Vulvodynia is a common disorder found in the vulva.The genital organ of a female are collectively called vulva. Due to this disorder there is vulvar pain, discomfort and burning that interferes with your health. In some cases Vulvodynia may be caused due to trauma while the common cause for this disorder is due to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections

The pain may be localized or generalized in vulvar region. Localized vulvodynia in vestibular region is also called as vulvar vestibulitis. Vestibular region may become red. Vulvar pain may extend into clitoris. This is referred as Clitorodynia. The pain may remain constant or provoked if there is a contact with an external object.

Some other possible causes of vulvodynia include sensitivity or allergy to organisms or chemicals found in environment. Vulvodynia may also be caused due to autoimmune disorder, spasm or chronic tension of muscles of vulvar area. Neuropathy may also lead to vulvodynia. Infection or injury to the vulvar area may give rise to this problem. In some cases vulvodynia occurs post genital surgery. This disorder is also found in patients who are suffering from interstitial cystitis.

Diagnosis of this order is based on typical complaints of various patients. Cotton swab test is frequently used to delineate area of pain and to categorize their severity touch. As the cotton ball touches the area of pain, it gives extreme pain to the patients. Many patients suffering from this disorder do consult several gynecologists for their advice before any final conclusion on the diagnosis is made.

Treatment is primarily based on empirical experience. Patients who are suffering from this disorder should always wear cotton underwear and avoid synthetics. You should also avoid vulvar irritants such as perfumes, shampoos and detergents. Soaps should not be used for cleaning the infected area. Use cotton menstrual pads. Oral and injectable medication such as estrogens, anesthetics alone can be taken. Surgery is another option available to treat this disorder where vaginal extension is performed. This process involves pulling forward the vaginal tissue and removing the skin.

A cyst is nothing but a pus filled inflamed lesion. It goes into the skin and can cause a lot of pain. Bartholin’s glands are very small, round, nonpalable and located in posterolateral vaginal orifice. Obstruction of Bartholin duct causes these glands to enlarge due to mucus resulting in vulvar cysts. Causes of obstruction are still unknown.

A vulvar cyst can be treated with a cone biopsy or cryotherapy. These cysts are uncommon. They usually occur in women and are often painless. Symptoms of vulvar cysts include pain while walking, vulvar irritation, dyspareunia and vulvar asymmetry. Some forms of vulvar cysts are usually red and painful and may form abscesses. With the help of physical examination the doctors can come to know whether one is suffering from vulvar cysts. Large vulvar cysts require drainage with excision. Abscesses require antibiotics. Bartholin’s gland cysts is the most common form of vulvar cysts.

Most vulgar cysts are asymptomatic but can be interfering, irritating with walking and intercourse. These cysts are unilateral, palpable and nontender near vaginal orifice. Cysts distend the distressed labia majora which causes vulvar asymmetry.
Abscesses tend to give severe vulvar pain and at times high fever. Abscesses are typically erthematous. Vulver cancer which are developed from Bartholin’s glands sometime resemble these cysts

Women who are suffering from asymptomatic cysts and are less than 40 years old do not need any treatment. However, Symptomatic vulvar cysts may need surgery.  Surgery produces permanent opening from duct part to the exterior. Surgery is regarded as a permanent solution to the problem of vulvar cysts.

There are many causes of vulvar cysts. Firstly an obstruction to the normal flow of fluid may lead to vulvar cysts.Secondly, chronic inflammatory conditions and vaginal infections are also responsible for causing this disorder. Imperfections in developing organs and genetically inherited conditions may also be the factors that cause vulvar cysts.

Vaginitis is a very common problem seen in women, where in there is an inflammation of vaginal mucosa and is associated with an infection or irritation of vulva leading to vulvovaginitis. Vaginitis can be asymptomatic but often leads to irritation and vaginal itching. A person suffering from Vaginitis should seek medical help immediately. If an infectious organism is responsible for causing Vaginitis then the infection spreads throughout the uterus into the ovaries and fallopian tubes and may also lead to infertility. An infection through human papillomavirus increases the risk of cervical carcinoma.
If neglected further complications such as superficial skin infection, candida infection and persistent discomfort may follow.

Diagnosis for this disorder is made by measuring the PH value in the urine content. PH value increases due to vaginal infection.

Symptoms of Vaginitis include itching or irritation of genital area, inflammation of perineal area or labia majora. Swelling, redness and irritation is caused due to the occurrence of extra immune cells. Vaginal discharge, burning or discomfort when urinating, foul vbaginal odors, pain with sexual intercourse are some of the other symptoms of Vaginitis.

There are various forms of Vaginitis. Infectious Vaginitis generally occurs during reproductive age of women. Hormonal Vaginitis is generally found in postmenopausal women. Sometimes it occurs in girls before puberty. Allergies to lubricants, douches, perfumes, soaps, spermicides and condoms may lead to irritant Vaginitis. It may also be caused due to abrasion, tampons, tissue, hot tubes or topical medications.

Treatment to vagintis depends on the cause of infection. It may include topical or oral antibiotics or antibacterial creams, antifungal creams or similar medications. A cream that contains cortisone is very useful to get relief from the irritation which becomes unbearable. In case of allergic reactions the doctor may prescribe an antihistamine. If inflammation and irritation is caused due to decreased levels of estrogen then the doctor may prescribe an estrogen cream.

Every woman experiences few traces of vaginal discharge produced by the glands in cervix and vagina. This discharge keeps the vaginal area lubricated, clean and infection free. The amount and consistency of the discharge differs according the stages of menstrual cycle. If the vaginal fluid appears clear or milky, if it is thin and stringy and without any foul odor, then it can be considered as a normal discharge. If the vaginal discharge suddenly varies in odor, quantity, color or consistency, it is supposed to be an abnormal discharge and it is time for you to visit the doctor.

Here are some signs which indicate the abnormal vaginal discharge:
• Constant or increased amount of the discharge, especially in clots
• Itching or rash in and around the vagina
• Blood discharged any time except menstruation period.
• Inflammation in vagina during urination
• Change in the consistency of vaginal discharge such as cottage cheese like consistency
• Bad odor along with yellow, grey or green discharge

There are many things that may lead to disturb the balance of healthy vagina. Some of the common causes for abnormal vaginal discharge are douching, certain soaps or bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes and some infections like yeast and bacterial infection and Trichomoniasis. The sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and Chlamydia can also cause the vaginal discharge. The conditions like emotional stress, sexual excitement and ovulation can lead to increase in the amount of discharge.

An alteration in the color, odor and consistency of the vaginal discharge is referred as vaginitis. It should be treated as early as possible to avoid further complications. There are some treatment measures to cure the vaginal discharge. Always keep your genital area dry and clean. Avoid douching, use of tight pants, swimming suites and use of deodorant tampons or pads, perfumed toilet paper, feminine hygiene spray and avoid the bubble bath. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid the bacterial infection from the rectal area. The yeast or bacterial infections and Trichomoniasis can be treated by antibiotics and oral medicines.