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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following tips may help you manage the symptoms of vulvodynia:
- Try cold compresses. Cool compresses placed directly on your external genital area may help lessen pain and itching.
- Avoid tightfitting pantyhose and nylon underwear. Tight undergarments restrict airflow to your genital area, often leading to increased temperature and moisture that can cause irritation. Wear cotton underwear to increase ventilation and dryness, and sleep without underwear at night.
- Avoid hot tubs. Spending time in a hot tub may lead to discomfort and itching.
- Avoid excessive hygiene. Washing or scrubbing the affected area harshly or too often can increase irritation. Instead, use plain water to gently clean your vulva and pat the area dry. After bathing, apply a preservative-free emollient, such as plain petroleum jelly, to create a protective barrier.
- Use lubricants. If you're sexually active, apply lubricants before engaging in sexual intercourse.
- Try an antihistamine at bedtime. This may help reduce itching and help you rest better.
- Look for triggers and avoid them. The triggers that can make vulvar pain worse tend to be different for each woman. Your observations of what causes you pain are important. Avoid potentially irritating soaps, clothing dyes, contraceptive devices, creams and bath products. Use only white, unbleached toilet paper and 100 percent cotton sanitary products.
- Work with your doctor. Over time you can work with your doctor to identify the approaches that work best for you.
- Stay active. Regular exercise can help ease chronic pain, but stay away from exercises that put pressure directly on the vulva, such as bicycling.
- Accept small steps of progress. Don't expect instant cures. Have confidence that you'll feel better over time.
References
- Boardman LA, et al. Benign vulvovaginal disorders. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:625.
- Stewart EG. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of generalized vulvodynia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Vulvodynia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp127.cfm. Accessed April 1, 2009.
- Haefner HK, et al. The vulvodynia guideline. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 2005;9:40.
- Harlow BL, et al. A population-based assessment of chronic unexplained vulvar pain: Have we underestimated the prevalence of vulvodynia? Journal of the American Medical Women's Association. 2003;58:82.
- Stewart EG. Treatment of vulvar pain syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Self-help tips for vulvar skin care. National Vulvodynia Association. http://www.nva.org/patient_services/Self_Help_Tips.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
