What causes tenderness in the vulva?

Women often experience tenderness in the vulva during daily life. Vulvar tenderness can cause significant embarrassment and make it difficult for many women to carry out normal work and daily activities. What causes vulvar tenderness?

What Causes Vulvar Tenderness?

Vulvar tenderness may be caused by inflammation. Tenderness in the vulva is often due to vulvar Crohn's disease. The characteristic lesion of vulvar Crohn’s disease is non-caseating granulomas that infiltrate subcutaneous tissues and extend into subcutaneous fat. These lesions manifest as tissue hyperplasia, enlargement, and ulceration. The granulomas are primarily composed of epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells accompanied by lymphocytic infiltration, with structures similar to granulomatous perivasculitis.

For those suffering from vulvar tenderness, local heat therapy and cleansing followed by anti-inflammatory treatment may help. If pain is caused by an infected cyst or Bartholin's gland cyst, incision and drainage are required. When tenderness results from excessive pelvic floor muscle spasms, electromyotherapy or consistent Kegel exercises—rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles—can effectively relieve localized pain.

If you have vulvar tenderness, avoid spicy, irritating foods and seafood during treatment. Avoid staying up late, drink plenty of water, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and maintain regular daily aerobic exercise to boost your immune system. Additionally, sexual activity should be avoided during treatment. We hope this information helps. Wishing you good health and a happy life!