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.
Physiotherapist Joanna (Oslo)
Joanna works with all types of muscle and bone ailments, with a special interest and expertise in women's health. Common conditions she treats are pelvic floor dysfunction and pain, abdominal pain (including vulvodynia, vaginismus, vestibulitis, abdominal prolapse/abdominal prolapse and urinary incontinence), long-term pain, anorectal dysfunction, pain in the tailbone area and sexual dysfunction.
She also examines and treats jaw pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction TMD. Here she uses several different treatment tools.
Joanna is particularly interested in:
Women's Health | The stream | Vulvodynia | Vaginism | Urinary incontinence | Anorectal dysfunction | Coccyx Pain | Hip | Back | Jaw pain | Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - TMD
Additional services which Joanna offers:
✓ Manometry – pressure measurement of strength and endurance in the pelvic floor
✓ Shock wave treatment
✓ Vaginal and rectal examination
Where can you book an appointment with Joanna?
📍 Majorstuen - Hegdehaugsveien (Oscars gate 20)
See available slots with Joanna:
Chiropractor Ingrid-Johanne (Bergen)
Ingrid is from Askøy. She studied in Bournemouth and graduated in 2008. She is a general chiropractor with over 15 years' experience with a wide range of skills and has a special interest in the treatment of pregnant women and infants, as well as foot and ankle problems. She has previously worked at the Foot and Ankle Specialist together with an orthopedic surgeon with whom she still has a good working relationship.
As a chiropractor, Ingrid is the primary contact in the healthcare system, such as GPs, and can refer to medical specialists, MRI or other imaging examinations and take sick leave for up to 12 weeks if clinically necessary. She herself has for many years played sports in the USA, mostly basketball, athletics and lacrosse.
Ingrid is particularly interested in:
Back | neck | Foot, ankle and calf | Headache | The stream | Women's health/Pregnancy complaints, children and infants
Where can you book an appointment with Ingrid?
📍Berstadhuset (Bergen, Valkendorfsgaten 9)
Se availble slots with Ingrid:
Physiotherapist og Osteopath Hege (Stavanger)
With 25 years' experience as a physiotherapist and osteopath, Hege offers specialized treatment including medical acupuncture. Educated in Berlin and further educated at the European School of Osteopathy. Her dedication to her profession is reflected in her personal approach to each patient, where the goal is to achieve optimal health and well-being. Hege treats all musculoskeletal complaints, including back, neck, hip, knee and foot complaints, and has special expertise in women's health/pregnancy complaints.
Where can you book an appointment with Hege?
📍 Stavanger - Vaktapoteket (Olav V s gate 11)
See available slots with Hege:
Physiotherapist and Osteopath Bente (Oslo)
Bente is a physiotherapist and osteopath with 20 years' experience in the treatment of adults and children. She is keen to see the big picture and find an individually adapted treatment course for the individual. As both an osteopath and a physiotherapist, she has a wide selection of treatment techniques to choose from. These include joint adjustments, mobilization techniques, soft tissue treatment and cranial osteopathy. If necessary, dry needling or pressure wave treatment is used. She also has expertise in women's health.
Bente is particularly interested in:
Pregnant | headache | neck | back | dizziness | Abdominal complaints | the stream | functional stomach and intestinal complaints | jaw | trouble breathing
Where can you book an appointment with Bente?
📍 Grunerløkka (Markveien 25)
See available slots with Bente:
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.