Women's Health

Vulvodynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Medications

• Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine
• Topical estrogen creams
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Nerve blocks
• Interferon injections

Therapies

• Physical therapy, which involves exercise to strengthen pelvic muscles and lessen muscle spasms
• Biofeedback, which helps you learn to relax vaginal muscles to lessen pain

Surgery

If you have a type of vulvodynia called vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove painful tissue, especially if other options have not brought relief.

10 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Vulvodynia

Going to the doctor can be intimidating. You might feel rushed and forget to ask questions that are important. It’s always a good idea to know what to ask beforehand and to take notes when with the doctor. Some of the questions below may be worth asking. Print out this page and take it with you to your next appointment.

1. How can you be certain of my diagnosis?
2. What can I do at home to help control my symptoms?
3. Will pain medications make me feel better?
4. What treatment do you recommend for me?
5. Are there any activities I should avoid?
6. How might vulvodynia affect my sex life?
7. What should I tell my partner about my condition?
8. Will vulvodynia affect my ability to have children?
9. What can I do for support?
10. Can vulvodynia go away on its own?