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What is Vulvar Vestibulitis?

Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden

Vulvar vestibulitis is a condition that causes pain and redness in the vulvar vestibule, the area at the entrance to the vagina between the vulva and the vagina. In this condition, the skin and the mucous glands in the skin, known as the lesser vestibular glands, become irritated and inflamed. The condition falls under the category of Vulvodynia, or chronic pain of the vulva that is unexplained by infection or disease.

Many women suffer from vulvar vestibulitis, but the medical community has had little success in treating the ailment. It can occur in women in any age group, from early youth to late in life. Sexual activity seems to have little impact on whether or not one gets the condition; women who are sexually active and women who are not sexually active have reported suffering from the seemingly-causeless genital pain.

Vulvar vestibulitis often causes painful sexual intercourse.
Vulvar vestibulitis often causes painful sexual intercourse.

In some cases, vulvar vestibulitis seems to be triggered by contact with an object or by sexual intercourse. In other cases, the pain is constant and contact with any object does nothing to improve or worsen the condition. Vulvar vestibulitis often causes dyspareunia, or painful sexual intercourse. The contact from sexual intercourse causes further irritation and more pain around the vulva, often making intercourse extremely unpleasant for those suffering from the condition.

Ointments and topical creams may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with vulvar vestibulitis.
Ointments and topical creams may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with vulvar vestibulitis.

Pain and redness are the main symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis. Such pain often initially appears after pressure is placed on the vulva, as from tight clothes or from a bicycle seat. The pain typically takes the form of burning, irritation, stinging, or a raw sensation around the vestibular region. The condition is diagnosed after a physical examination and a test of vaginal discharge to rule out infection.

The cause of vulvodynia in general has not yet been determined.
The cause of vulvodynia in general has not yet been determined.

While no absolute cure for vulvar vestibulitis has been discovered, there are several things that those suffering from the condition can do to lessen the pain and discomfort. Wearing cotton underwear, avoiding vulvar irritants, cleaning the vagina, and using lubricants during intercourse can all decrease the constant level of pain. Some patients have had success with various ointments and topical creams that reduce the pain and inflammation. Physical therapy helps some to better handle the pain. Though it is a more drastic step, surgery to remove some of the inflamed tissue has had high levels of success.

Vulvar vestibulitis causes pain and redness in the vulvar vestibule, the area at the entrance to the vagina.
Vulvar vestibulitis causes pain and redness in the vulvar vestibule, the area at the entrance to the vagina.

Physical health isn't the only concern. People suffering from chronic pain disorders often experience tremendous frustration and depression because they can not experience life at a normal comfort level. This is especially true in the case of vulvar vestibulitis. The inflammation is not only painful, it can strongly affect sexuality as well.

Discussion Comments

anon1003180

On what part of your vagina do you put the Vaseline? The outside of the vagina or the inside? I have been diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis too and I'm in chronic pain. And what type of Vaseline? Thank you very much.

anon142828

I have recently been diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis after months of believing I had cystitis, taking antibiotics and even having surgery for cystitis to no effect. Because I am in the early stages of pregnancy I cannot take the recommended medications to treat the V.V. condition at this point in time. However, I have found, applying vaseline after a shower each morning has provided 99 percent relief. I feel normal again.

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    • Vulvar vestibulitis often causes painful sexual intercourse.
      By: Artem Furman
      Vulvar vestibulitis often causes painful sexual intercourse.
    • Ointments and topical creams may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with vulvar vestibulitis.
      By: agephotography
      Ointments and topical creams may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with vulvar vestibulitis.
    • The cause of vulvodynia in general has not yet been determined.
      By: Monkey Business
      The cause of vulvodynia in general has not yet been determined.
    • Vulvar vestibulitis causes pain and redness in the vulvar vestibule, the area at the entrance to the vagina.
      By: isyste
      Vulvar vestibulitis causes pain and redness in the vulvar vestibule, the area at the entrance to the vagina.
    • Wearing tight clothing may result in vulvar vestibulitis.
      By: GoodMood Photo
      Wearing tight clothing may result in vulvar vestibulitis.