What to do if your vulva is burning

Female reproductive organs can be divided into several types. The more important ones are the urethra, vulva and vagina, which must be well maintained. If there is inflammation, timely observation and treatment are required, otherwise problems are likely to occur. When you feel a burning pain in the vulva, you should first check it and then receive proper treatment.

Although nonspecific, the treatment of vulvar pain is meaningful. Most patients with vulvar pain will experience significant improvement in their symptoms after a careful and patient doctor's examination of the vulva and vagina and education of the patient.

1. Anti-inflammatory treatment

Multiple treatment measures need to be carried out simultaneously, such as amoxicillin for the treatment of beta-streptococcal infection; taking 150 mg of fluconazole weekly to prevent secondary fungal infection, and placing gel jelly in the vagina to promote the growth of lactobacilli and eliminate streptococci. Apply 2% lidocaine gel topically during intercourse or when it hurts.

Explain to patients that this drug is for pain treatment and not for depression. Most patients will experience improvement in symptoms after a few weeks or a month at an appropriate dose. Unless an obvious primary disease is found during the examination, such as non-Candida albicans infection or erosive lichen planus, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or desipramine (desimipramine) can be used, starting with a dose of 10 mg and gradually increasing to the level that the patient can tolerate and feel comfortable, or up to 150 mg.

3. Other treatments

Amitriptyline is often effective in treating vulvar pain with paresthesia. About 30% of patients with vestibulitis receive local injections. Interferon α can achieve long-term remission, such as 1 million U, injected 3 times a week, for 1 month, for a total of 12 injections. The injection site was confined to the vestibular area and covered all lesions. Similarly, women with vestibulitis who have pain confined to the vestibule often experience marked improvement after a vestibulectomy, which involves the removal of the skin on the inside of the labia minora and the inner side of the hymen at the vaginal opening, resulting in improved vaginal function. The decision to perform the surgery should be made by an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist who has a full understanding of the patient's condition and the surgical procedures.