Little-Known Vulvodynia Causes Painful Sexual Intercourse

Silver Spring, MD (AHN) - There is no cure and the cause is unknown but vulvodynia causes painful sexual intercourse, says Christin Veasley, associate executive director of the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA).

It is not caused by a sexually transmitted disease, she said, adding the pain can be managed and treated.

Pain or discomfort with sexual intercourse, rawness, stinging, itching and burning in the vagina or vulva, characterize vulvodynia. It is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and women are routinely and incorrectly told that they have a yeast or bacterial infection, Veasley said.

Roughly 16 percent of women between the ages of 18-64 have experienced chronic vulvar pain for at least three months or more, according to a survey by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

The cause is not associated to sex, the NVA says, but rather an injury to, or irritation of, the nerves that innervate the vulva; infection or trauma in the vulva; genetic factors; hypersensitivity to yeast; or spasms of the muscles that support the pelvic organs.

Self-care measures include cold compresses, anti-histamines, the use of lubricants before sexual intercourse and avoiding triggers like hot tubs, tight-fitting undergarments and irritating soaps and detergents, according to MedicalNewsToday.