Vulvodynia is chronic, unexplained pain, burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness in the area around the opening of the vagina (i.e., the vulva). This is a poorly understood and under-researched problem for which optimal treatment remains unclear. The pain, burning or irritation associated with vulvodynia can make women so uncomfortable that sitting for long periods of time is tortuous and sexual intimacy becomes unthinkable. The condition can go on for months or years.
Vulvodynia is estimated to affect about 10% of women of reproductive age, with onset most commonly between the ages of 18 and 25. Sadly, 60% of symptomatic women need to see an average of 3 different providers to receive the diagnosis of vulvodynia, and 40% of symptomatic women remain undiagnosed.
If you have vulvodynia, treatment options are available to lessen the pain and discomfort of vulvodynia, ranging from topical therapies to oral medications, physical therapy and biofeedback. Customized medications that have been studied and reported to help with pain relief include topical gabapentin 6% cream, topical amitriptyline cream, and topical nitroglycerin 0.2% (a compounded low dose with fewer side effects than the commercially available nitroglycerin ointment).
Other causes of pelvic pain can include interstitial cystitis, endometriosis and urethral syndrome. It is important to work with health care providers who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia.
Ask our compounding pharmacist how customized medications can help.
