self-care practices for chronic pelvic pain

by Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN

Many people with chronic pelvic pain or vulvodynia find that good self-care practices 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

1. Rinse underclothes carefully after washing
2. Rinse perineal and vulvar area after voiding using a squirt bottle, bidet or shower spray
3. Wash new underclothes before wearing, rinsing without fabric softener
4. Wear only white, 100% cotton underwear
5. Use soft toilet tissue - white preferred
6. Use non-deodorized tampons for menstrual flow
7. Use corn starch powder after bathing, before dressing and at bed time

1. Minimize perineal scratching
2. Use of perfumed soaps and powder
3. Wearing of nylon (e.g. pantyhose) or rayon
4. Use of perineal pads (Kotex, Modess, etc.)
5. Sitting in wet clothing for any period of time (i.e., wet bathing suit)
6. Use of lanolin, bubble bath, bath oils, feminine hygiene sprays, etc.
7. Routine vaginal douching
8. Swimming in heavy chlorinated pools or hot tubs

 See Also: Vulvar/vaginal Disease, Women's Sexuality

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

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