Medical treatments for vulvodynia may not always work, or if they do, they may take a while to take effect. In the meantime, there are a number of self-help remedies that patients and their doctors have found that provide some relief or may prevent flare ups or worsening of symptoms. 1. ·Wear only cotton underwear and loose clothing. Try stockings and thigh-highs instead of pantyhose.· 2. Avoid lubricants containing preservatives and chemicals. Pure almond oil or vegetable oil or commercial lubricants with glycerine (such as Astroglide®) are usually tolerated the best. Apply at the initiation of sexual activity, since being touched is often as painful as intercourse itself.· 3. Use only white or unbleached toilet tissue and 100% cotton fiber sanitary products.· 4. Try baking soda soap for washing clothes. Wash new underwear before wearing and always rinse thoroughly after hand washing to remove soap residue. Avoid fabric softener liquids or dryer sheets.· 5. Avoid the use of perfumed creams and soaps, Vaseline®, oils, lanolin, bubble bath, bath oils or so-called "feminine deodorant" products.· 6. Use a bidet (a low basin with a spray device used for washing the genitals) if one is available.· 7. Baking soda douches may temporarily soothe inflamed areas, or rinsing the vulva with clear water from a squeeze bottle after urinating may help ease burning. · 8 Wash hair in the sink to avoid getting shampoo on the vulvar area in the shower.· 9 Try Aveenoo® (a powdered oatmeal bath treatment). Hold a compress soaked in Aveeno over the vulva three to four times a day. Put two tablespoons of Aveeno in one quart of water. Mix in a jar and refrigerate. Patients report that this is especially helpful after intercourse or when symptoms are in a state of "flare."· 10. Avoid contraceptive devices and creams that can irritate sensitive tissues.· 11. Don't sit or remain in a wet bathing suit.· 12. Avoid constipation or a full bladder. Any fullness may put pressure on the vulva. Exercise and lots of fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the key to regularity. If this isn't enough, daily use of a psyllium product such as Metamucil® will help.· Also remember: Discharge from vaginal yeast or bacterial infections can irritate vulvar tissues. If you suspect such an infection, see your doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Always check with your doctor before initiating any home remedy or treatment. |
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Intimate Health Care For Women |
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12 Ways To Reduce Vulvar Pain: What Every Woman Can Do ! |
Medical treatments for vulvodynia may not always work, or if they do, they may take a while to take effect. In the meantime, there are a number of self-help remedies that patients and their doctors have found that provide some relief or may prevent flare ups or worsening of symptoms. 1. ·Wear only cotton underwear and loose clothing. Try stockings and thigh-highs instead of pantyhose.· 2. Avoid lubricants containing preservatives and chemicals. Pure almond oil or vegetable oil or commercial lubricants with glycerine (such as Astroglide®) are usually tolerated the best. Apply at the initiation of sexual activity, since being touched is often as painful as intercourse itself.· 3. Use only white or unbleached toilet tissue and 100% cotton fiber sanitary products.· 4. Try baking soda soap for washing clothes. Wash new underwear before wearing and always rinse thoroughly after hand washing to remove soap residue. Avoid fabric softener liquids or dryer sheets.· 5. Avoid the use of perfumed creams and soaps, Vaseline®, oils, lanolin, bubble bath, bath oils or so-called "feminine deodorant" products.· 6. Use a bidet (a low basin with a spray device used for washing the genitals) if one is available.· 7. Baking soda douches may temporarily soothe inflamed areas, or rinsing the vulva with clear water from a squeeze bottle after urinating may help ease burning. · 8 Wash hair in the sink to avoid getting shampoo on the vulvar area in the shower.· 9 Try Aveenoo® (a powdered oatmeal bath treatment). Hold a compress soaked in Aveeno over the vulva three to four times a day. Put two tablespoons of Aveeno in one quart of water. Mix in a jar and refrigerate. Patients report that this is especially helpful after intercourse or when symptoms are in a state of "flare."· 10. Avoid contraceptive devices and creams that can irritate sensitive tissues.· 11. Don't sit or remain in a wet bathing suit.· 12. Avoid constipation or a full bladder. Any fullness may put pressure on the vulva. Exercise and lots of fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the key to regularity. If this isn't enough, daily use of a psyllium product such as Metamucil® will help.· Also remember: Discharge from vaginal yeast or bacterial infections can irritate vulvar tissues. If you suspect such an infection, see your doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Always check with your doctor before initiating any home remedy or treatment. |
