A guide to vulvar disorders

Escrito por: Top Doctors^®

Publicado: 24/10/2024

Editado por: Jessica Wise

The vulva is part of a delicate ecosystem that infections of fungi and bacteria can easily disrupt. If you experience any itching, burning, abnormal bleeding or discharge, and pain; or discover any bumps, blisters, changes in colour or texture, or swelling, you may have a vulvar disorder. In this article, a leading gynaecologist goes over the kinds of vulvar disorders, and how they can be treated.

The vulva is the external genitalia of the female reproductive, consisting of components such as the clitoris, the vaginal opening, the urethra, the outer folds called the labia majora, and the inner folds called the labia minora. The labia majora are fleshy and covered in hair to cushion the sensitive area, and the skin of the labia minora is thinner and has a different colour than the rest of the skin.

What are the kinds of vulvar disorders?

Some common disorders that can affect the vulva are:

Folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicle and is likely to occur on the labia majora after shaving or waxing. It manifests as small, red, and maybe painful bumps.
Contact dermatitis, which is caused by the skin becoming irritated due to contact with soaps, perfumes, and materials. This will feel like itching, rawness, and stinging around the vulva.
Lichen sclerosus, which is a disorder where the skin is itchy and painful, and looks pale, thin, and crinkled. There is no known cause, but it is thought to be a combination of autoimmune issues and genetics, and post-menopausal women are most susceptible.
Bartholin gland cysts, where the glands that excrete mucus that keeps the vagina and vulva lubricated become blocked or infected. The area can be cleaned out with warm washcloths, but sometimes will need to be professionally drained.
Yeast infection, a fungal infection that causes a rash, white discharge and itchiness. It can be alleviated with anti-fungal medication, which can be prescribed or purchased over the counter.
Vulvodynia, which is pain that feels like burning, stinging, aching or rawness, lasting for a period of three months or more.

Other conditions that can affect the vulva are eczema, sexually transmitted infections like herpes which can cause genital warts, and vulvar cancer.

How are vulvar disorders diagnosed?

A vulvar issue may be first noticed by a doctor during a checkup, by a sexual partner, or by yourself during your grooming routine or a vulvar self-exam.

A vulvar examination may consist of a physical and visual assessment of the vulva; questioning about pain, sensation, and daily routine (for example, the products you use and your hygiene habits); and a sample of discharge may be taken for testing. In some cases, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis. A pelvic exam may be conducted to check on the internal organs to see if the condition extends past the vulva.

How are vulvar disorders managed?

Without treatment, vulvar disorders like lichen sclerosus can increase the risk for vulvar cancer due to prolonged inflammation. Psychologically, they can contribute to anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and self-confidence issues.

Generally, treatment for vulvar conditions aims to ease the symptoms while healing takes place. Recovery from vulvar conditions may take weeks, months or longer.

Different vulvar disorders will have different treatments, but generally will aim to ease symptoms such as itchiness and pain with creams and ointments. Topical steroids are effective for lichen sclerosus in particular, although they might make you more susceptible to thrush. Sometimes, surgery may be required, such as in the case of cysts and vulvar cancer. Pain can also be managed with pelvic floor exercises (Kegels).

There are precautions that can be taken to avoid vulvar disorders, such as: