Introducing the Vulvar Pain Clinic
“Vulvodynia is not a rare condition; it’s estimated to impact between one in 12 & one in six women, depending on the report you read. That’s the equivalent of at least 2.5 million women in the UK. [And on top of this], too often, women who go to the doctor with the symptoms of vulvodynia are fobbed off & dismissed. Doctors need to be much more educated about it – & there needs to be a lot more research into this condition” [1]
No Woman Should Have to Go Through Such Suffering
Vulvodynia is classed as one of the harshest forms of nerve (neuropathic) pain. Sufferers experience electric shock-like pain, a feeling of something sharp, or hot and burning, around the vulva, labia or vagina entrance. The pain can either be intermittent or constant, and can take place simply by touching the affected area, inserting a tampon, or having penetrative sex. Skin hypersensitivity can also be an issue, making it virtually impossible to wear underwear. – To that end, seeing an experience Pain Specialist who has a long track record for treating Vulvodynia sufferers is vital, and the sooner that this is done the better. And while it has to be acknowledged that some women may feel embarrassed to discuss their symptoms – the key here is to be positive, and understand that there are a number of treatments (both conventional and cutting-edge), that could be used either as a stand-alone modality, or in combination.
Getting a Vulvodynia Diagnosis
“If you are experiencing stinging, burning, itching or soreness around the vulva, labia or vagina entrance; or if you feel pain after intercourse, then you could have Vulvodynia. If you do not receive the right treatment (according to your unique needs), which can help to ameliorate this most unwelcome of conditions, then it can drastically reduce your quality of life, both at home and at work”
At the Vulva Pain Clinic, prior to diagnosing Vulvodynia, your Pain Consultant Doctor will review your medical and sexual history, and ask you various questions about the extent and nature of your symptoms. Further, if you are in agreement, your specialist may also carry out:
A Pelvic Exam: This involves examining your vagina & external genitals for any evidence of an infection or anything else which could your symptoms. – And even if there are no visual signs, your Pain Consultant may nonetheless, test you for an infection (e.g. a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis), by taking a cell sample from your vagina. – This is very important, as in order to give a correct Vulvodynia diagnosis, these conditions need to be ruled out
- A Cotton Swab Test: In this instance, your Vulvodynia Specialist will sensitively check for particular localised areas of pain within your vulvar region, through the use of a cotton swab (which has been moistened).
- Any necessary local tests such as ultrasound scans
Further, as a patient at the Vulva Pain Clinic, you will also benefit form a specialist gynaecology review; and The Vulva Pain Clinic’s renowned second opinion service.
No Intimate Exam
If you are coming to see one of the Vulva Pain Clinic’s Consultants regarding Vulvodynia or a similar condition, it is not necessary for you to undergo an intimate, internal examination, as the doctors are able to diagnose this condition solely on the basis of self verbal report.
