What is "vulvar health"?

Vulvar health is a term that covers the many health issues of a woman's - or young girl's vulva. This includes vulva care, gynecology, feminine hygiene, vaginal health/hygiene, menstruation, and the changes in women's vulvas from menarche to menopause. Husbands and fathers - as well as women and mothers need to learn more about vulva health, to provide the care and support the special women in their lives may need.

Vulva health is an area that is related to the health and care of the vulva. Many men and women are afraid to use the term "vulva" due to its' technical, and medical sound, and most simply prefer to call the vulva a "vagina." Yet that would be incorrect. The vagina is just one part of the vulva. Nobody, with the exception of a gynecologist, mother and husband, can see a woman's vagina, and only he/she can see a woman's vagina by looking into the vagina, using a special instrument called a speculum. When mothers and fathers are bathing, or toilet training their daughters, they should explain that the vulva, which is on the outside, has several parts, and that her vagina, is on the inside.

What is/are Vulvar Diseases? chronic vulva discomfort,

LESIONS AND DISEASES
HSV Women with HSV reports flu like symptoms, pain, itching, UTI symptoms, vaginal discharge, sores on labia, anus, perineum, buttocks, thighs, 70% will have lesion in vagina

Syphilis
Women with syphilis report painless sores in vulvovaginal area. Primary - red, round, firm ulcer with granular base with well-formed edges. Secondary- moist, mucus lesions which resemble herpes.

Candidiasis
Women with candidiasis report burning, itching, discharge.

Contact Dermatitis
Women with itching, rash, and increased incidence when wearing tight pants. The vulva skin is red, inflamed, if severe.

Vulvar Pain Syndrome - Various levels of burning, stinging, pain, dryness, irritation, rawness. repeated yeast infections. Significant/severe pain with touch, occurs in women of all ages. It can occur in women who are sexually active and also in women who have never been sexually active. Many women with this problem have suffered physically and emotionally for months.

What are the signs and symptoms of Vulvar Vestibulitis?
* Severe pain with pressure (for example: biking, exercise, tight fitting clothes ).
* Vaginal entry such as tampon use or intercourse.
* Burning, stinging, irritation, or raw sensation within the vestibular area.
* The urge to urinate frequently or suddenly.

How is vulvar vestibulitis diagnosed (identified)?
Your gynecologist will examine the vulva and vestibule to identify the common skin changes seen with vulvar vestibulitis. Pain is usually felt if the vestibule area is touched with a cotton tipped applicator. A sample of your vaginal discharge is collected and tested to rule out infection.

What causes vulvar vestibulitis?
The following factors have been associated with vulvar vestibulitis:
* HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
* Chronic Yeast Infections
* Chronic bacterial infections
* Chronic changes of pH (acid-base balance in the vagina)
* Chronic use of chemicals/irritants such as detergents, soaps, spermicides or lubricants.

Caution: Use cream / medicine only as prescribed by your doctor. Overuse may result in thinning of the skin which will make your problem worse rather than helping it.

By Adolescence Educator