Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome

Vulvar vestibular syndrome is the condition in which the vulva, or area surrounding the vaginal opening, becomes inflamed and irritated. It typically occurs as a secondary condition, resulting from a primary medical condition which must be treated for the vulvar vestibular condition to be resolved.

Symptoms

• Patients who have vulvar vestibular syndrome will likely experience some combination of symptoms which may include redness, swelling, pain or a sense of pressure during intercourse, stinging during urination, unusually frequent urination, discomfort when inserting a tampon and vaginal itching.

Causes

• Though an exact cause is not known, the development of vulvar vestibular syndrome may be related to chronic bacterial infections of the vaginal region, chronic yeast infections, Human Papilloma Virus, a pH imbalance or a reaction to detergents, spermicides, soaps or other foreign agents.

Treatment

• The most effective way to treat and cure vulvar vestibular syndrome is by effectively diagnosing and treating its root cause. Adverse symptoms can be controlled through the use of topical and steroidal creams and by the application of witch hazel pads.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is typically made through a swab sensitivity test, to verify tenderness. Focal or diffuse vestibular erythema, or redness and swelling of the vulvar region may also be observed.

Risk

• Vulvar vestibular syndrome most commonly occurs in premenopausal women and may occur more often in those who have a history of skin sensitivities.