Cures for Vulvar Vestibulitis

Painful intercourse, redness and irritation at the lower area of the vaginal opening and the sudden urge to urinate can all be symptoms of a serious (and sometimes chronic) condition known as vulvar vestibulitis. While research continues, there is little evidence that the medical community has found a cure for the condition, instead relying on treating individual symptoms to improve quality of life and reducing pain and discomfort.

The Facts

• Vulvar vestibulitis is a vaginal condition in which the skin and mucous -secreting glands (known as lesser vestibular glands) in the skin become inflamed. This can affect the entire vaginal opening, but predominantly presents in the lower portion. Women of all ages and all levels of sexual activity can experience this uncomfortable condition. The exact cause of vulvar vestibulitis remains unknown, but researchers continue to work toward gaining more insight into the condition.

Signs and Risk Factors

• Signs of vulvar vestibulitis include severe pain during intercourse or tampon use; severe pain while biking, exercising, or wearing tightly fitting clothing; redness and burning/stinging in the vestibular area; and a frequent urge to urinate. Your doctor will need to examine you for skin changes and take a sample of vaginal discharge to eliminate any infectious causes. There are certain factors that have been identified as being associated with vulvar vestibulitis. They include chronic yeast infections, human papilloma virus, chronic bacterial infections, pH imbalance in the vagina (acid-based) and long-term use of irritants and chemicals (like spermicides, lubricants, soaps and detergents).

Treatment

• The best treatment plan for your particular case will be determined by your doctor and often is determined in accordance with the severity of your symptoms. Treatment often involves steroidal ointments that are topically applied and decrease redness and discomfort. Other options include trichloracetic acid (otherwise known as TCA), which works by destroying irritated skin and encouraging the growth of healthy skin; injections of interferon, which helps to increase your body's natural reaction to infection; and, in some cases, surgery (either standard or laser) to remove specific areas of affected skin.

Additional Treatment Options

• Some additional treatment options include pads (like TUCS) that contain witch hazel. Use these to gently cleanse and soothe the affected areas. Lidocaine gel may be prescribed by your doctor and can be applied topically to help numb the area. A&D Ointment (over the counter) can be applied directly to the skin and helps to protect, heal and soothe the inflamed area. Calcium citrate tablets may help to decrease crystals in your urine (which can lead to a burning sensation) when taken by mouth in doses between 1200 and 1800 milligrams per day. Soaking in a lukewarm bath with four to five tablespoons of baking soda added to the water can help soothe the itching and burning in the affected area.

The Cure

• To date, there is no known cause or cure for vulvar vestibulitis. There is no magic pill or treatment that clears the condition for everyone. In some, the condition resolves itself after six to 12 months, but many are left treating symptoms and hoping for a cure. As the research continues, doctors try new and innovative methods to treat the condition, but for now the best course of action is to consult your doctor and develop a treatment plan that works for you.