Vulvar Vestibulitis
Vulvar Vestibulitis is characterized by pain limited to the vestibule, the area surrounding the opening of the vagina. The pain of Vulvar Vestibulitis is present when pressure is applied to the vestibule
(sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, prolonged sitting) and is described as burning, soreness, stinging, rawness, throbbing, or itching.
Causes include:
- Chronic irritation to the vestibule from irritants such as creams, moisture, soap, etc.
- Recurrent yeast infections
- Genetic susceptibility to vulvar irritation and vulvar pain
The mainstay of treatment and future prevention is the avoidance of irritants to the vulva. This includes the discontinuation of topical creams and irritant soaps and trying to keep the vestibule water clean and dry.
Treatment may also include steroid injection of the vestibule. Refractory cases are treated by Vulvar Vestibulectomy.