Most women have had vaginal infections or vulvar irritation that have gotten better with treatment. Sometimes, though, symptoms can persist or come back even after many treatments.
At UPMC, we care for women who have chronic and complex vulvovaginal conditions.
What Vulvar and Vaginal Conditions Do You Treat?
We treat vulvar (external) and vaginal (conditions) of varying complexity:
- Chronic or frequent bacterial vaginosis.
- Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.
- Frequent yeast infections.
- Precancerous conditions of the vulva or vagina.
- Rare or uncommon infections.
- Trichomonas.
- Vaginal itching, soreness, or discharge not caused by an infection.
- Vulvar skin changes such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, and other forms of dermatitis.
- Vulvar burning, pain, and lesions.
- Vulvodynia.
How can I ease my symptoms?
Sensitive vulvar skin can easily become inflamed and sore.
Some things you can do to care for yourself include:
- Avoid washes, wipes, douches, or feminine hygiene sprays.
- Cleanse the vulva gently. Use soap without fragrance or additives, such as Dove, Neutrogena, or other clear soap.
- Make sure your skin is dry before you get dressed. Either pat (don't rub) dry or use a hair dryer on a cool setting. Don't apply any medications or moisturizers until the skin is dry.
- Soak in a sitz bath or tub of lukewarm water to help remove irritants.
- Try a bland moisturizing cream to help keep the vulvar tissue moist. Cetaphil, petroleum jelly, and Eucerin cream can be soothing. Avoid lotions, gels, and products with additives such as enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids.
- Wash underwear with a detergent that doesn't have fragrance.
What Vulvar and Vaginal Health Services and Treatments Do You Offer?
The many services we offer include:
- Corrective surgery for vulvar diseases including vestibulectomy and lesion removal.
- Medical management of vulvar conditions and vaginal infections.
- Opportunities to participate in innovative research trials geared to better service women with vaginal infections or vulvar conditions.
- Specialized vulvar testing.
- Virtual care services.
- Working with pelvic floor physical therapists and dilator therapy for women with vaginal scarring.
What Should I Expect at My Vulvar/Vaginal Health Appointment?
Before
One week before your appointment, please don't use:
- Vaginal creams.
- Vaginal suppositories.
- Vaginal washes or douches.
This will help us complete a proper evaluation.
Also, please send us or bring to your first appointment:
- A list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter and other non-prescribed drugs.
- Any records of treatments, tests, or biopsies you've had.
During
On your first visit, we'll:
- Listen to your story.
- Order any needed tests such as a study of vaginal discharge, cultures, biopsies, or other special testing.
- Review records of prior treatments.
- Take a focused exam.
Diagnosing your concerns may take more than one visit.
We'll work with you on a tailored treatment plan and adjust as needed based on your responses.
Some of the treatments we use include:
- Ointments or creams.
- Oral drugs.
- Pelvic floor muscle physical therapy.
- Specially compounded ointments.
- Surgery.
