At a glance
What it is
Chronic pain or discomfort in the vulvar area lasting at least three months, with no identifiable underlying cause.
Symptoms
Burning, stinging, soreness, rawness, painful intercourse, throbbing, or itching. Pain may be constant or triggered by touch; generalised or localised.
Approach
No single treatment works for all patients. A combination of injections, rTMS, and physiotherapy is tailored to each case. Relief may take time.
What vulvodynia is
Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina (vulva) for which there is no identifiable cause, lasting at least three months. The pain, burning, or irritation can make sitting for long periods or having sex extremely uncomfortable. The condition can persist for months to years.
The pain may be constant or intermittent, triggered by touch (provoked), or spontaneous. It may affect the entire vulvar area (generalised) or a specific region such as the vaginal opening (vestibule). Vulvar tissue often looks completely normal.
A related condition, vestibulodynia, causes pain only when pressure is applied to the area surrounding the vaginal entrance.
**Possible contributing factors:** - Injury to or irritation of the nerves surrounding the vulvar region - Previous vaginal infections - Allergies or skin sensitivity - Hormonal changes - Pelvic floor muscle spasm or weakness
If you have vulvodynia, the absence of visible signs and embarrassment should not prevent you from seeking help — effective treatments are available.
Treatment options at Alimran Medical Center
Injection therapies
- Trigger point injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Botox® injections
- Prolotherapy
Neuromodulation
Advanced therapies
Physiotherapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Short and long wave therapy
- Laser therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Magnetic therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about vulvodynia and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.