Like other chronic conditions, vulvodynia can have periods of flare and remission. At present, there are treatments that offer partial or complete relief, including: · Oral medications. Antihistamines or sedatives such as Atarax and Vistaril inhibit mast cells from releasing substances that can irritate mucous membranes. Medications that may control dysesthetic vulvodynia caused by nerve irritation include tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil® and Tofranil®, and anticonvulsants such as Tegretol® and Neurontin®. · Biofeedback programs or Kegel exercises Performed at home these exercises can strengthen the pelvic muscles, and may lso relieve vaginismus muscle spasms. Biofeedback equipment can ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly and can monitor progress. · Interferon An antiviral drug injected into the affected area, works best in patients who also have human papilloma virus. · Yeast Infection Treatments Creams such as clotrimazole or azole. For stubborn cases, low dose, suppressive therapy of Diflucan once or twice a week may be required for several months. · Low-oxalate diet and supplements of calcium citrate. Oxalate crystals, which are normal byproducts of the body's metabolism, are excreted in the urine. Oxalates are very acidic, and can irritate the mucous membranes of the vulva when overproduced. One theory maintains that an oxalate "insult" to the skin over a long period of time is the cause of vulvar pain. Calcium citrate alkalizes the urine and suppresses the secretion of oxalates. A low-carbohydrate, low-oxalate diet may also be helpful. Foods that are high in oxalates include all beans, beer, beets, berries, celery, chard, chocolate, eggplant, some grapes, green peppers, peanuts, rutabagas, spinach, squash and tofu, to name a few. · Surgery emoves the hypersensitive tissue of the vestibule and hymen. It works best for women with pure vulvar vestibulitis, who experience pain only upon touch (tampon insertion, intercourse). Often considered as a last resort, surgery has a high success rate for appropriate candidates. |
Intimate Health Care For Women |
Vulvodynia: Your New Treatment Options |
Like other chronic conditions, vulvodynia can have periods of flare and remission. At present, there are treatments that offer partial or complete relief, including: · Oral medications. Antihistamines or sedatives such as Atarax and Vistaril inhibit mast cells from releasing substances that can irritate mucous membranes. Medications that may control dysesthetic vulvodynia caused by nerve irritation include tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil® and Tofranil®, and anticonvulsants such as Tegretol® and Neurontin®. · Biofeedback programs or Kegel exercises Performed at home these exercises can strengthen the pelvic muscles, and may lso relieve vaginismus muscle spasms. Biofeedback equipment can ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly and can monitor progress. · Interferon An antiviral drug injected into the affected area, works best in patients who also have human papilloma virus. · Yeast Infection Treatments Creams such as clotrimazole or azole. For stubborn cases, low dose, suppressive therapy of Diflucan once or twice a week may be required for several months. · Low-oxalate diet and supplements of calcium citrate. Oxalate crystals, which are normal byproducts of the body's metabolism, are excreted in the urine. Oxalates are very acidic, and can irritate the mucous membranes of the vulva when overproduced. One theory maintains that an oxalate "insult" to the skin over a long period of time is the cause of vulvar pain. Calcium citrate alkalizes the urine and suppresses the secretion of oxalates. A low-carbohydrate, low-oxalate diet may also be helpful. Foods that are high in oxalates include all beans, beer, beets, berries, celery, chard, chocolate, eggplant, some grapes, green peppers, peanuts, rutabagas, spinach, squash and tofu, to name a few. · Surgery emoves the hypersensitive tissue of the vestibule and hymen. It works best for women with pure vulvar vestibulitis, who experience pain only upon touch (tampon insertion, intercourse). Often considered as a last resort, surgery has a high success rate for appropriate candidates. |
