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Vulva Vestibulitis Syndrome

Vulvar vestibulitis is characterized by pain, redness and inflammation in the vestibule. The vestibule is the part of the vulva that contains the openings of the vagina and urethra. This condition can affect women of all ages, and its cause is still undetermined.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of this condition include severe pain when pressure is applied and can occure in situations like having sex, inserting a tampon, riding a bike, exercising or wearing tight-fitting clothes. You might feel burning, itching, irritation or a raw feeling within the vestibular area, which will be very red. You may feel the desire to urinate suddenly and frequently.

    Risk Factors

    • While the cause is unknown, certain factors might contribute to vulvar vestibulitis. Infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause this condition. You are also at risk if you get chronic yeast or bacterial infections or if the acid-base balance (PH) of your vagina changes frequently. Frequent use of chemical irritants like spermicides or lubricants can also aggravate the vestibule.

    Medical Treatments

    • Steroid ointments decrease inflammation, which reduces pain and redness. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions when using steroids; overuse can thin the skin which will aggravate the condition. In more serious cases, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can destroy the areas of affected skin, allowing healthy skin to come in. Interferon injections, which contain immune system cells naturally found in the body, can speed healing. Laser and surgical procedures are also an option.

    Home Treatments

    • A and D ointment, readily available in supermarkets, provides a protective layer over the skin that eases pain and irritation and promotes healing. Witch hazel has a long history of use for treating skin irritation. It is a principal ingredient in hemorrhoid treatment pads and is also available as a liquid solution that can be applied to a cotton pad. After urinating, rinse with warm water to remove urine from the affected area to reduce irritation. Take a bath with four to five tablespoons of baking soda to treat itching and burning. You can do this up to three times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.

    Nutrition

    • Take 1,200 to 1,800 milligrams of calcium citrate daily; it can reduce the amount of crystals in the urine that contribute to the burning sensation. Drink one cup of cranberry juice daily; it will change the composition of the urine to make it less irritating. Reduce your intake of high oxalate foods like berries, nuts, spinach, swiss chard and beans.

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