Vulvovaginitis

Vaginal itching, burning, vaginal pain, soreness in the vaginal area, cutting, ripping, swelling of the vagina, lumps in and around vagina, ulcers in vagina and vaginal discharge - all these best describe vulvular discomfort. Teen girls or menopausal women - vulvovaginitis, irritating vaginal itch, troublesome vaginal burning causes emotional trauma to women of all ages. Women are more prone to urethral or vaginal infections at one point or another in their lives. So, feminine hygiene is a very important aspect of a woman's life. If compromised, it can lead to serious consequences.

A change in normal vaginal discharge could be due to one or a combination of these conditions.

• Inflammation or infection of the vagina, vulvovaginitis.
  
• Infections of the vagina, such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes.
  
• Infection of the cervix (cervicitis)
  
• An object in the vagina (like a forgotten tampon)
  
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can be a major cause of vaginal irritation.
  
• Using certain antibiotics or douching.
  
• Stress, illness and hormone changes can make the vagina more vulnerable to irritation.

Vulvitis

Vulvitis or vulvovaginitis is a condition where the vulval opening becomes inflamed. It can occur due to poor hygiene, UTI, allergy or vaginitis and mycotic infections. Symptoms of vulvitis include burning, itching, redness and swelling in the vulva and vaginal opening. Acute vulvitis is characterized by edema of the vulva and pruritis. There is acute pain and burning. On the other hand, chronic vulvitis has lesser symptoms. It can be causes by allergies, fungal or bacterial infection, low estrogen levels or genital warts. Cold compress can give relief from acute vulvitis. Cortisone ointments can reduce the itching. Avoid tight clothes and materials like nylon and polyester. Oral antihistamines can give relief. Corticosteroids are prescribed for inflammation and pruritus.

Vulvar vestibulitis is another similar condition that is characterized by urinary frequency, Dyspareunia and rawness and burning. Women suffer vestibular redness and itching. Severe pain is felt during exercising and intercourse. On the other hand, vaginismus is painful sexual intercourse. This mostly happens due to inadequate sexual arousal. Usually women suffering vaginismus are offered sexual therapy and suggested Kegels exercises.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The cause for pelvic pain is often difficult to diagnose. Tissues around the pelvic organs might suffer increased or reduced sensitivity or irritation leading to pain in the area. Pelvic floor disorders can manifest as urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence. Typical pelvic disorders include interstitial cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or digestive disorders such as diverticulitis and colitis. Cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic congestion and Vulvovaginitis> are other pelvic conditions that lead to pelvic pain. Infections, pregnancy and childbirth, incorrect posture, trauma or surgery can lead to pain in the pelvic area.

Symptoms in Women

• Frequent urination with incomplete sensation
  
• Pelvic pain
  
• The feeling of incomplete bowel movement
  
• Vaginal or rectal prolapse (sagging of the vagina or rectum)
  
• Rectocele (protrusion of the rectum into the vagina)
  
• Cystocele ( herniation of the bladder into the vagina)
  
• Enterocele (a herniation of the intestine into the vagina)
  
• Sigmoidocele (a herniation of the sigmoid colon into the vagina)

Symptoms in Men:

• Urgency and frequency in urination
  
• Pain in testes and pain on ejaculation
  
• Reduced urinary flow
  
• Levator Ani Syndrome (pressure and pain in the sacrum)
  
• Constipation or strain during bowel movement

For constipation, low dose muscle relaxants are prescribed. Lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity are recommended. Rectal prolapse and rectocele may be treated through surgery. Cold laser involving a process wherein low-intensity laser light is applied to the tissue easing the pain and inflammation.