Vulvodynia

A new study at the University of Illinois at Chicago has shown conclusively that acupuncture resolves vulvodynia, or pain in the vulva.  This type of pain is quite widespread, affecting a large number of women. The Raleigh Acupuncture vulvodynia treatment has helped hundreds of women resolve this pain naturally and safely with long lasting effect.

Pain is the most notable symptom of vulvodynia, and can be characterized as a burning, stinging, irritation or sharp pain that occurs in the vulva and entrance to the vagina. It may be constant, intermittent or happen only when the vulva is touched.

Symptoms may occur in one place or the entire vulvar area. It can occur during or after sexual activity, when tampons are inserted, or when prolonged pressure is applied to the vulva, such as during sitting, bike riding, or horseback riding.  Some cases of vulvodynia are idiopathic where no particular cause can be determined.

Raleigh Acupuncture Vulvodynia Treatment

We have been treating vulvodynia in our practice for years with great success. We hope this positive research will encourage more women to try acupuncture for this condition. In our experience, this type of pain can be resolved completely with acupuncture.

Introduction – Vulvodynia Study

The incidence of vulvodynia in American women has been reported to be between 8.3% and 16%. However, there is no consistently effective standardized treatment for vulvodynia.

Aim of the Study

To determine the feasibility and potential effects of using a standardized acupuncture protocol for the treatment of women with vulvodynia.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was vulvar pain, and sexual function was the secondary outcome. Pain was assessed by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and function was measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Methods Used in the Study

Thirty-six women with vulvodynia met inclusion criteria. The women were randomly assigned either to the acupuncture group or to the wait-list control group. The 18 subjects assigned to the acupuncture group received acupuncture two times per week for 5 weeks for a total of 10 sessions.

Vulvodynia Study Results

Vulvar pain was significantly reduced, with significant improvement in sexual functioning in those receiving acupuncture vs. those who did not. Acupuncture did not significantly increase sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, ability to orgasm or sexual satisfaction in women with vulvodynia.

Conclusion

This was the first randomized controlled pilot study to examine the use of acupuncture for the treatment of vulvodynia. The acupuncture protocol was feasible and in this small sample appeared to reduce vulvar pain and dyspareunia with an increase in overall sexual function for women with vulvodynia.

What To Expect

We use sterile, single-use, hair thin needles. You will hardly feel them. Treatment are relaxing. Many of our patients fall asleep during their session. Acupuncture treats the root cause of vulvodynia, not just the symptom. That’s why results are long lasting.

Next Steps

If you are suffering with vulva pain, pain in the vagina, or pain during sexual intercourse, call to discuss the Raleigh Acupuncture vulvodynia treatment. It is safe, natural, and has no negative side effects.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online. Or call us at 919-819-8113 and we will schedule an appointment for you.

To read about all the women’s health issues we treat click WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES WE TREAT.

For information about all the conditions we treat click ALL CONDITIONS WE TREAT.

To learn about other research studies involving acupuncture click ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH.

Source: Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. The Journal of Sexual Medicine [2015]. READ ABSTRACT HERE.