Remember that iconic scene in Sex and The City where Charlotte was diagnosed with a depressed vagina? We certainly do... Did you know that the correct scientific terminology for 'a depressed vagina', as Charlotte describes in the scene, is vulvodynia; a persistent, unexplained pain around the vulva that can affect about one in ten women. We spoke to a health expert who knows all about the problem and how it can affect women physically and mentally, and we have some tips on how it can possibly be prevented.
Recognize Vulvodynia
Everything may look below normal, but women may experience a persistent unexplained pain that can feel painful like a burning, stabbing or throbbing pain. This is medically described as vulvodynia, which can affect women of all ages and can be very distressing, affecting their mood and relationships, with some women unfortunately being embarrassed to talk about it. Women should see their doctor if they notice a change to rule out other causes, such as thrush, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases before attributing the discomfort to vulvodynia. It is also important to note that vulvodynia does not usually cause a rash or vaginal discharge, so if you notice any change from normal, you should see a doctor.
Cause of vulvodynia
Because the cause of vulvodynia is still unknown, medical experts believe it is because pain receptors around the intimate skin are too sensitive to touch, which could be caused by childbirth or even pinched nerves. Since there are no definitive treatments for vulvodynia, it is very important to ensure that the symptoms are not the result of an infection, which is easily treated, often involving a prescription of some type of antidepressant in some cases, highlighted in The Sex and the City clip when Charlotte visits her doctor. The scene with Charlotte and her doctor within Sex and The City should be taken lightly as it is "a myth that your vagina is depressed, but instead these particular antidepressants are good for treating "neuropathic pain" caused by hypersensitivity of nerve endings.
If Charlotte's Vagina Diary isn't the right solution for you, here are some other tips for dealing with vulvodynia.
• Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing that can irritate the skin
• Do not wear underwear at night
• Apply calming cool packs to the area to soothe discomfort
• Focus on reducing general stress in life as it can affect the experience of vulvodynia
• Don't avoid sex altogether, but instead tell your partner your concerns to make it comfortable for you. Some women may also benefit from applying a topical anesthetic gel to the vulval area about 20 minutes before having sex
• Pelvic floor exercises can help relax the muscles around the vagina and reduce tension and pain in the area
