abuse.

Treatments for Vulvodynia

Treatments include:

• yeast treatments
• topical creams
• anti-inflammatory treatments
• biofeedback
• acupuncture
• physical therapy

It's important to have a physician examine and rule out treatable causes of vulvar pain, such as yeast or bacterial infections, skin conditions, and other medical problems. Once your particular symptoms have been assessed, treatments may be recommended to help you manage your pain.

Vulvodynia is a fairly common condition. Like many other conditions the patient is working with the practitioner, sometimes on a trial and error basis, experimenting with what treatments prove most effective.

Free women’s sexuality information packet.

Contact us for more information about the causes of vulvodynia or call us to make an appointment at (914) 328-3700.