About Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vulvar Vestibulitis 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 fully known. In case of sexual intercourse, a real pain occurs, which is usually described as ‘like being cut with a knife’ or ‘like salt being applied to an open wound’.
What are the symptoms of Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome?
‘Vulvodynia’ is a definition describing widespread pain in the external genital area (vulva). Vulvar vestibulitis, on the other hand, is a more internal and regional pain condition. A real burning and stinging pain occurs in the area around the hymen, called the vestibulum, where the external genitalia and internal genitalia intersect. Problems usually occur during sexual intercourse, but patients in advanced stages may experience difficulty in daily life, pain due to friction with clothes, or discomfort even while doing personal cleaning.
Patients often cannot receive the correct diagnosis after symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis appear. This condition, the cause of which is unknown, generally develops due to chronic vaginitis, fungal and chronic irritation and HPV infections.
How is Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Diagnosed?
The definitive diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome cannot usually be made clearly despite numerous physician examinations. However, VVS is diagnosed with an examination performed by a gynecologist experienced in sexual dysfunction, without the need for any other examination.
During gynecological examination, signs of redness and mild edema (swelling) are observed, especially in the vestibulum area. When the vestibulum is touched with a hand or a cotton-tipped swab, there is a lot of pain and soreness.
Vulvar Vestibulitis Treatment Istanbul
The most important step in the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis is choosing the right center. Permanent recovery is achieved with treatment 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);
Symptoms of vaginismus (inability to have sexual intercourse)
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Pain due to friction in tight clothing (trousers, tights, jeans)
Pain, pain, sometimes bleeding and contraction even when just touched
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Treatment
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is a disease with treatment. Most of the time, couples who cannot find a solution for years come to the stage of separation. However, permanent treatment is possible with the right approach.
Making a correct diagnosis before treating vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is the most important step. Then, the presence of an existing infection should be investigated and treated if present. Often there are contractions simultaneous with VVS. Vaginismus treatment should also be planned in these patients.
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Treatment Options;
- Surgery (vestibulectomy)
- Regenerative filling applications
- Genital PRP
- Vaginal laser
- Electromagnetic chair (Magic chair)
- Sexual therapy
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome Surgeon Treatment
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 usually takes about 20 minutes 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 achieved with the pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Regenerative Treatments in Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome
Some patients may prefer non-surgical methods as the first option. Or, in cases of mild vestibulitis, tissue regenerative treatments are recommended by physicians. These treatments are energy-based laser treatments and additionally applied genital PRP and genital hyaluronic acid filler applications. These treatments provide relief in mild vestibulitis.
Electromagnetic Chair (Magic Chair) in VVS Treatment
After VVS treatment, extra treatments are undoubtedly needed for the contractions in the pelvic floor muscles that continue even when the pain subsides. Contractions are easily taken under control with the electromagnetic chair, also known as ‘Magic chair’, which is a first in Turkey in this regard, and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation. Muscle relaxation is achieved by sitting in the magic chair for just 20 minutes. 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 previous pain, negative sexual intercourse experiences, alienation from sexuality, and partner problems receive psychological support.