Sexual intercourse should be a pleasurable experience, but pain during sex is a reality for many women. Fortunately, the problem can be remedied with the appropriate treatment, so you don’t have to live with it.
What Causes Pain During Sex?
Pain during sex can be caused by a condition known as vulvodynia. Vulvodynia refers to chronic pain around the vulva (opening of the vagina) that lasts for more than three months and has no identifiable cause.
The pain associated with vulvodynia may be generalized or provoked, i. e. occur in response to touch or pressure. That’s why penetration with intercourse, wearing tight clothing, or inserting a tampon may trigger vulvodynia pain.
The underlying etiology of vulvodynia is an altered vaginal microflora and/or external irritants. When there is a shift in the bacterial milieu in the vagina, it changes the attributes of the vaginal secretions. Because of this, the normally neutral secretions irritate the vestibular tissue, resulting in symptoms such as burning pain, stinging, itching, odor, and rawness.
What Should I Do to Treat Pain During Sex?
Pain during sex caused by vulvodynia can be treated by fixing the irregularities in the vaginal microflora and avoiding external irritants.. At Fowler GYN International (FGI) this is achieved with a combination of vaginal rejuvenate therapy and use of Hypocontatant hygienic products.
Vaginal rejuvenate therapy is a treatment protocol that is customized to meet the specific needs of each patient. The medications prescribed are determined by the results of the VFA test and provide the nutrients needed to move the vaginal microflora towards normal. The treatment protocol is monitored and adjusted as needed.
Vaginal rejuvenate therapy also includes using hypocontactant skincare products designed for women with sensitive external genital tissues. These products do not contain any potential irritants such as dyes, chemicals, and fragrances.
FGI administers a Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test to determine if the vaginal microflora is in a normal or altered state. The VFA test was developed by FGI founder, board-certified gynecologist Dr. R. Stuart Fowler. The VFA test evaluates the concentration levels of the vaginal constituents.
When Will You See Results?
It typically takes 8-12 months for the microflora to normalize. However, patients must adhere to the treatment protocol to achieve the ideal response.