Vulvodynia Therapy and Personal Experiences

Managing vulvodynia, a chronic condition causing vulvar pain, can be a daunting task. Many women, including myself, have experienced significant pain and have sought various treatments to find relief. While complete eradication can sometimes be challenging, certain strategies have shown promise in managing the condition.

Understanding Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition characterized by unexplained vulvar pain that persists for at least three months. It can manifest in various ways, but the most common symptom is localized pain in the vulvar region. This discomfort can significantly affect a woman's quality of life, leading to difficulties in daily activities and intimate relationships.

Personal Experience: Flare-Up Management

My personal experience with vulvodynia includes three significant flare-ups over the past few years. The first flare-up was managed through a combination of physical therapy, the use of topical ointments, and lifestyle changes. This approach included:

Physical therapy: To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce pain.

Topical ointments containing lidocaine and gabapentin: To alleviate immediate pain symptoms.

Switching to unscented laundry detergent and soap: To avoid irritation.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplements: For potential pain reduction.

Wearing only 100% cotton underwear: To reduce irritation.

Using ice packs: For temporary pain relief.

Nightime use of a TENS machine: To manage pain.

Acquisition of a standing desk: To potentially improve circulation and reduce pain.

The gradual improvement took several months, but eventually, my pain was gone, and I enjoyed a pain-free period for about three years.

Second Flare-Up: Elavil Therapy

During the second flare-up, Elavil (amitriptyline) was prescribed. While this medication provided significant pain relief, it came with considerable side effects. I experienced fatigue and a modest weight gain of about 6 pounds. However, the most concerning side effect was a yeast sensitivity, leading me to drastically reduce my sugar intake. After a few months, the dose was reduced to 20mg, and eventually, I was able to stop taking it after about a year with a very gradual weaning process.

Many women find better success with Elavil than I did, so it is definitely worth considering if other treatments have failed.

Current Flare-Up: Integrative Approaches

Unfortunately, my pain returned after discontinuing Elavil due to an improperly performed pelvic exam. This led to the third flare-up, which I am currently managing using a combination of the previous strategies and new integrative methods:

Physical therapy: Once again to strengthen the pelvic floor and alleviate pain.

Topical emu oil: To potentially reduce inflammation.

Calcium citrate supplements: To support overall health and possibly reduce pain.

Acupuncture: To address muscular tension and promote healing.

Topical benzocaine: For short-term relief, though it did not provide long-lasting results.

I am open to exploring more advanced treatments, such as botox, if they become available in my area. However, finding a provider with experience in this therapeutic approach can be challenging.

Conclusion

Managing vulvodynia requires time, patience, and a variety of approaches. While there is no single "silver bullet," a combination of treatments, including physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications, can significantly reduce pain. If you find that certain treatments are not working, it is essential to communicate with your healthcare provider to explore other options.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the right support and strategies, you can find relief and improve your quality of life.

Wishing you the best on your path to managing vulvodynia.