What is Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome?

Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome is a painful sexual intercourse condition. It is an inflammatory disease that usually occurs around the hymen and the cause is not known exactly. In the case of sexual intercourse, there is a real pain that is often described as ‘like being cut with a knife’ or ‘like salt on an open wound’.

What are the Symptoms of Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome?

‘Vulvodynia’ is a description of widespread pain in the external genitalia (vulva). Vulvar vestibulitis is a more internal and localized pain condition. There is a real burning and stinging pain that occurs in the area around the hymen, called the vestibulum, where the external genitalia and the internal genitalia meet. Usually, the problem occurs during sexual intercourse, but in advanced patients, there may be difficulty in daily life, pain due to friction in clothing or even discomfort when doing personal hygiene.

Patients often do not receive the correct diagnosis until after the symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis appear. This condition, the cause of which is unknown, usually develops due to chronic vaginitis, fungal and chronic irritation and HPV infections.

How is Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome Diagnosed?

The definitive diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is often unclear despite multiple medical examinations. However, VVS can be diagnosed without further examination by a gynecologist experienced in sexual dysfunction.

On gynecologic examination, redness and mild edema (swelling) are observed especially in the vestibulum region. There is a lot of pain and soreness when touching the vestibulum by hand or with a cotton-tipped swab.

Vulvar Vestibulitis Treatment Istanbul

The most important step in the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis is choosing the right center. Permanent recovery is ensured with treatment to be planned specifically for the patient. Patient satisfaction reaches the highest level with supportive treatments after surgical treatment.

What are the Complaints of Vulvar Vestibulitis?

General complaints of patients with Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS);

Vaginismus symptoms (inability to have sexual intercourse)

Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

Pain due to friction in tight clothing (pants, tight, jeans)

Pain, soreness, sometimes bleeding and contraction, even when only touched

Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome Treatment

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is a treatable disease. Often couples who have not been able to find a solution for years come to the stage of separation. However, with the right approach, permanent treatment is possible.

Correct diagnosis is the most important step before treatment of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. The presence of an existing infection should then be investigated and treated if present. Often contractions are also present simultaneously with VVS. Vaginismus treatment should also be planned for these patients.

Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Treatment Options;

• Surgery (vestibulectomy)
• Regenerative filling applications
• Genital PRP
• Vaginal laser
• Electromagnetic chair (Magic chair)
• Sexual therapy

Surgical Treatment of Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome

The most successful treatment of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is surgical removal of the painful area. In the medical literature, this operation is called “vestibulectomy”.

It is a minor surgical procedure that takes about 20 minutes, usually under local anesthesia. It is a daily application and it is possible to return to normal life on the same day. After 1 month, sexual intercourse will be easily provided with pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Regenerative Treatments in Vulvar Vestibular Syndrome

Some patients may prefer non-surgical methods as a first option. In cases of mild vestibulitis or mild vestibulitis, tissue regenerative treatments are recommended by physicians. These treatments include energy-based laser treatments and genital PRP and genital hyaluronic acid fillers. These treatments provide relief in mild vestibulitis.

Electromagnetic Chair (Magic Chair) in Vvs Treatment

After VVS treatment, extra treatments are needed for contractions in the pelvic floor muscles, which undoubtedly persist even after the pain subsides. In this regard, contractions are easily controlled with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation with the electromagnetic chair, also known as ‘Magic chair’, which is a first in Turkey. Just 20 minutes of sitting in a magic chair provides muscle relaxation. It is a very effective method especially in the treatment of postoperative contraction.

Psychological Approach in Vvs Treatment

Women’s lives improve dramatically after VVS treatment. However, it is recommended that women who struggle with pain in the previous period, negative sexual intercourse experiences, withdrawal from sexuality and partner problems should seek psychological support.