Vulvodynia
10-15% of women experience pain in the lower abdomen. This can be both physically and psychologically taxing, as well as reduce the woman's quality of life.
One of these conditions is vulvodynia. Here you can read more about symptoms, causes and how our therapists can help you reduce pain and help prevent the condition from worsening.
What is vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a condition that affects approximately 10% - 15% of all women during their lifetime. Vulvodynia is described as a chronic pain condition in the vulva (the outer part of the woman's genitals).
Like vaginismus, vulvodynia is often associated with dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. One sees a lower pain threshold for pressure, increased muscle tone at rest, and reduced control over the muscles in the abdomen.
Read more about the pelvic floor Read more about vaginismusCauses of vulvodynia
The background and causes of vulvodynia are not clear, but are presumably multifactorial. Vulvodynia can affect women of all ages. Possible causes that are partially supported by research findings include:
- Chronic inflammatory condition
- Genetic factors
- Tight pelvic floor muscles
- Hormonal changes
- Stress or previous trauma
Symptoms of vulvodynia
The symptoms of vulvodynia can be complex. It is often characterized by
- Burning, stinging and/or stabbing pain
- Itching and general discomfort
- Pain when touched, or when something is inserted into the vagina (but can also be present all the time)
Others also experience, for example, muscle tension, dryness and other pain conditions such as headaches, neck/shoulder pain and pain when urinating. Many women have previously been treated for multiple candida and/or urinary tract infections. The incidence also increases after treatment of condylomas (genital warts).
Generalized vs localized vulvodynia
One can distinguish between two types, generalized and localized vulvodynia.
- Generalized vulvodynia is a condition where the pain is experienced throughout the vulva, including the clitoris, inner and outer labia, and the perineum (the area between the anus and the genitals). This can be a chronic condition that affects the woman's ability to have sex or even wear tight-fitting clothes.
- Localized vulvodynia is a condition where the pain is limited to a specific part of the vulva. There may be pain in one of the labia, the clitoris or another area. This form of vulvodynia can be easier to treat than generalized vulvodynia, as it can be easier to identify the cause of the pain and thus choose a more targeted treatment.
How can Dr. Dropin help you?
Unfortunately, there is no established standard treatment or no treatment studies that show a safe effect. The aim will be to reduce pain, as well as increase quality of life and sexual function. A physiotherapist can help you with a range of treatments to reduce pain associated with vulvodynia. This includes, among other things:
- Pelvic floor exercises and gaining control over muscle tension
- Learn to relax your pelvic floor muscles
- Learn different standing, sitting and resting positions.
- Massage
- Knowledge and information
As vulvodynia can be linked to many complex causes, it will be recommended to combine different treatment methods. Below you can read more about how you can get help from different therapists and healthcare personnel.
We have therapists with specialist expertise in women's health in Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger
We know that the right competence and good chemistry are important. Below you can therefore get to know our therapists better. We hope this makes it easier to find a therapist who is right for you.
Ana-Maria Stefan
Chiropractor, Majorstuen
General Chiropractic | Headache | Women's Health | Pregnancy | Prolonged pain
Heidi Prytz
Chiropractor
General Chiropractic | Back | Neck | Women's Health | Needle treatment | Headache
Lina Beate Varhaug
Chiropractor, Stavanger sentrum
General Chiropractic | Back | Neck | Women's Health | Pregnancy | Shock wave therapy | Headache | Dizziness
Ingrid-Johanne Nilsen
Chiropractor, Bergen city center
General Chiropractic | Headache | Women's health | Pregnancy
Sunniva Leilani Tvedten
Physiotherapist, Carl Berner
General Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation | Women's Health | Stress management
Therapy
Prolonged and intense pain can affect both the psyche and cohabitation. As vaginismus can in many cases be linked to trauma, fear and stress, it may be appropriate to get help to process this through therapy.
Dr. Dropin has both psychologists and psychiatrists who have broad expertise in various problem areas. Below you can read more about our services and find a therapist that suits you best.
Gynecological examination
If you have pain in the abdomen but have not had other diagnoses confirmed, it may be a good idea to carry out a gynecological examination. Our gynecologists have broad expertise in women's diseases and meet all patients with understanding and empathy.
Below you can read more about our services and find a gynecologist that suits you best.