Dr Gill Advice from our Woman's Weekly doctor

Coping with VULVODYNIA : This is a condition where there is persistent,  unexplained pain in the vulva

- Dr Gill Jenkis

Vulvodynia affects women of all ages and can become a distressing long-term problem. It may be caused by vulval nerve damage, perhaps during childbirth, previous surgery or trapped nerves. It is not contagious, or related to personal hygiene or a sign of cancer.

Pain in the vulva is not always vulvodynia but may be due to vaginal infections, including herpes, or soap or bubble-bath sensitivity, or menopausal- falling oestrogen levels, causing vulval dryness. More rarely, lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, Behçet’s syndrome or Sjögren’s syndrome can be the cause.

The main symptom is persistent vulval or vaginal pain, burning, throbbing or soreness triggered by touch, during sex or when inserting a tampon. It may be constant, worse when sitting down, limited to the vulva or more widespread over the whole genital area and anus. Associated problems include vaginismus (involuntary vaginal muscle tightening), interstitial cystitis (painful bladder), painful periods or irritable bowel syndrome.

Persistent vulval pain can affect relationships, reduce sex drive or cause low mood or depression. Embarrassing to talk about, women can feel isolated. They may have had it for years before diagnosis and treatment. The vulva usually looks normal.

See a GP or your local sexual health clinic if you have persistent pain, as it’s unlikely to improve on its own, and some treatments are only available on prescription. Other causes of vulval pain need ruling out. Your doctor will discuss symptoms, examine you, and take a swab to check for infection. They may refer you to a specialist vulval clinic.