Dear Fanniers,
I was very fortunate to attend the Vulva Pain Society’s patient day last month with some of the Open Forumers. It centred on the condition vulvodynia which is an umbrella term used to describe a particular type of unexplained pain in the vulva. I did not know much about the condition so was keen to increase my knowledge. I was most surprised to hear that many doctors, midwives, GPs and family planning clinics also don’t know much about this condition, and the VPS is working to spread the word. Here’s a soupçon of what I learned:
1. Vulvodynia is the term used to describe women who experience the sensation of vulval burning and soreness in the absence of any obvious skin condition or infection. The sensation of burning and soreness of the vulva can be continuous (unprovoked vulvodynia) or on light touch eg. sexual intercourse or tampon use (provoked vulvodynia).
2. Cotton underwear, frequent changing, natural yoghurt and reducing sugary foods can sometimes help lessen the impact of the condition.
3. According to GP David Lloyd the cure for all chronic pain is to get more Vitamin D from the sun and eat more Brussels sprouts as, “The RNA incorporates into the DNA!”
4. Not knowing exactly what is causing the pain can be very hard to live with.
5. Some scientists believe vulvodynia is a physiological condition, possibly the result of an accident or an irregularity in the nerve transmitters...
6. That said suffers may still experience mental anguish that a therapist could help with. For example, they may avoid intimacy; develop secondary vaginismus (where the pelvic muscles clamp shut) and non consummation of a relationship. This can also affect a sufferer’s partner who may be frustrated, develop premature ejaculation or impotency. So going to a couple’s therapist may help. Do check out the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
7 For some patients who have tried all the pills and potions and still not found a cure, can still aim to live a full life by managing their pain with a pain specialist.
8. When applying any cream to your vulva, cutting your pubes can help reach the spot and prevent friction according to Dr Karen C Gibbon, consultant dermatologist at Whipps Cross. Some patients put their creams on the wrong area - most commonly the inner thigh. Maybe they are not sure of where it goes or are not able to reach their bits. Do ask if you are unsure.
9. Maggie Tomlin, brave midwife and inspiring senior lecturer in midwifery from
Hertfordshire University claimed that when she first encountered a mum-to-be
with vulvodynia, she thought she was being wimpy. Having discovered vulva pain
in 2006 she knows that she could have done more and now she teaches midwives
about vulva pain.
10. Patients often know more about their own condition than the midwives and they are generally not taught to ask about vulva pain so it’s our job to peak up. This goes for all conditions.
11. It is possible to monitor the progress of your pregnancy without many examination.
I was very fortunate to attend the Vulva Pain Society’s patient day last month with some of the Open Forumers. It centred on the condition vulvodynia which is an umbrella term used to describe a particular type of unexplained pain in the vulva. I did not know much about the condition so was keen to increase my knowledge. I was most surprised to hear that many doctors, midwives, GPs and family planning clinics also don’t know much about this condition, and the VPS is working to spread the word. Here’s a soupçon of what I learned:
1. Vulvodynia is the term used to describe women who experience the sensation of vulval burning and soreness in the absence of any obvious skin condition or infection. The sensation of burning and soreness of the vulva can be continuous (unprovoked vulvodynia) or on light touch eg. sexual intercourse or tampon use (provoked vulvodynia).
2. Cotton underwear, frequent changing, natural yoghurt and reducing sugary foods can sometimes help lessen the impact of the condition.
3. According to GP David Lloyd the cure for all chronic pain is to get more Vitamin D from the sun and eat more Brussels sprouts as, “The RNA incorporates into the DNA!”
4. Not knowing exactly what is causing the pain can be very hard to live with.
5. Some scientists believe vulvodynia is a physiological condition, possibly the result of an accident or an irregularity in the nerve transmitters...
6. That said suffers may still experience mental anguish that a therapist could help with. For example, they may avoid intimacy; develop secondary vaginismus (where the pelvic muscles clamp shut) and non consummation of a relationship. This can also affect a sufferer’s partner who may be frustrated, develop premature ejaculation or impotency. So going to a couple’s therapist may help. Do check out the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
7 For some patients who have tried all the pills and potions and still not found a cure, can still aim to live a full life by managing their pain with a pain specialist.
8. When applying any cream to your vulva, cutting your pubes can help reach the spot and prevent friction according to Dr Karen C Gibbon, consultant dermatologist at Whipps Cross. Some patients put their creams on the wrong area - most commonly the inner thigh. Maybe they are not sure of where it goes or are not able to reach their bits. Do ask if you are unsure.
9. Maggie Tomlin, brave midwife and inspiring senior lecturer in midwifery from
Hertfordshire University claimed that when she first encountered a mum-to-be
with vulvodynia, she thought she was being wimpy. Having discovered vulva pain
in 2006 she knows that she could have done more and now she teaches midwives
about vulva pain.
10. Patients often know more about their own condition than the midwives and they are generally not taught to ask about vulva pain so it’s our job to peak up. This goes for all conditions.
11. It is possible to monitor the progress of your pregnancy without many examination.
12. Ladies worried about smear tests can download the Smears Without Tears form from the VPS site
here. It explains the
condition to practioners so take it along to your appointment.
To find out more about the Vulva Pain Society click here www.vulvalpainsociety.org. And to find out about Open Forum, our support
group for women with stubborn or painful nethers click here.
here. It explains the
condition to practioners so take it along to your appointment.
To find out more about the Vulva Pain Society click here www.vulvalpainsociety.org. And to find out about Open Forum, our support
group for women with stubborn or painful nethers click here.
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