Are you experiencing genital burning and rawness and have not been able to get the relief you need? If you have been to several specialists for treatment, but nothing seems to work, it may be time to contact the vaginal care experts at Fowler GYN International for help.
What Causes Genital Burning and Rawness?
Genital burning and rawness are two of the most common symptoms of vulvodynia. Other symptoms include irritation, stinging, abnormal discharge, and pain with intercourse.
Vulvodynia is a chronic syndrome characterized by burning pain at the opening of the vagina). The pain has no identifiable cause and lasts for more than three months.
Understanding Vulvodynia
Before treating vulvodynia, it is critical to understand the underlying etiology. Dr. R. Stuart Fowler, the founding physician of FGI, conducted years of clinical observation and research to better understand vulvodynia.
As a result of his research, Dr. Fowler identified an altered vaginal microflora pattern as the underlying etiology of vulvodynia. He also put forward a new classification system for vaginitis. This system increased the known types of altered vaginal microflora patterns.
An altered vaginal microflora is the result of a disruption in the vaginal bacteria, which leads to a reduced number of lactobacilli (good bacteria). This imbalance allows the bad bacteria to grow and multiply and changes the attributes of the vaginal secretions.
The vaginal secretions that flow down from the altered microflora bathe the tissues around the vaginal openings and irritate the skin. This causes genital burning, rawness, and other symptoms.
How To Treat Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is treated by restoring balance to the vaginal microflora. Once this is done, the vaginal secretions will once again be neutral, and the symptoms will resolve. ExternalIrritant Vulvodynia is treated by avoiding exposure to irritants in common hygienic products. It is treated by using Hypocontactant Products. Often use of both approaches is necessary because once the vestibule is sensitized, exposure to any irritant whether a vaginal or external source will provoke further pain.
It is possible to detect an altered vaginal microflora pattern with the help of a Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test. Dr. Fowler developed the VFA test to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the vaginal constituents. The results of the VFA test will determine the medications needed to restore balance to the vaginal microflora.
The medications are a part of the customized treatment protocol devised by FGI known as vaginal rejuvenate therapy and hypocontactant skincare products.
The treatment protocol can take anywhere from 8-12 months to achieve the ideal response.