Vulvar Vestibulitis Symptoms

Pain is the primary vulvar vestibulitis symptom. Pain generally radiates in the vulva and opening of the vagina. However, pain location and intensity aren’t necessarily universal for all women with VSS. Pain can either be broad or localized. Certain activities may also trigger more pain and discomfort than others. Here’s a look at vulvar vestibulitis symptoms:

•  Burning, stinging, and irritation
•  Rawness or soreness
• Strong, sharp knife-life pain
• Aching and throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Pain triggered by biking or sitting for long periods of time
• Pain from tight clothing
• Pain from workouts or physical activity
• Pain when trying to use a tampon
• Pain during sex
• A sensation that you need to pee suddenly
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Red blotches around the opening of the vagina

Vulvar vestibulitis symptoms are constant for some women. They may experience pain and swelling to some degree around the clock. For others, symptoms may only flare up when the vulva is irritated by touch, rigorous activity, or wearing ill-fitting clothing.

Causes of Vulvar Vestibulitis

Causes of vulvar vestibulitis aren’t fully known. However, there are several factors that are believed to play roles in VVS. For example, one school of thought is that some women simply have more nerves in the vulva area. This results in heightened sensitivity caused by nerves that send pleasure and pain signals through the nervous system to the brain.

Women may be at higher risk for developing VVS if they have a history of infections in the vagina. Past injury and irritation involving the nerves of the vulva can also increase risks. A sudden onset of VVS could potentially be an allergic reaction to fabrics or detergents. Finally, VVS could be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles caused by childbirth, surgery, or physical injury.

Vulvar Vestibulitis Misdiagnosed as Vaginismus or Vulvodynia

VVS is sometimes misdiagnosed as a condition called vaginismus that’s characterized by involuntary muscle spasms that interfere with vaginal intercourse or penetration. While vaginal pain is a shared symptom of both, the pain experienced with vaginismus is caused by the tightening of pelvic floor muscles. Meanwhile, VVS specifically involves provoked or unprovoked pain of the vulva. Vulvar vestibulitis and vulvodynia are quite similar. VVS is technically a subset of vulvodynia. However, vulvodynia is a much broader diagnosis that refers to pain that can be experienced in the clitoris, labia majora, labia minora, urethra opening, vestibular bulbs and vestibule, urethra opening, vaginal opening, Bartholin’s gland, and more.

RELATED: Sex After Menopause | What Should You Know?

Treatment for Vulvar Vestibulitis

Due to the fact that VVS can have different underlying causes and triggers, treatment for vulvar vestibulitis is handled on a patient-by-patient basis. Once your care provider has established a VSS diagnosis, they may work with you to identify potential causes of vulvar vestibulitis that apply for you. Potential vulvar vestibulitis treatment options can include:

• Medications that treat inflammation and atrophy
• Switching to hypoallergenic detergents and soaps
• Avoiding some fabrics
• Avoiding tight-fitting pants and shorts
• Pelvic floor exercises or physical therapy
• Diet modification to reduce inflammation
• Injection therapies
• Laser therapies
• Surgery

Finally, it’s important to know that itching is not a sign of VVS. If you’re experiencing itching that’s accompanied by pain and other VVS symptoms, it’s so important to rule out infection or illness with the help of a care provider.

If you’re interested in learning more about treatment for vulvar vestibulitis, Dr. Michael Tahery is here to help you understand this diagnosis better. Dr. Tahery is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) and Urogynecologist in Los Angeles and Glendale, CA with more than 25 years of experience. Dr. Tahery and his staff are leaders in gynecology, urogynecology, and cosmetic care here in the Los Angeles area. Book an appointment today!

The post What is Vulvar Vestibulitis? Symptoms, Causes, Misdiagnosis, and Treatment appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

According to Dr. Tahery, an expert in diagnosis and treatment of vulvar and vaginal disorders, one lesser-known condition that can affect women of all ages is lichen sclerosus. This relatively rare condition can occur throughout the body, but it’s most common in the genital and vaginal areas.

Lichen sclerosus is a non-STD inflammatory condition that can severely impact a woman’s quality of life. Once it develops, lichen sclerosus can cause itchy and painful patches of thin, wrinkled, and discolored skin to develop. The lichen sclerosus symptoms can change the appearance of the labia while causing significant pain during intercourse and when urinating. While lichen sclerosus is chronic, many treatments are available to relieve symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus

This condition can affect any body part, including the back, upper shoulders, breasts, and arms. However, it most commonly affects the genitals and anal regions. Lichen sclerosus symptoms can be mild, and many people don’t realize they have the condition for years because they don’t show any symptoms. But when they develop, the symptoms can worsen over time.

The first symptoms to appear are typically small, pink, or white lesions. However, those lesions can graduate to larger patches of white, wrinkly, tissue-like skin. As the skin worsens, those patches can get itchy and painful. Due to the skin’s delicate texture and sensitive location, even mild scratching can cause bleeding.

