Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia means persistent or recurrent pain affecting the vulva without an obvious identifiable cause.
The pain can feel like burning, stinging, rawness, irritation, aching or electric-shock-like discomfort. For some people it is particularly noticeable when sitting, wearing tight clothing, inserting a tampon or during sexual intercourse.
Vulvodynia can occur alongside bladder pain and pelvic-floor problems.
How Chinese herbal medicine can help
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Treatment is individualised according to the nature of the pain and the wider pattern of symptoms.
Chinese herbal medicine can address factors such as inflammation, impaired pelvic circulation, tissue irritation, muscular tension and nervous-system sensitivity.
Because vulvodynia can involve several interacting mechanisms, it is often most helpful to think in terms of reducing the overall sensitivity and reactivity of the pelvic system, rather than treating the vulva in isolation.