Vestibulodynia: what is it?

What is vestibulodynia?

Vestibulodynia is characterized by hypersensitivity at the entrance of the vagina, causing pain at the entrance of the vagina, mostly during contact, but also in some cases spontaneously and constantly. More specifically, it is characterized by pain during sexual intercourse at the moment of penetration, by difficulties in putting on tampons, by pain even when sitting down or practicing disciplines such as cycling. The vestibule is a highly innervated area. Studies estimate that 7% of women suffer from vestibulodynia.

What are the pains of vestibulodynia?

These pains can be felt as :

• A burning

• A heating

• An irritation

• A searing pain in the entire vulvar region

• A sensation of being cut

• The sensation of losing one's virginity with each sexual act

It is important to differentiate vestibulodynia from vaginismus. Vaginismus is an involuntary, non-painful muscle contraction of the vagina, whereas vestibulodynia is an involuntary but painful muscle contraction.

As with endometriosis, there is a long delay in the diagnosis of vestibulodynia: between 5 to 7 years from the onset of the first symptoms to the final diagnosis. It is a pathology that is difficult to diagnose: in fact, there is no visible lesion to detect the disease. The only way to diagnose vestibulodynia is through a test, carried out by a professional, which consists of provoking pain with a cotton swab to determine the sensitive areas.

What causes vestibulodynia?

The causes of vestibulodynia are multiple and still divide the doctors. Among them, we can find infections (especially repeated mycoses ), menopause, certain local treatments, the contraceptive pill, or stress.

What are the treatments to cure vestibulodynia?

There are treatments to cure or reduce the appearance of pain related to vestibulodynia, such as

• Perineal massage and relaxation

• Vaginal physiotherapy to learn how to relax the muscles in this area that are tense

• Topical treatments (desensitizing cream)

• And in some cases, psychological support

As a last resort, a surgical operation can be performed. This operation (called vestibulectomy) consists in removing the part of the vestibule that is painful. But it is not 100% successful and recovery from this operation is long.

If you think you suffer from these disorders or recurrent mycoses we advise you to choose organic cotton menstrual panties as a hygienic protection.