Vulvar vestibulitis is a condition that causes pain and redness in the vulvar vestibule, the area at the entrance to the vagina between the vulva and the vagina. In this condition, the skin and the mucous glands in the skin, known as the minor vestibular glands, become irritated and inflamed. The condition falls under the category of Vulvodynia, or chronic pain of the vulva that is not explained by infection or disease.
Many women suffer from vulvar vestibulitis, but the medical community has had little success treating the disease. It can occur in women of any age group, from early youth to old age. Sexual activity appears to have little impact on whether or not one has the condition; Women who are sexually active and women who are not sexually active have reported suffering from seemingly unexplained genital pain.
In some cases, vulvar vestibulitis appears to be caused by contact with an object or sexual intercourse. In other cases, the pain is constant and contact with any object does nothing to improve or worsen the condition. Vulvar vestibulitis often causes dyspareunia or painful intercourse. The contact of intercourse causes more irritation and more pain around the vulva, often making intercourse extremely unpleasant for those with the condition.
Pain and redness are the main symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis. Such pain often appears initially after pressure on the vulva, such as from tight clothing or from a bicycle seat. The pain usually takes the form of burning, irritation, stinging, or a raw sensation around the vestibular region. The condition is diagnosed after a physical exam and a vaginal discharge test to rule out infection.
Although an absolute cure for vulvar vestibulitis has not been discovered, there are several things that people with the condition can do to lessen the pain and discomfort. Wearing cotton underwear, avoiding vulvar irritants, cleaning the vagina, and using lubricants during intercourse can decrease the constant level of pain. Some patients have had success with various topical ointments and creams that reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy helps some manage pain better. Although a more drastic step, surgery to remove some of the inflamed tissue has had high levels of success.
Physical health is not the only concern. People who suffer from chronic pain disorders often experience tremendous frustration and depression because they are unable to experience life at a normal comfort level. This is especially true in the case of vulvar vestibulitis. The inflammation is not only painful, but can also strongly affect sexuality.