Mild vulvodynia: what to know

Vulvodynia may feel like burning, rawness, itching, stinging, or soreness at the vulva. Symptoms can be present without touch, or be triggered by sitting, tight clothing, wiping, inserting a tampon, or sex. The skin may look normal. A clinician usually considers infections, dermatitis, hormonal changes, nerve sensitivity, and pelvic-floor muscle tension before diagnosing vulvodynia. Keeping a brief symptom diary can show triggers and help distinguish pain during sex from pain that occurs at other times.

Wash gently with lukewarm water and avoid scented soaps, wipes, deodorants, and douches on the vulva. Choose loose, breathable underwear and change out of damp clothing. Stop an activity that clearly worsens pain rather than pushing through it. A clinician may discuss topical treatment, pain strategies, pelvic-floor physiotherapy, or gradual vaginal dilator therapy when muscle guarding or penetration-related pain is present. Treatment is individual; do not apply steroid, antifungal, or numbing products repeatedly unless a clinician has advised you.

Arrange an appointment if vulval pain persists, interferes with sleep or daily activity, or makes sex or inserting a tampon difficult. Seek prompt assessment for sores, blisters, unusual discharge, bleeding, fever, a new lump, or rapidly worsening pain, because these features may point to another condition. Urgent care is appropriate if pain is severe, you cannot pass urine, or you feel acutely unwell.

Ask which causes need testing, whether the skin and pelvic floor should be examined, and what products to avoid. You can also ask how to pace sexual activity, whether physiotherapy is suitable, and when to review your treatment plan.