Introduction

In this section of the website, we look at the different kinds of treatments and therapies used to treat vulval pain. You will need to be open-minded with regard to treatments. When planning your treatments it is best to focus on five different areas:

  1. Using medical treatments the best you can, e.g. drugs such as nortriptyline and gabapentin, and anaesthetic gels.
  2. Physical therapy, e.g. pelvic floor muscle training and desensitisation.
  3. Sexual therapy, including psychosexual therapy, e.g. overcoming vaginismus (vaginal muscle tightening during penetration).
  4. Stress management and psychological therapies.
  5. Holistic treatments, e.g. acupuncture, exercise and diet.

Some of these areas may be better developed than others and as so many vulval symptoms can be self-managed it is up to you to design yourself a package of treatment! See Getting help from health professionals.

Please also remember that nothing on this site is meant to qualify as a medical diagnosis. You should consult your doctor or other medical practitioner for a diagnosis and further information. We do not encourage you to self-diagnose your symptoms and would encourage you to work with your doctor (GP or specialist) to find the best treatment for you. Before you take advice from the VPS it is best that your condition is diagnosed by a doctor familiar with vulval pain.

Treatments

Page last updated on 27 July 2021