Other lichen sclerosus symptoms include:

• Soreness
• Burning sensations
• Bruising
• Blotchy skin coloring
• Bleeding or blistering sores
• Changes in urination
• Discomfort during urination
• Pain during sex

Women may also experience physical changes. For example, lichen sclerosus symptoms often include skin thinning, tightening, and shrinkage around the labia. It can make the labia appear flat or cause the vaginal opening to appear smaller. Those symptoms can result in significant pain and may change urine flow.

RELATED: Will Labiaplasty Get Rid Of Camel Toe

What Causes Lichen Sclerosus?

Unfortunately, there are no clear lichen sclerosus causes. The medical field is still learning about the condition, but several studies show a few potential links. Contrary to popular belief and first reactions, sexually transmitted diseases are not among the possible lichen sclerosus causes. Instead, researchers believe it could be a byproduct of genetics, hormonal changes, immune system response, and other factors.

Some studies suggest that people have a genetic predisposition to lichen sclerosus. In those cases, researchers believe that trauma or injury to the affected area can trigger the condition to develop.

It could also be the effects of an autoimmune disorder. In those cases, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, resulting in lichen sclerosus symptoms.

Hormonal imbalances may also be among the potential lichen sclerosus causes. The link between lichen sclerosus and hormones isn’t well-known, but some theories suggest that low estrogen levels could be to blame.

The reason for that theory comes down to who it affects most. Men and women of all ages can develop lichen sclerosus. However, estimates say it affects up to ten times as many women as it does men. And the age group that deals with lichen sclerosus symptoms most are postmenopausal women.

RELATED: Why is my Labia Shrinking?

Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis and Treatment

No matter the lichen sclerosus causes, there are treatments available. This condition is chronic. Once it develops, it often affects women for the rest of their lives. The good news is that lichen sclerosus treatment can help keep symptoms under control while addressing pain and discomfort.

Before treatment, a doctor must diagnose lichen sclerosus. This typically occurs through a physical examination. Healthcare providers may also order a biopsy.

Once confirmed, doctors can work with patients to determine the best course of action. Topical medications are a viable lichen sclerosus treatment. Doctors may prescribe topical steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Steroids are usually the first-choice treatment. Other topical medications to treat this condition include Calcineurin inhibitors and retinol. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that encourages skin cell turnover. Meanwhile, Calcineurin inhibitors suppress the immune system’s response to the area to treat inflammation.

An alternative to topical lichen sclerosus treatment options is oral medications and phototherapy. Oral retinol and immunosuppressants may help to keep inflammation and pain under control. Phototherapy may do the same via exposure to ultraviolet light at safe wavelengths.

Besides the itching, pain, and discomfort, if untreated lichen sclerosis can cause cancer of the genitalia in some patients. 

If you’re dealing with the effects of lichen sclerosus, don’t hesitate to reach out to the offices of Dr. Michael Tahery. Dr. Tahery is a board-certified OB/GYN and one of the most active urogynecological surgeons in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Tahery has over two decades of experience helping women by treating a wide array of vaginal and reproductive conditions. Contact our offices to schedule your appointment with Dr. Tahery today and explore possible lichen sclerosus treatment options.

The post What is Lichen Sclerosus? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

The post “Trouble Down Below” Article Contribution By Dr. Michael Tahery appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

As physicians the first impulse is to treat with antibiotics or antifungals, even before we have determined what is the offending organism.

This is always a bad idea. Antibiotics and antifungals result in reduction of good bacteria and other organisms responsible for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. These good bacteria are usually the first to go once a person is treated with antibiotics or antifungals. The absence of good bacteria then results in recurrent colonization of the vagina with multiple organisms from rectum, skin, a sexual partner or yeast.

The most successful course of treatment in my practice is to create an vaginal environment hospitable to good bacteria and resistant to organisms that do not belong there. I use tested and proven natural products such as boric acid and special probiotics that we compound in our office, to enhance the vaginal health and return the good bacterial environment. This strategy has been effective in treating women with recurrent vaginal  infections and urinary tract infections, bladder irritative symptoms, pain with intercourse, recurrent abnormal odor and irritation and many other.

Many studies show ⅘ over the counter supplements and compounds do not contain products advertised on the bottle and ¼ of these may be contaminated with lead or mercury. There is no FDA supervision of these products and even the companies manufacturing these products are unsure of the source of their ingredients. Also probiotics are fragile and depending on the production, transport, and storage conditions may lose their activity.

For these reasons, I do not recommend over the counter or online products.

My staff and I take all precautions to produce, store, and deliver the most effective and safe supplements for your needs.  Please ask us about our products.

My advice if you have vaginal or bladder infection symptoms: 1)do not get treated without getting checked. 2)culture if symptoms are strong, prolonged, or recurrent to determine what organism is responsible and what the status of the vaginal environment is. 3)avoid antibiotics and anti fungal medications if possible. 4)use natural products that you know are safe and effective not just advertised as so.

The post Treating Vaginal Infections appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.