answers

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> 1. What is the difference in VV and the Vulvobulitis (however you spell > it)

Have seen at least half a doz. drs. None have a clue what to do; > just kept

throwing more steroids at me; which made me worse; so I > stopped that.

There are two conditions that are frequently discussed on this list.

One is vulvodynia and one is vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (vvs). The

difference is great, although even " experts " use the terms

interchangeably. I feel that it's critical that we use the terms

appropriately and demand that medical professionals do the same to

lessen the confusion surrounding these conditions.

VULVODYNIA is defined as chronic vulvar discomfort. It's symptoms are

sensations of burning, stinging, irritation or rawness.

VULVAR VESTIBULITIS SYNDROME is the term which is applied to women who

suffer with the following group of symptoms: 1) severe pain on

vestibular touch or attempted vaginal entry, 2) tenderness to pressure

localized within the vulvar vestibule and 3) physical findings confined

to vestibular erythema (redness) of varying degrees. VVS is diagnosed

by touching the vestibular area of the vagina with a moist,

cotton-tipped applicator (q-tip). A woman with VVS will have severe

pain with this test. A woman with vulvodynia only will not. By the

way, the vestibule is the opening of the vagina.

Although a lot of doctors will treat vulvar pain patients with steroids,

most research articles coming out now are saying that this is a risky

practice. Steorids can cause a secondary dermatitis which can be hard

to differentiate from the original problem. The face and genital area

are especially susceptible to periorificial dermatitis, an inflammatory

reaction which causes redness and burning when the use of a steroid is

terminated. This begins a cycle of the patient treating the redness &

burning with the same treatment that caused it.

Steroid use can also lead to a thinning of the skin and vulvar atrophy.

> 2. Is there anything any of you have tried, besides the AVEENO SOAKS, > HAVE

ALSO TRIED EPSOM SALT, which both help for short time.

There is a lot of things that you can try besides the treatments you

listed. Check out

http://www.angelfire.com/md/vulvardisorders/coping.html for a list of

ideas.

> 5. Are any of you on the Low Oxalate diet; from what I read, doesn't > help

much if any.

The low oxalate diet and theory is very controversial. A lot of women

try it. Some women swear by it, others say it wasn't helpful. The

truth is that there has been no well-controlled research studies about

the oxalate theory. The individual who totes it, Dr. 's, first

published a case report about his theory almost 10 years ago. In ten

years, he has failed to come up with a medical research study that

proves his theory. Rather, he uses patient's testimonials as his

" proof " . However, there is no scientific validity to this. Still, it

is a non-invasive treatment and probably worth trying if you can handle

the dietary restrictions. For more information, check out

http://www.angelfire.com/md/vulvardisorders/treatment.html

> 6. Does Anxiety make you worse?

Many women report that anxiety and stress do cause a worsening of

symptoms. Unfortunately, women with VVS or vulvodynia are often

depressed and anxious because of their pain and frustration at the

chronic nature of this condition. Rather then trying drugs to deal with

the anxiety and stress of vulvodynia, consider trying counseling, yoga,

meditation, diaphragmatic breathing or other non-medicinal therapies.

Good luck to you and everyone!

Warmly,

Heidi

List Manager

http://www.angelfire.com/md/vulvardisorders