by Diane K. Newman, DNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD
Vulvodynia pain relief may be possible with good self-care practices. Many people with chronic pelvic pain or vulvodynia find that some of the practices listed below can dramatically improve symptoms.
See also Patient Tip Sheets:
- Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain And Vulvodynia
- Oxalate Diet for Pelvic Pain and Vulvodynia
- Self Care Practices For Pelvic Pain And Vulvodynia
Practices that may be helpful for chronic pelvic pain or vulvodynia
- Rinse underclothes carefully after washing
- Rinse perineal and vulvar area after voiding using a squirt bottle, bidet or shower spray
- Wash new underclothes before wearing, rinsing without fabric softener
- Wear only white, 100% cotton underwear
- Use soft toilet tissue - white preferred
- Use non-deodorized tampons for menstrual flow
- Use corn starch powder after bathing, before dressing and at bed time
Practices to avoid when you have chronic pelvic pain or vulvodynia
- Minimize perineal scratching
- Use of perfumed soaps and powder
- Wearing of nylon (e.g. pantyhose) or rayon
- Use of perineal pads (Kotex, Modess, etc.)
- Sitting in wet clothing for any period of time (i.e., wet bathing suit)
- Use of lanolin, bubble bath, bath oils, feminine hygiene sprays, etc.
- Routine vaginal douching
- Swimming in heavy chlorinated pools or hot tubs
References
Baker, PK. (1993) Musculoskeletal Origins of Chronic Pelvic Pain. Contemporary Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain, 20(4) December:719-742.05-227.
Duleba, A.J., Keltz, M.D., Olive, D.L. (1996) Evaluation and Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain. Journal American Association Gynecologic Laparoscopists, February 1996, 3 (2), 205-227.
Glazer,H.I.,Rodke,G.,Swencionis,C., Hertz,R.,Young,A.W.(2000) "Treatment of Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome with Electromyographic Biofeedback of Pelvic Floor Musculature". Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 40(4),11 pp.
Metts, J.F. (1999) Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician, 59(6),1547-1556.
Newman, DK. (2000) "Pelvic Disorders in Women: Chronic Pelvic Pain and Vulvodynia". OstomyWound Management: December 46(12): 48-54.
Paavonen, J. (1995) "Vulvodynia - a complex syndrome of vulvar pain". Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 74,243-247.
Steege,J.F. (1997) Office Assessment of Chronic Pelvic Pain. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol.40(3),554-563.
Steege,J.F.,Metzger,D.A.,Levy, B.S. (1998) Chronic Pelvic Pain: An Integrated Approach. W.B.Saunders,Philadelphia, PA.
Yount,J.J., Solomons, C.C.,Willems, J.J., St. Amand, R.P. (1997) "Effective Nonsurgical Treatments for Vulvar Pain". Women's Health Digest, 3(2),88-93.
Posted October 2007
Updated August 2009
