About Vulvodynia
Treatment

There is currently no "cure" for Vulvodynia. Treatments are directed toward alleviation of symptoms and may provide partial or complete relief. It is important to keep in mind that the cause of vulvodynia is unknown and each woman’s symptoms are unique; no single treatment works all the time or is appropriate for every patient. Some women respond very well to a particular treatment, while others respond poorly or experience unacceptable side effects. It takes time to find a treatment or combination of treatments that will decrease or alleviate your pain.

Some of the current treatments available (not listed in order of efficacy) include:

• Discontinuation of all topical medications, soaps, douches, etc., that can worsen irritation
  
  
• Local anesthetics (i.e. lidocaine)
  
  
• Tricyclic antidepressant medications (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine) See Fall 1999, Summer 2001, Spring 2002 issues to read more
  
  
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., Tegretol, Neurontin) See Fall 1999, Summer 2001, Spring 2002 issues to read more
  
  
• Interferon injections Read More
  
  
• Nerve blockades, Read More
  
  
• Topical estrogen cream
  
  
• Pelvic floor therapy (for patients who have pelvic floor muscle abnormalities as measured by surface electromyography) Read More
  
  
• Physical therapy See Summer 1996 and Winter 2002 to read more
  
  
• Diet modification Read More
  
  
• Surgery (for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome only) Read More