How is vulvodynia/vestibulitis treated?
Unfortunately, for most women with VVS, there are no magic cures. Sometimes an infection that will respond to medication is found, such as ureaplasma, candida, or strep. In a lucky few, it clears up on its own after 6 – 12 months. Some women develop vulvar pain as part of the hormonal changes of menopause. This particular problem often responds to estrogen creams or estrogen replacement therapy. But for many women, the treatment is symptomatic, to try to reduce the pain. A prescription anesthetic, xylocaine (available both as a jelly and a liquid solution), may be helpful if applied directly to the sore areas. Unfortunately, the effects last only for a couple of hours and repeated applications can cause damage to the underlying skin. Xylocaine can very useful for intercourse, however, and also during pelvic examinations and sometimes during tampon changes. Some physicians are injecting xylocaine directly into the affected area to create a nerve block. The effects of a nerve block can l
