What is vestibulodynia?
Vestibulodynia, sometimes called burning vulva syndrome, triggers unusual and extreme vaginal pain and pressure. Watch OB/GYN specialist Lauren Streicher, MD, discuss this unpleasant condition, and how taking birth control pills could bring it on.
Transcript
Women that have vestibulodynia not only are not able to have intercourse because it's too painful, but anything that causes pressure can
be a problem. Some women can't wear tight jeans. They can't sit. They can't even insert a tampon. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Vestibulodynia is sometimes known as the burning vulva syndrome. This is a very, very unpleasant condition
in which the opening to the vagina is extremely painful. It's almost like having not only too many nerve endings but nerve endings that are too sensitive and not
in a good way. Women describe the sensation as burning, tearing, itching, even sometimes a ripping sensation.
Women that have vestibulodynia not only are not able to have intercourse because it's too painful, but anything that causes pressure can be a problem.
Some women can't wear tight jeans. They can't sit. They can't even insert a tampon. Most women that take birth control pills
have no problem at all. But there are a small group of women that when they take a birth control pill, it may actually cause vestibulodynia.
And the reason is testosterone. Every woman who uses birth control pills will have a lower level of testosterone.
And their body is OK with that. But there are certain women, a small percentage of women that they have testosterone receptors that
are not really working quite right so that when they take the birth control pill, their testosterone levels are
even lower. And in order to have healthy vaginal tissue, you need to have adequate amounts of not only estrogen but testosterone as well.
So if you're taking a low-dose pill and you're a young woman who's suddenly having vaginal pain and the inability to have intercourse,
your pill may be the culprit. [AUDIO LOGO]
womens health
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