Vulvodynia, Vestibulodynia and Clitorodynia Treatment

Have you put up with your pain long enough?

​Our experienced physiotherapists can help you manage Vulvodynia, vestibulodynia and clitoridynia problem and get back to your life! We have been successful treating this problem both in-clinic and online.

WHAT IS IT?

Vulvodynia is a term used for chronic (lasting longer than 3 months) discomfort and pain, most commonly described as burning or soreness in the vulvar area. Some women report sensations of itching, aching, stinging or throbbing. Vulvodynia can be generalized, meaning it is felt all over the vulvar area, or localized to a specific areas. Vestibulodynia is the term used for pain at the vestibule (opening) of the vagina. Clitorodynia refers to pain around the clitoris.

There are different types of vulvodynia/vestibulodynia. It can be unprovoked, where the pain is continuous and can occur spontaneously. Provoked vulvodynia/vestibulodynia is the term applied with the pain is caused by light touch or pressure to the area from activities such as sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, gynaecologic examination, prolonged sitting or wearing tight pants. The pain intensity can vary from mild to severe, and may occur outside the vulvar area as well.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Vulvodynia and its subclassifications are not caused by a skin disease or infection. It is suggested that several factors related to hormones, the immune system, irritation or hypersensitivity of vulvar skin nerve fibres, an increased number of nerve endings in the vulvar vestibule, genetic susceptibility, and pelvic floor muscle weakness or spasm are involved. Since the problem lies with the nerve fibres, there is usually nothing visible on the skin.

Vestibulodynia can begin from the first sexual intercourse or later, due to a recurrence of vaginitis or trauma in the area or for no apparent reason.

The causes of vestibulodynia are multifactorial. A lack of lubrication and a tight pelvic floor are biological factors frequently involved in genito-pelvic pain. Certain emotional factors such as stress, fear of intimacy, fear of pain, anxiety or depression can impact the symptoms and perception of pain. In fact, all of your thoughts, emotions and behaviors play an important role in your perception of pain. Finally, the last research on genito-pelvic pain indicates that the partner has an impact on the perception of the pain felt by the woman, both positively and negatively, and that the pain has consequences on the partner, as well as on the couple's relationship.

Finally, trauma experienced in childhood, such as abuse and neglect, are risk factors for developing induced vestibulodynia during adulthood.

HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?

Since the cause of vulvodynia is unknown, treatment is directed toward pain and symptom relief. Products with dyes or perfumes and clothing that is non-cotton may be irritating for the vulvar region, so avoiding them is a good first step. Cold gel packs may help reduce the pain when it is experienced.
 
Since the pelvic floor musculature may be involved, physical therapy may be recommended. Pelvic floor muscle re-education can help release muscle tensions and relax the pelvic floor tissues. Trigger point therapy may be used. Treatment can also focus on strengthening the weakened muscles, which may contribute to lessening the pain. It is important to keep in mind that no one treatment or combination of treatments works for all women, and that finding the right one may therefore take some time.
 
Combining pelvic floor treatments with counseling consultations helps you have all the tools you need to better understand your pain and improve your situation. 

HOW CAN PHYSIO SEXO?

Votre sexologue peut vous soutenir dans votre démarche de mieux-être intime, sexuel et/ou relationnel. Quoique c’est un processus qui s’adresse au couple, il est possible de consulter de façon individuelle, tout en s’assurant de rejoindre le-la partenaire par l’entremise d’exercices à faire entre les séances.

Votre sexologue pourra identifier avec vous les causes de votre douleur et comment cela affecte votre relation de couple. C’est important de saisir qu’aucune technique enlèvera de façon instantanée la douleur que vous ressentez. Par contre, votre sexologue travaillera avec vous à développer des outils de gestion de la douleur, qui se décline en 3 axes: apprendre à contrôler la douleur, accepter que la douleur fait partie de votre vie et aborder les réactions émotionnelles des partenaires face à la douleur.

Elle utilise diverses approches qui reconnaissent que vous êtes l’expert de votre réalité et que vous avez dans votre for intérieur toutes les ressources pour atteindre votre mieux-être. De ce fait, la sexologue se propose pour vous guider à travers ce parcours, à l’aide de ses connaissances, son savoir-être et ses compétences, tout en proposant des exercices pratiques à réaliser, dans le cadre des rencontres, ainsi qu’entre celles-ci.

​Combiner les consultations en relation d’aide avec des traitements du plancher-pelvien contribuent à avoir en main tous les outils nécessaires pour une meilleure compréhension de votre douleur et améliorer votre situation. 

Treatment Options

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