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The vulva is the external part of a woman's genitals. Some problems you can have with the vulvar area include

  • Vaginitis or vulvovaginitis, swelling or infection of the vulva and vagina
  • Skin problems due to allergy
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Vulvodynia, or vulvar pain

Symptoms may include redness, itching, pain, or cracks in the skin. Treatment depends on the cause.

Symptoms of Vulvar Disorders

The following features are indicative of Vulvar Disorders:
  • bleeding that isn't from menstruation
  • wart-like bumps
  • change in color, odor or amount of discharge from vagina
  • vaginal itching
  • vaginal irritation
  • pain during intercourse
  • painful urination
  • light vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • foul-smelling discharge
  • frothy discharge
  • thick discharge
It is possible that Vulvar Disorders shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Vulvar Disorders

The following are the most common causes of Vulvar Disorders:
  • genetic mutation
  • bacterial vaginosis
  • yeast infections
  • trichomoniasis
  • use of vaginal sprays
  • regular douching
  • use of perfumed soaps

Other Causes of Vulvar Disorders

The following are the less common causes of Vulvar Disorders:
  • use of scented detergents
  • use of spermicidal products for birth control
  • genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Risk Factors for Vulvar Disorders

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Vulvar Disorders:
  • increasing age
  • exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • smoking
  • infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • having a history of precancerous conditions of the vulva
  • lichen sclerosus
  • hormonal changes
  • sexual activity
  • sexually transmitted infection
  • antibiotics use
  • steroids use
  • use of spermicides for birth control
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • use of hygiene products
  • use of douching
  • waring damp or tight fitting clothing
  • using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control

Prevention of Vulvar Disorders

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Vulvar Disorders. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • limiting the number of sexual partners
  • use a condom every time you have sex
  • get the HPV vaccine
  • avoid baths, hot tubs and whirlpool spas
  • avoiding irritants
  • wipe from front to back after using the toilet
  • don't douche
  • use a latex condom
  • wear cotton underwear

Occurrence of Vulvar Disorders

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Vulvar Disorders cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Vulvar Disorders most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 15-60 years

Common Gender

Vulvar Disorders most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Vulvar Disorders

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Vulvar Disorders:
  • Examining vulva: To look for abnormalities in vulva
  • Biopsy: To determine whether an area of suspicious skin on your vulva is cancer or not
  • Imaging tests: Images of chest or abdomen taken to see whether the cancer has spread to those areas
  • Pelvic exam: To look inside vagina for inflammation and abnormal discharge
  • Lab tests: To confirm the type of vaginitis
  • pH testing: To indicate bacteria vaginosis or trichomoniasis

Doctor for Diagnosis of Vulvar Disorders

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Vulvar Disorders:
  • Dermatologist
  • Oncologist
  • Gynecologist

Complications of Vulvar Disorders if untreated

Yes, Vulvar Disorders causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Vulvar Disorders is left untreated:
  • sexual dysfunction
  • sexually transmitted infections
  • premature deliveries
  • low birth weight babies

Procedures for Treatment of Vulvar Disorders

The following procedures are used to treat Vulvar Disorders:
  • Surgery: Removes the cancer
  • Partial vulvectomy: Removes a portion of the vulva
  • Radical vulvectomy: Removal of the entire vulva
  • Reconstructive surgery: Removes some skin from your vulva
  • Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells

Medicines for Vulvar Disorders

Below is the list of medicines used for Vulvar Disorders:

Self-care for Vulvar Disorders

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Vulvar Disorders:
  • Don’t smoke: Lower the risk for vulvar cancer
  • Apply a cold compress: Helps easing the discomfort
  • Avoid irritants: Helps preventing irritation
  • Don't douche: Helps decreasing the risk of vaginal infection
  • Use a latex condom: Helps avoiding infections spread by sexual contact
  • Wear cotton underwear: Helps preventing yeast infections

Patient Support for Treatment of Vulvar Disorders

The following actions may help Vulvar Disorders patients:
  • Learn enough about vulvar cancer: To feel comfortable making treatment decisions
  • Talk to someone about your feelings: Gives you strength for facing cancer treatment
  • Connect with other cancer survivors: Gives information how other coped with problems similar to you
  • Don't be afraid of intimacy: Discuss your feelings with your partner

Time for Treatment of Vulvar Disorders

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Vulvar Disorders to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Vulvar Disorders.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Vaginal Diseases
Vaginitis
Vulvar Cancer
Yeast Infections

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