YOU ALREADY KNOW...
Vulvar discomfort causes emotional distress, anxiety, and can be difficult to cope with. Vulvar discomfort can lead to difficulty with daily activities and negatively impact intimacy and relationships.
YOU MAY NOT KNOW...
A vulvar disorder is a “catch-all” diagnosis that can include many different vulvar conditions. These problems, which affect the external genitalia or vulva, can range from mild to near debilitating.
YOU NEED TO KNOW...
Nore Women’s Health treats these conditions that include vulvar pain, vulva, skin conditions, vulvitis including lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, and we treat the problems resulting from these disorders including scarring and painful sex. Disorders of the vulva are often difficult to diagnose and manage. At Nore Women’s Health our practitioners are dedicated to determining an accurate diagnosis and providing an effective treatment plan.
Vulvar Diseases
SKIN CONDITIONS. A variety of chronic skin disorders impact the vulva such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, chronic dermatitis and atrophy. Treatment is necessary to avoid long-term problems that may be difficult to reverse.
INFECTIONS. Although there are many causes of vaginal infections, yeast infections are commonly blamed for ongoing symptoms and this may extend to the vulva. Careful diagnosis and sometimes extended treatment may be indicated.
DYSPAREUNIA. Painful intercourse happens for a variety of reasons. The pain may be located at the vaginal opening, deeper inside or both. Causes are usually multiple and may include things other than vulvar disorders including atrophy, muscle spasms, or prior vaginal surgery.
Diagnosis
Your provider will get a detailed medical history and gently conduct a physical exam. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, dark or light spots, blisters, bumps, itching, dryness, burning, or bleeding. We may examine with magnification and take samples for culture or biopsies, blood samples, or order imaging studies.
Treatment Options
LOCAL TREATMENTS. Vaginal estrogen may be a helpful option, either alone or with other treatments. Steroid ointments are often used to reduce inflammation.
VAGINAL REJUVENATION. The MonaLisa Touch delivers gentle laser energy to the vaginal wall that stimulates a healing response and enhanced moisture level to the vaginal wall and can be used on the vulva also. Learn more about the MonaLisa Touch.
THERAPY. Patients with chronic pain may be offered specialized physical therapy focused on decreasing muscle spasms.
MEDICATION. Use of oral and/ or topical medications offers relief for many patients. Topical steroids are commonly used to address skin conditions. A combination of medications is tailored to meet your individual needs.
SURGERY. Occasionally, surgery is recommended to remove or repair damaged or scarred tissue.