What are Vulvar Abnormalities?
The vulva is the external part of female genitalia that protects the female sexual organs and urinary opening. Problems with these tissues include chronic irritation, itching and pain, raised or pigmented lesions, recurrent infections and impact on urinary or sexual function.
Anatomy of the Vulva
The vulva consists of:
- Labia: These are folds of skin that surround the vagina which include labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips).
- Clitoris: It is a spongy tissue present at the top of the vulva where the inner lips meet.
- Urethral opening : It is the opening located just below the clitoris through which urination occurs.
- Vaginal opening: It is the opening below the urethral opening through which mensural blood passes out of the body and babies are born.
Types of Vulvar Abnormalities
The vulva is prone to several infections or disorders including:
- Yeast Infections: These are fungal infections that cause vulvar redness, itching, swelling, white clumpy discharge, and pain during urination and sex.
- Viral and bacterial infections: Infections can cause irritation and itching, abnormal discharge, odor and painful lesions. Specific treatments are required.
- Vulvitis and Dermatitis: This condition is caused by exposure of the vulva to allergens or chemicals in perfumes, soaps, and commonly absorbent hygienic products. Symptoms include itching, burning, and pain.
- Lichen Sclerosus: This condition commonly occurs in post-menopausal women. Shiny, smooth itchy areas appear on the vulva which may get very irritated from scratching and irritation. Eventually, the labia may shrink or become adherent to on another impacting urination.
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): This syndrome is caused by a decline in sex hormones during menopause leading to vaginal dryness and infections and various bladder disorders. Symptoms include itching, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, etc. Local estrogen cream can be extremely useful and in low doses does not get absorbed into the circulation.
- Vulvar Cancer: This condition can be difficult to diagnose and frequently not diagnosed until it has been present for quite a while.. Any unusual lump, darkened skin area or chronically irritated skin on the vulva should be examined by a clinician.. Smoking, advanced age, and Human Papillomavirus infection (HPV) infection are the most common causes.
Diagnosis of Vulva Abnormalities
Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms and do a pelvic examination.
The diagnostic tests or procedure include:
- Tissue or fluid cultures
- Colposcopy involves examination of the vulva with a large scope
- Biopsy of the vulva
Treatment of Vulva Abnormalities
Your treatment plan may include:
- Medications to treat bacterial, parasitic, fungus or viral infections
- Ointments and local estrogen to manage itching, redness, and inflammation
- Exercise to strengthen pelvic muscles
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer
- Surgery to correct structural abnormalities
Prevention of Vulva Abnormalities
Vulva abnormalities can be prevented by:
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals
- Managing diabetes
- Not wearing tight-fitting underwear or clothing
- Avoiding douching and very hot baths
- Changing menstrual pads or tampons frequently
- Practicing safe sex
