Download Vestibulodynia - Royal Berkshire Hospital

Patient information: Vestibulodynia
Vestibulodynia
What is vestibulodynia?
You have been told that you are suffering from vestibulodynia. This is neither infectious
nor cancerous but is a ‘vulval pain syndrome’.
It is characterised by pain or pressure at the area around the vaginal opening (the
vestibule). The cause is unknown but we think the nerve endings in the skin of the vulva
become over-sensitive. Pain and discomfort occur during sexual intercourse or when
inserting tampons. Patchy redness may be present in this area but this does not always
occur and very often with this condition, the skin of the vulva usually looks normal.
How is it treated?
Many treatments have been used for this condition and your doctors may try you with some
or all of the following: emollient creams (moisturisers), local anaesthetic gel, topical steroid
creams, tricyclic antidepressant tablets. These are all prescribed to ease the pain that
vestibulodynia causes. Antidepressant tablets act as painkillers in small doses and are
particularly good for vulval pain.
You should be aware that not all treatment works for everyone and it may take some time
for your symptoms to improve.
Contact the Vulval Pain Society for further information and advice www.vulvalpainsociety.org
General care of your vulva
Vulval skin is sensitive. It may react to irritants such as soaps, shower gels, bubble baths
and wipes.
The recommendations here are general for all types of vulval disease and should be used
in addition to more specific treatment prescribed by the clinic doctor.
Clothing
The sort of clothing you wear may have an effect on your vulval disease.
 Always wear loose fitting underwear.
 Try to avoid tight outer garments such as cycling shorts or tight leggings.
Vestibulodynia, September 2015
Page 1 of 2
Vestibulodynia
Washing
 Avoid all contact with soap.
 You may find it beneficial to start washing your hair separately to the rest of your body
as shampoo can irritate.
 Emulsifying ointment can used as a soap substitute for most vulval disorders. It can be
used also as a local moisturiser. Emulsifying ointment can be bought ‘over the counter’
from your local pharmacy (chemist).
 Avoid contact with perfume and personal deodorants.
What else can I do?
Stress can make vestibulodynia worse. You may be referred to the local Pain
Management Unit or for psychosexual counselling if appropriate.
It is important to know that this condition is not life-threatening or contagious.
Please feel free to discuss any questions or worries you may have with your doctor.
Contact us
www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Department of Dermatology
Outpatient Department
West Berkshire Community Hospital
London Road, Benham Hill
Thatcham RG18 3AS
Telephone 0118 322 5111
www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Dermatology Secretary
0118 322 7417/ 8975/ 8145
Telephone 01635 273417
Fax 01635 273345
Department of Dermatology
South Block
Royal Berkshire Hospital
London Road, Reading RG1 5AN
For minor operations
0118 322 7581
Other Dermatology leaflets are available
on the Trust website:
This document can be made
available in other languages and
formats upon request.
www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
DERM_994
Department of Dermatology
Written: August 2003, Revised: September
2015. Review due: September 2017
Vestibulodynia, September 2015
2