10 Essential Oils for Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain)

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10 Essential Oils for Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain)

10 Essential Oils for Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain):

Vulvodynia is a condition where a sufferer experiences burning, pain, and discomfort in the vulva. It can last for three months or longer and cannot be linked to a specific cause.

Approximately 17% of women are estimated to have experienced stinging or pain in the vulval area at some time during their life. The condition often occurs in women who are otherwise healthy and can affect women of all ages. It may occur independently of the menstrual period or during the menstrual period.

According to research, women who have the condition can have a normal pregnancy, and sometimes, pain levels fall during pregnancy.

Types

There are two types of vulvodynia:

  • vestibulodynia – the recurrent vulvar pain may be triggered by tampon insertion, sexual activity, wearing tight-fitting pants, gynecological exams, or sitting. It is described by pain experienced when touch or pressure is applied to the area surrounding the vaginal opening;
  • generalized vulvodynia – it refers to generalized, unprovoked vulvar pain.

Symptoms

The main symptom of this condition is persistent pain around and in the vulva. The pain is neuropathic, which means it stems from abnormal signals from the nerve fibers in the vulval area.

The pain may also be:

  • more widespread – occasionally, it can spread to the inner thighs and buttocks;
  • limited to part of the vulva, like – the opening of the vagina;
  • can be worse when sitting;
  • constantly in the background;
  • triggered by touch, like – when inserting a tampon or during sex;
  • a stinging, burning, or sore sensation.

Complications

Because it can be frustrating and painful and can keep you from wanting sex, the condition can cause emotional problems. Other complications might include:

  • decreased quality of life;
  • relationship problems;
  • anxiety;
  • altered body image;
  • sexual dysfunction;
  • sleep disturbances;
  • depression.

Causes

The condition is likely caused by a variety of factors working together. Some of these factors include:

  • pelvic floor muscle spasm or weakness;
  • localized hypersensitivity to Candida;
  • genetic factors, like susceptibility to chronic widespread pain, susceptibility to chronic vestibular inflammation, or incapacity to combat vulvovaginal infection;
  • altered hormone receptor expression in the vulvar tissue;
  • abnormal response of vulvar cells to environmental factors;
  • elevated levels of inflammatory substances in the vulvar tissue;
  • increased density of the nerve fibers in the vulvar vestibule;
  • injury to or irritation of the nerves which transmit pain and other sensations from the vulva.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare professional may recommend that you have blood drawn to assess levels of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Also, cultures for bacterial and yeast infections should be performed. Furthermore, your healthcare professional will examine the vagina, vulva, and vaginal secretions to rule out an active infection or skin disorder.

Treatment

The following medications have been found to be helpful in treating the condition:

  • hormone cream – this cream usually contains estrogen, and, in some cases, it may help relieve vulvodynia;
  • antiseizure and antidepressants drugs – they may help with the symptoms of the condition, but, it may take several weeks for these drugs to work;
  • local anesthetics – these drugs may be used before sexual intercourse.

Here Is A List Of 10 Essential Oils For Vulvodynia:

#1 Rose

It can relieve headache symptoms, calm the nervous system, and help the body get into a deep sleep. In addition, rose essential oil plays an important role in getting rid of muscular pains.

#2 Sweet Basil

Its antispasmodic effects help relieve muscle cramps and nerve pain. Furthermore, sweet basil essential oil is good for hormonal headaches, and overall health as well as the digestive system.

#3 Melissa

It effectively reduces the symptoms of flu and the common cold by calming a cough and relieving congestion. Also, this essential oil helps to ease the pain caused by migraines and headaches and calms the nerves in the human body.

#4 Eucalyptus

It is known for promoting emotional balance and improving one’s mood.

#5 Ginger

It has long been used in Eastern medicine for its effective adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

#6 Marjoram

Marjoram essential oil is an anti-spasmodic that helps to relieve sore muscles and nerve pain.

#7 Rosemary

It has potent analgesic (pain-killing) and anti-inflammatory properties.

#8 Peppermint

It contains menthol, which can help muscles relax and ease the pain.

#9 Roman Chamomile

This essential oil relieves anxiety and lowers stress levels. It also offers relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying benefits.

#10 Helichrysum

It offers nerve regenerating and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Home Remedies

#1 Acupuncture

Several studies established the usefulness of acupuncture for chronic pelvic pain in both females and males. Acupuncture is so effective since it stimulates specific points in the physical body in order to reduce inflammation and pain.

#2 Yoga

Yoga is an exercise practice that combines meditation, breath control, and movements to strengthen and stretch muscles.

Certain yoga poses, like cat, cobra, and fish, are able to reduce the severity of pain duration in women during their menstrual cycles, according to a 2011 study that was issued in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

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#3 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

By avoiding foods that cause inflammation in the body, you can substantially reduce the risk of developing various health issues.

Anti-inflammatory foods include:

  • blueberries;
  • blackberries;
  • lima beans;
  • bananas;
  • broccoli;
  • cauliflower;
  • celery;
  • beets;
  • ginger;
  • turmeric;
  • flax seeds;
  • chia seeds;
  • sunflower seeds;
  • navy beans;
  • sesame seeds;
  • chickpeas;
  • lentils;
  • red kidney beans;
  • avocadoes;
  • strawberries;
  • sweet potatoes;
  • oranges;
  • potatoes;
  • cabbage;
  • onion;
  • garlic;
  • radishes;
  • tomatoes;
  • mangoes;
  • papayas;
  • pineapples;
  • apples;
  • goji berries;
  • star apple;
  • walnuts;
  • almonds;
  • yautia;
  • zucchini;
  • olives;
  • oatmeal;
  • oat bran;
  • millet;
  • brown rice;
  • hazelnuts;
  • pistachios.

Foods to avoid:

  • red processed meat;
  • cheese;
  • butter;
  • cow’s milk;
  • hamburgers;
  • hot dogs;
  • coffee;
  • sports drinks;
  • energy drinks;
  • alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, whiskey, liquor, vodka);
  • French fries;
  • potato chips;
  • mayonnaise;
  • margarine;
  • onion rings;
  • fried chicken;
  • cakes;
  • doughnuts;
  • cookies.

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Prevention

Prevention methods include:

  • use a soft “donut” pillow if you require to sit for a long time;
  • use a lubricant when having sex to improve the elasticity of the tissue;
  • to reduce the calcium oxalate crystals in the urine, which might irritate vulvar tissue, eat a low-oxalate diet;
  • wear underwear which is made out of 100 percent cotton, during the day;
  • do not wear underwear during the night;
  • use cotton or organic menstrual pads;
  • apply gel packs or cool ice before engaging in a triggering activity;
  • pat the vulva dry instead of rubbing it dry;
  • dab the vulva with cool water after urinating;
  • use a mild soap or just water to clean the vulva;
  • avoid shaving pubic hair;
  • avoid douching;
  • avoid anything which could possibly irritate the vulva, like soaps, shampoos, and perfumed lotion.

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References

https://medicine.umich.edu/sites/default/files/content/downloads/Curren
https://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2017/05/25/bjgpopen17X100905
http://obgyn.ucla.edu/vulvodynia