Paola de Vulvae encourages us to take care of our vulvar health

Itching, irritation, burning, dryness, etc.: are these discomforts creeping into your underwear? You're not alone! Today, it's estimated that 15% of women suffer from chronic vulvar pain. These unpleasant sensations can sometimes seem benign. However, they have a significant impact on daily life and intimate life. We're telling you the essentials you need to know about vulvar pain, in partnership with Vulvae.

Although widespread, vulvar pain and pathologies are unfortunately very little known. Medical research is scarce and patients often face discouraging medical wandering (7 years on average before receiving a diagnosis!). Vulvar pain that persists is difficult to treat, as few doctors really know how to prescribe the right treatments and provide effective follow-up.

Spoiler: if a doctor tells you “it’s in your head,” it’s false!

But first of all: what is the vulva?

This is the external part of the so-called “female” genitalia. It consists of, among other things, the mons pubis, the labia majora and minora, the urinary meatus, the clitoris, and the vaginal opening. Sometimes this area is painful, itchy, burning, tingling, twitching violently, or throbbing very sharply. Whatever unpleasant sensations you experience, it's never normal, and there are explanations—and solutions.

What types of vulvar pathologies can cause my pain?

Vulvar pain is caused by various pathologies:

• Vulvodynia: This term refers to a painful syndrome of the vulva, which lasts for more than 3 months (continuously or intermittently), without any lesion at the vulva level. This pathology is due to a dysfunction of the pain system. Its variant, which specifically affects just the entrance to the vagina, is called vestibulodynia — and it is the most common form of vulvodynia (with a prevalence of 8-10%).

• Vaginismus: This refers to an involuntary and unconscious contraction of the perineum / the muscles surrounding the vagina, which makes penetration difficult or even impossible (by a finger, tampon, penis or sex toy). The pain generally comes from the attempt at penetration, not from the contraction itself. It is therefore common during sexual intercourse.

• Bartholinitis: This is an inflammation of the Bartholin glands, which lubricate the vulva. Often, a small, very painful, red lump forms on the inner labia. It is also important to know that bartholinitis often recurs (15-20% of cases).

• Vulvar lichen sclerosus: this dermatological pathology is characterized by the appearance of pearly white plaques, by changes in the tissues of the vulva, and often by very strong itching, which comes in outbreaks. It can also be asymptomatic, so it is important to observe yourself regularly to spot any changes.

• Pudendal neuralgia: a nerve pathology that causes pain due to compression of the pudendal nerve, a nerve that passes through the entire perineal area (buttocks, anus, vulva, clitoris, etc.). The pain can therefore extend beyond the vulva.

• Vaginal dryness: affecting 1 in 6 people with vulvas before menopause, and 1 in 2 after menopause, dryness is often linked to a hormonal change and/or disruption.

• Painful urethral syndrome: This is a painful syndrome in the urethra, which occurs when peeing, but not only. It is often accompanied by a frequent, and sometimes urgent, need to urinate.

There are also simpler and slightly better known causes: latex allergy (3% of the population), mycoses and cystitis (75% of people with vulvas will have at least one in their life), herpes, vaginitis and vaginosis (particularly frequent during pregnancy), etc.

Faced with these pathologies, Vulvae allows you to regain control over the health of your vulva and act directly on your pain, to better understand it and find greater comfort. With the application, Vulvae allows you to track symptoms and the factors that influence pain. Because the more you know your body, the better you can feel, by acting as closely as possible to its needs!

And, with its 3-month therapeutic support program, Manage Your Pain , Vulvae allows patients to learn the care routine and habits they need to better manage their pain and reconnect with their pleasure. Through physical exercises, relaxation, and informational content, Vulvae offers people the opportunity to take back control of their care journey.

And, if you want to know more, the little illustrated guide to vulvar pathologies is available for free download on the Vulvae website, to guide you towards the most appropriate care. Knowledge is power, so Vulvae is committed to providing you with the information and advice you need for your care.

Paola, founder of Vulvae