VULVODYNIA DESCRIPTION AND TYPES

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Hi all

I'd sent this to another list I'm on for Lichen Sclerosis, and had quite

a few of the gals post and ask if I might put it on the Vulvar disorders

list, so sorry if you've seen it before. And HEIDI, if you care to

add or make comment PLEASE do so, this is my opinion from what I've

read, but feel free to make suggestions or comments. Hope it helps ,

Warmest Regards, Dee~

----- Original Message -----

<Hi, HOPE THIS HELPS EXPLAIN...

I see what you mean and why some confusion. If I may try to explain,

from MY understanding about Vulvodynia: (She was Confused about ANY

type of Vulvar pain and vuvlodynia especially near the menses.)

Vulvadynia is from the Greek , vulva is obvious and dynia (means pain)

so yes, technically you could say you have Vulvodynia several days out

of the month. (she had slight flare ups with her period) BUT......

General usage is meant to cover a broad base in its application AND a

longer term:

There are basically 4 types of vulvodynia,

1. VULVAR VESTIBULITIS, = inflammation around the vestibule, or opening

to the vagina. Having sensations of burning, dry, raw, or tight skin,

and may range from mild to severe pain, usually caused by external

touch, intercourse, tampons, tight pants, etc. Some only have pain on

intercourse, others are uncomfortable on a daily basis, Some can

tolerate intercourse, but with some degree of discomfort. With severe

or prolonged pain one may develop Vaginismus, a spasm of the pelvic

floor muscles. (biofeedback may help vaginismus)

2. DYESTHETIC VULVODYNIA = Vulvar pain caused by irritated or inflamed

nerves, pain may be in the labia, or extend beyond the vulva to the anus

or groin or even down the inner thighs. Some women experience sharp

pains for deep aching. There may or may not be visible skin irritation

but sensations of irritation or burning, not related to touch or

pressure. (perhaps the antidepressants (TRI-cyclics) would help with

this)

3. CYCLIC VULVOVAGINITIS = The yeast Candida normally inhabits the

mouth, vagina, intestinal tract, and skin. If it overgrows in the

vagina or on the vulva, it can cause itching, burning, inflammation, and

swelling. Skin may tear or split. various theories have suggested an

allergy to yeast or fermented products, immune suppression, or some type

of autoimmune response. Symptoms may flare around the time of menses

(hence, 'cyclic')

Anti yeast programs and medications could help this situation, and

rebuilding of the tissue if destroyed, with Estradiol beta 17 and

Tesosterone possibly.

4. VULVAR OR MUCOUS DERMATOSES = Skin disorders which occur on the

vulva's membranes may cause chronic itching and burning. Its especially

**important to rule out overuse of medications, (especially TOPICAL

STEROIDS) or infectious causes, (such as Herpes, HPV (warts), or

allergic reactions.) (Biopsies may be necessary). This catagory

includes several skin eruptions characterized by the term 'LICHEN',

which merely describes a tough, scaly, or peeling cigarette paper type

of appearance, and there may be fusion of the labial lips. The most

common is LICHEN SIMPLEX, but LICHEN SCLEROSIS and LICHEN PLANUS are two

other skin problems which affect the vulva, (by the way, it can also

affect mens' penis's too.) May use steroids for pain relief short term

and use Estradiol beta 17 and testosterone to rebuild tissue. (use of

Estradiol recommended to un-fuse labial lips) *** personal**** it did

un-fuse mine!!

END..

As you can see, all these catagories fall under the umbrella heading of

Vulvodynia, and ALL have pain involved.

Geesh, sorry this went on so long, and I thought I'd try to shorten it

but couldn't. I learned most of this from an article I saved a long

time ago, but have no idea where it was from. My apologies. Anyway,

hope it helps explain some.

Just a note, hope you're not using 'ALWAYS' pads, from what I've read

they are one of the notorious ones to cause us irritation, if anyone

didn't know that. Take care, love you all, Warmest, Dee~>