Vulval & Vaginal Pain
Ongoing vulvovaginal pain can have a profound effect on one’s quality of life and relationships.
If you experience symptoms such as ongoing unexplained rawness, pain, burning or discomfort around the vulva or vagina, talk to the team at Sexual Health North in Joondalup to find out how we can help.
Vulvodynia | Sexual Health Clinic Perth
Vulvo-vaginal pain syndromes (also known as vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia is an ongoing, unexplained pain, burning or discomfort of the vulva or vagina. It can affect a specific part of the vulva or across the whole vulva. It is a problem that can last for months or years.
There are many different causes of vulvar pain but a condition called vulvodynia is usually diagnosed when other vulval conditions that can cause vulval pain have been excluded or when symptoms persist despite adequate treatment of identifiable vulval conditions.
It can affect women of all ages who are otherwise healthy. Vulval and vaginal pain can be distressing to live with but much can be done to relieve the pain.
Vulval Pain | Sexual Health Clinic Perth
What are the symptoms of vulvodynia?
If you experience any of these symptoms, there is help and it is not “all in your head”! It is recommended you seek help from a sexual health specialist.
The symptoms may include:
- pain when having sex
- pain triggered when inserting tampons, or touch such as during sex
- spontaneous pain without any identifiable triggers
- burning, stinging or soreness of the vulva or opening of the vagina usually hours after triggers such as after touch, pressure or sexual activity
- pain exacerbated by activities such as sitting, riding a bike, wearing tight clothing
Women who experience vulvodynia can also have problems such as interstitial cystitis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Vulvodynia | Sexual Health Clinic Perth
Impact of vulval pain
Having worked with many patients in a sexual health care environment, we know that having vulvodynia can affect much more than just your body. Any type of genital disorder can take its toll on your life, beyond the physical symptoms.
This is why at Sexual Health North, we aim to integrate testing and diagnosis with counselling and treatment. When vulval pain or vulvodynia becomes chronic, it can be detrimental to your emotional wellbeing and your sexual relationships. This is why our mission is to prevent conditions from becoming chronic.
Vulvodynia | Sexual Health Clinic Perth
Diagnosis & management
The diagnosis and management of vaginal or vulval pain can be challenging. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to treatment but the good news is that most women do improve with treatment. Hence it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider who is highly experienced in the management of sexual health matters.
Vulvodynia is unlikely to get better on its own. Your specialist doctor at Sexual Health North will ask questions about your symptoms and perform an examination. This is important to rule out any other causes of vulvovaginal pain and also because some treatment types are only available on prescription.
The management and treatment of vulvodynia may involve other health professionals such as women’s health physiotherapists. Occasionally, and depending on the impact the condition has on your life, we may also recommend a qualified psychologist to support your recovery.
Specialist Doctors | Sexual Health Clinic Perth
Sexual health clinic Joondalup
Sexual Health North in Joondalup is a unique and specialised sexual health clinic with experienced and highly qualified specialist doctors. Because our total focus is sexual health, we have been able to expand our expertise and diagnostic skills over the years.
We also offer a unique combination of diagnosing, counselling, testing and treatment services. You will find that Sexual Health North is faithful to its mission: to offer a high-quality service in a non-judgemental, compassionate and LGBTIQ-friendly environment.
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3/5 Regent's Park Road,
Joondalup 6027
Opening hours
Monday : 8.30 am - 1.00 pm
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday : 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
Thursday : Closed
Friday : 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
Saturday : 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Sunday : Closed