Living with vulvodynia can be challenging because in addition to the physical symptoms, the condition can negatively impact your emotional wellbeing. So when should you see a doctor for vulvodynia?
Symptoms Of Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is chronic pain in the vulva (the external part of the female genitalia). The pain may be continuous or only occur when touching is applied to the vulva. Other symptoms of vulvodynia include irritation, itching, urinary frequency and urgency and pain with intercourse.
When Should I See A Doctor For Vulvodynia?
Vulvar pain and other symptoms of vulvodynia can last for many years and cause significant physical and emotional distress. It’s therefore important to visit your doctor as soon as the symptoms arise. After other diagnoses have been ruled out, your doctor will refer you to a vulvovaginal specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Treating Vulvodynia
The experts in vulvovaginal care at Fowler GYN International (FGI) diagnose vulvodynia with the help of an advanced vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test. The VFA test is done to evaluate the vaginal constituents.
Women with vulvodynia typically have an abnormal or altered vaginal microflora pattern. When the vaginal microflora is abnormal it means that there has been a shift in the bacterial milieu, resulting in an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria.
The results of the VFA test will therefore be used to formulate a customized treatment protocol. The FGI approach focuses on moving the vaginal microflora towards normal to restore vaginal health, and relieve symptoms of vulvodynia.
FGI recommends discontinuing the use of hygiene products that contain chemicals which can irritate the vulvar tissue in conduction vaginal rejuvenate therapy consisting of three to four intravaginal medications.
Patients typically notice some relief about 4 months after starting the FGI treatment protocol, but it can take 8-12 months to achieve lasting improvement.
Have you been diagnosed with vulvodynia? Contact Fowler GYN International (FGI), Phoenix, AZ for a consultation. Dr. Fowler is a board certified gynecologist and former consultant of gynecology at Mayo Clinic for over 20 years.
You can reach them at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.