How to treat vulvar pain

Xiaoli, who has always been honest and kind, recently encountered a very embarrassing thing, that is, inexplicable pain in her vulva. Many times she couldn't tell why this piercing pain occurred. She believes that she has always kept herself clean and has no bad habits, so it is impossible for her to have vulvar pain. In fact, this condition may be caused by genetics, psychology, diet, etc. So how is vulvar pain treated?

What causes female vulvar pain?

Vulvar pain causes redness and tenderness in the vestibule area of ​​a woman's vulva. Occasionally, the perianal area, perineum, and inner thighs are affected. May be associated with other chronic pain. It usually occurs during menstruation and after sexual intercourse.

In general, there are many causes of female vulvar pain, such as fungal infection and improper use of medication, psychological factors, genetic factors, dietary factors, the influence of sex hormones, abnormal pelvic floor muscle tension, etc. may be related to it.

But most of the general vulvar pain is caused by vulvitis and folliculitis. Vaginal infection with pathogens or stimulation by physical and chemical factors causes itching, pain and discomfort of the skin. In severe cases, it is combined with vaginitis, cervicitis, etc., which leads to increased vaginal secretions or prolonged vaginal bleeding, leucorrhea and menstrual blood irritating the vulva, or long-term urine and feces stimulation due to diabetes, diaper rash, fecal rash, etc.

Dietary factors in life are also one of the possible causes of vulvar pain. Vulvar pain may be related to hyperoxaluria. Oxalate crystals in contact with the epithelial surface will cause severe burning pain. Urinary oxalate mainly acts as a nonspecific irritant and aggravates the symptoms of vulvar pain.

How to treat female vulvar pain?

1. Timely prevention in daily life

(1) Keep the vulva clean and dry, especially during menstruation, pregnancy and postpartum period. Wash the vulva and change underwear every day.

(2) People with vulvar itching should cut their nails and wash their hands frequently, and avoid scratching their skin to prevent ulceration and infection, which may lead to secondary bacterial infection.

(3) Do not wear synthetic underwear or tight pants; wear cotton underwear instead. When taking a local sitz bath, pay attention to the solution concentration, temperature, time, and precautions.

(4) Most patients suffer from psychological and interpersonal stress. It is recommended to ask them about their relationships, including their relationships with their sexual partners. And it should be explained to patients that these inquiries are intended to address their medical conditions.

2. Conduct relevant examinations in a timely manner and prescribe the right medicine.

(1) During the initial consultation, listen patiently to the patient's complaints and carefully examine the vulva, vagina, and oral cavity; perform microscopic examination and PCR testing on vaginal secretions; and better rule out various vulvar painful diseases with clear etiologies.

(2) Departmental examination: direct microscopic examination of vaginal secretions can detect fungi. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for human papillomavirus can detect human papillomavirus in some patients.

(3) Other auxiliary examinations.

3. Pay attention to diet and health

(1) Foods suitable for vulvar pain

a. Eat more foods rich in vitamin B: such as wheat, sorghum, water chestnuts, honey, tofu, chicken, leeks, milk, etc.; eat more fruits and fresh vegetables.

b. It is advisable to eat foods that cool blood and detoxify: mung beans, rice, cucumber, bitter gourd, purslane, green tea, etc.

(2) Foods that should not be eaten when suffering from vulvar pain

a. Avoid spicy food: Eating too much spicy food can easily cause dryness and heat, which can cause heat and toxins to accumulate in the internal organs, resulting in symptoms such as itching and pain in the front and back of the vulva, thus aggravating the symptoms of this disease.

b. Avoid irritating seafood: Hairtail, shrimp, crab and other fishy foods will promote damp heat, and after eating, it will aggravate vulvar itching and is not conducive to the disappearance of inflammation, so they should be avoided.

c. Avoid smoking and drinking: This is because the nicotine in tobacco can weaken the binding force between arterial blood and oxygen, and alcohol can promote dampness and heat, so they should be avoided. Similarly, foods containing alcohol, such as fermented rice wine, medicinal wine, etc., should not be consumed.

d. Avoid sweet and greasy food: Greasy food such as lard, cream, butter, etc., high-sugar food such as chocolate, desserts, etc. These foods help to increase moisture and heat, which will increase the secretion of leucorrhea and affect the treatment effect.