14 DAY TRIAL // No wonder some women prefer chocolate or other stuff to having sex. And in some cases, it's not about the unskilled man, as there are women suffering of vulvodynia - up to 16 % (!) (this means one woman in six, aged 18-64), for which sex is definitely not fun and pleasure. Vulvodynia ("vulva pain") causes pain or discomfort during the sexual act, rawness, stinging, itching and burning in the vagina or vulva (mons pubis, the labia, the clitoris and the vaginal opening).
Vulvodynia can have intermittent or constant occurrence, lasting for months or even years. And what's even worse is that it's hard to diagnose, as physicians can only eliminate one by one other possible causes. "The symptoms of vulvodynia mimic those of other, common vulvovaginal infections. Women are routinely and incorrectly told that they have a yeast or bacterial infection over and over again. Vulvodynia is diagnosed when other causes of vulvar pain, such as yeast or bacterial infections, or skin diseases, are ruled out," said Christin Veasley, associate executive director of the National Vulvodynia Association in Silver Spring, Md.
The vulva tissues can be swollen or irritated sometimes, but in most cases they seem to have a normal appearance and the factors determining vulvodynia are still unknown. What's sure is that this is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Supposed cases are injury or irritation to vulvar nerves, vulvar cellular overreaction to infection or trauma, hereditary chronic vulvar vestibular inflammation, hypersensitivity to fungi and spasms of the pelvic muscles. The fact that clear causes are not known impedes specialists to find a cure, but the pain can be fought somehow. "Treatment is directed at symptom relief and includes drug therapy to 'block' pain signals. In women who have associated pelvic floor muscle spasm or weakness, physical therapy, biofeedback and/or Botox injections may be incorporated into the treatment plan.", said Veasley.
As vulvodyinia can have various causes, each patient must receive a personalized treatment, and self-care methods, often under the care of a physician, like cold compresses, anti-histamines, lubricants before having sex, avoiding aggravating factors (like hot tubs, tight-fitting underwear and certain soaps and detergents).
You can find more information on this condition here.