Pain can be experienced with intercourse or other sexual contact, tampon use, a medical exam, riding a bike, sitting, or wearing tight pants. It can be constant or intermittent and is felt anywhere in the vulva, perineum or vagina. If you experience some of these symptoms, you might have a condition called vulvodynia.
Often misdiagnosed as a yeast infection or psychological issue, the cause of this condition is unknown. Medical examinations and laboratory test results are negative for bacterial and fungal infections and skin conditions. The medical community believes that vestibulodynia, vestibulitis and vulvodynia may be caused by injury or irritation of the pain nerves. Most women with these conditions have increased tension or spasm (vaginismus) of the pelvic floor (the muscles that support the pelvic organs and surround the vaginal opening).
At Dayan Physiotherapy, we use biofeedback to help women learn how to relax these muscles (the pelvic floor), and if there is pain, what to do to minimize or eliminate the discomfort. In this way, anxiety can be eliminated as women take back control of their vaginas!
Information regarding nonpainful sexual activity and the physiology of pain and of the male and female sexual response are also important treatment components. As several different treatment options can be helpful, including medications and counselling, we can help direct you to other healthcare professionals knowledgeable about this condition, or if you already have other supports, we commit to working as part of your team.
