V is for Vulva

Vulval Care

It is really important to take good care of your delicate vulval tissues throughout your life. Here are some of our top tips to optimise your vulval health:

• Avoid soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, body scrubs, deodorants, wet wipes, baby wipes, douches and feminine wipes in the vulval area.

• Use a soap substitute such as Dermol, or hydramol. There are products available to add to bath water or wash in the shower 

• Wash only once a day, over cleaning aggravates symptoms. 

• Dab your vulva dry with a soft towel, don’t rub. 

• Avoid wearing panty liners or sanitary pads on a regular basis, especially not perfumed ones. 

• Try to avoid wearing underwear overnight

• Antihistamines can be helpful for vulval itch. Choose a drowsy one for overnight to help you sleep.

• Aim to moisturise your vulval skin 4-5 times a day as this will protect the skin and prevent flare ups, even if you do not have symptoms .Find one that suits you; Suitable emollients are Balneum cream, Hydramol, Epaderm, YES moisturiser & Vagisil. #Vacial

Vulvodynia

Vulva = the female genitalia that are visible

Dynia = pain

Vulvodynia = pain in the vulva

This is a common and complex pain syndrome that affects up to 15% of women.

It can be localised to one specific spot or multiple areas, and is often described as a “burning”pain that has been provoked by something specific, or happens spontaneously.

Triggers can include infection, hormones, emotions, trauma, neurological, muscular, or a combination of these.

Speaking to a healthcare professional such as your GP or Pelvic Health Physiotherapist is the first step in tackling this often debilitating issue.

Treatment for Vulvodynia may involve pelvic health physiotherapy, psychology, and pharmacology.

Vaginal Oestrogen

Oestrogen is one of the primary female sex hormones. It is necessary during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy.

It is normal for oestrogen levels to rise and fall based on our bodies needs:

Rises – ovulation, pregnancy

Falls -menstruation, postpartum, breastfeeding, menopause

How will reduced oestrogen affect my vulva/pelvic floor?

• vaginal dryness, itching or discomfort
• reduced libido
• bladder leakage, urgency or frequency
• dyspareunia (painful sex)
• vaginal atrophy (thinning of the tissue)

Reduced oestrogen can also affect your mental health, as oestrogen plays a big role in regulating mood.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, then please speak with your GP or Pelvic Health Physiotherapist about potentially starting vaginal oestrogen.